The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) has earned 3-star status under the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification program, making it the first U.K.-based salmon producer to achieve such a distinction.
The company advanced to 3-star status by sourcing its feed from BAP-certified suppliers. Previously, the firm was awarded 2-star BAP status for its processing sites at Marybank and Cairndow, and all its marine sites throughout the West Coast of Scotland and Hebrides.
Administered by the Global Aquaculture Alliance, BAP is a trusted and comprehensive third-party aquaculture certification program covering the entire production chain from hatcheries and farms to processing plants. The program operates on to four “Pillars of Responsible Aquaculture,” which include food safety, social welfare, environmental health, and animal health.
SSC is looking to achieve 4-star BAP status, the highest distinction offered by the program, which signifies complete compliance across all stages of production. The journey so far has been a promising one, according to Craig Anderson, chief executive for SSC.
“To be awarded a 3-star certification within a year of our first and second [stars] recognizes the commitment and expertise of our people, and also reinforces our commitment to producing the finest quality Scottish Salmon responsibly and sustainably,” Anderson said. “Fundamental to this is the quality of our feed to ensure the healthy growth and quality of our salmon.”
“We are passionate about our Scottish provenance and are extremely proud of Lochlander Salmon, which offers our export customers a premium quality Scottish salmon they can be proud of, with full traceability and Scottish provenance guaranteed,” he added.
Mike Berthet, BAP’S market development manager for the European Union, noted that commitments like those touted by SSC serve to enhance the reputation of the aquaculture as a whole.
“Yet again, SSC proves its determination to have a seamless BAP certified operation, which enhances the reputation of aquaculture and recognizes those within SSC and their feed suppliers who are contributing to a safe and nutritious product for our growing global population,” Berthet said.
SSC announced its latest BAP advancement during Seafood Expo North America, which took place Boston, Massachusetts from 17 to 19 March. At the expo, the company showcased its Lochlander Salmon to the North American export market, a key region for SSC, “where demand for quality, traceability, and Scottish provenance continues to grow, with sales increasing six-fold in the last two years,” the company said.
BAP is compliant with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), Global Social Compliance Program (GSCP), and the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI).
