AGRIMINGOLD becomes first in Ecuador to progress from the ASC Improver Programme to ASC certification

Shrimp producer AGRIMINGOLD S.A. has become the first to transition from the Improver Programme by ASC to full certification in Ecuador, demonstrating the power of continuous improvement to drive social and environmental change.

AGRIMINGOLD S.A. achieved ASC certification following a 16-month improvement journey that began with its participation in the ASC Improver Programme in March 2025. Following an independent audit by Bureau Veritas, the farm was awarded ASC certification on 29 July 2026.

A Successful and Meaningful Transition

AGRIMINGOLD’s journey towards ASC certification began with a focus on building knowledge, strengthening capabilities and driving continuous improvement. In early 2025, Marea Rosa, AGRIMINGOLD S.A.’s women-led premium shrimp brand, participated in Hatch Blue’s Women in Ocean Food programme in La Paz, Baja California Sur.

Sponsored by ASC, the programme supports and empowers women leaders across the aquaculture sector. Together, both programmes helped strengthen AGRIMINGOLD’s capabilities and advance its journey towards ASC certification.

This achievement demonstrates the programme’s role in helping producers strengthen their practices, address gaps and develop the systems required to achieve independent certification. The programme delivered significant environmental and social outcomes, including an 18% increase in production, greater feed-use efficiency, the protection and restoration of mangroves, job creation and increased opportunities for women in leadership roles and shrimp production.

Located in Estero Chivería in the province of El Oro, the shrimp farm has protected 126.63 hectares of existing mangrove forest and restored a further 18.12 hectares, expanding the total area of healthy coastal ecosystems to 144.75 hectares.

AGRIMINGOLD S.A. currently produces approximately 1.7 million pounds of shrimp annually across 118 hectares of production area.

Patricia Bianchi, Aquaculture Improvement Projects and Governance Manager, said: “This achievement demonstrates that the ASC Improver Programme is fulfilling its purpose: building local capacity and providing producers with a structured and credible pathway to achieve ASC certification through continuous improvement. AGRIMINGOLD’s successful transition from the Improver Programme to ASC certification in Ecuador provides tangible evidence that the programme works in practice. It highlights the value of establishing clear improvement objectives, implementing measurable changes and independently verifying progress.

We hope this achievement will encourage more producers to participate in the programme and take the next step towards responsible aquaculture.”

Annabell Palacios, CEO of AGRIMINGOLD, said: “Our journey towards ASC certification began with a commitment to learn, improve and build a more responsible future for our farm. Through the ASC Improver Programme and our participation in Hatch Blue’s Women in Ocean Food programme with Marea Rosa, our purpose-driven shrimp project, we strengthened our knowledge, leadership and operational practices, creating a solid foundation for continuous improvement.

ASC certification recognises the hard work and dedication of our entire team. It demonstrates that, with commitment and the right support, it is possible to strengthen our shrimp production while advancing environmental, social and labour responsibility.”

About the Improver Programme by ASC

The ASC Improver Programme provides a structured pathway for farms that are not yet ready for certification, helping them implement measurable improvements before undergoing an independent assessment against the ASC Standard.

AGRIMINGOLD’s achievement demonstrates how the programme can help producers build capacity, strengthen their performance and ultimately gain access to markets seeking independently certified seafood.