ASC Products Well Represented at Asia’s Largest Food Innovation Exhibition

ASC certified products were well represented as Asia’s largest food innovation exhibition got underway this week in Shanghai.

SIAL China began on 14 May at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, and features thousands of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and food trends from all over the world.

In the seafood area, visitors to an ASC-supported event looking for responsible seafood were treated to a number of samples from four suppliers, freshly prepared by a celebrity chef.

“Three out of the four suppliers at our event were domestic producers, demonstrating a growing commitment to ASC certified responsible seafood from Chinese farms. That’s great news for Chinese consumers who want to buy seafood that is both responsible and local,” said Esther Luiten, ASC Commercial Director. “China is the world’s largest aquaculture producer and consumer, which is why it is so important to work with producers, retailers and consumers here to encourage more responsible aquaculture and minimise social and environmental impacts.”

ASC supported the popular Seafood Fest event, hosted by China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA) and SIAL China. Over a hundred guests took part in discussions about the vision and future of responsible seafood in China, while e celebrity chef Jin Liang prepared samples from four different suppliers.

The seafood for the event was supplied by Shenzen Pengheng Marine Products Company, Dalian Haiyangdao Fisheries Group, Liaoning Ande Food Co., and Shanghai Fiord Food Co.

Shenzen Pengcheng showcased their white shrimp – the first in China to achieve certification for that species. Another first at the exhibition was the Yesso Scallop of Dalian Haiyangdao, the first product of this species in the world to be ASC certified. The scallops are farmed in a natural marine ranch near a remote island in the Yellow Sea. Liaoning Ande provided manila clams, the first in East Asia to be ASC certified and produced around 20 kilometers from the mainland and depths of 15-20 metres. Liaoning Ande will also be supplying their products to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Shanghai Fiord provided Norwegian salmon, but is currently working hard towards supplying China with domestically produced ASC certified salmon.

The ASC presence is on the rise in China, with ten certified farms now producing over 60,000 tons of ASC certified products every year. And in April Wal-Mart China partnered with ASC for the launch of its new fresh meat and seafood traceability strategy at an event in Shenzen.