First discounter in Germany introducing ASC certified shrimp

PENNY, the discount subsidiary of REWE Group, is the first German discounter to introduce ASC certified responsibly farmed shrimp.

The ASC labelled Fish & More shrimp is available in around 2,200 PENNY stores across Germany: giving  customers the opportunity to buy a shrimp product that can be traced back to a responsibly managed farm.

“By introducing ASC certified shrimp we give consumers the choice to buy responsibly farmed shrimp, thereby helping to move shrimp aquaculture towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility,” said Thorsten Brand, Category Manager, PENNY.

“PENNY recognises the importance of responsible aquaculture. We are very proud of our achievement to launch responsibly farmed shrimp to the German market together with our partner Fish & More so quickly.”

Growing demand for ASC certified seafood

The ASC certified shrimp used in the Fish & More product comes from OMARSA in Ecuador. OMARSA became the first shrimp producer to gain ASC certification in the world last year.

PENNY is steadily increasing their range of responsibly sourced seafood. This new product joins their ASC certified pangasius, which has been available since last spring.

Robust standard for responsible shrimp farming

The ASC Shrimp Standard was launched in March 2014. Through ASC certification, shrimp farms aim to measurably reduce adverse impacts on the environment and local communities.

ASC certified shrimp farms must strive to preserve wetlands and mangroves; address the transfer of viruses and reduce disease; ensure the responsible use of water and feed; and address biodiversity issues.

To date 13 shrimp farms in Ecuador and Vietnam have been certified against the ASC Shrimp Standard. Another 20 farms are awaiting the outcome of their assessments.