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Certification

Join the most recognised certification programme and benefit from trading ASC certified seafood.

Our impact

ASC creates measurable, positive change in global seafood farming.

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In addition to accessing our global network of secure and flexible supply, ASC partners benefit from marketing their ASC certified seafood.

Lidl GB wins first ASC prize as annual MSC UK Awards embrace farmed seafood

October 8, 2021

Lidl has won the inaugural ASC UK Retailer of the Year prize at the annual MSC UK Awards, recognising their commitment to responsibly sourced farmed seafood.

The annual awards run by the Marine Stewardship Council have recognised sustainable seafood for eight years, but this year’s ceremony was the first to feature an award sponsored by ASC, in recognition of the growing importance of responsibly farmed seafood to consumers in the UK.

The ceremony was streamed for the second year running from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth on October 7.

Tough competition

Lorraine Gallagher, ASC Marketing Development Manager for UK and Ireland, said: “It says a lot about the growing availability of responsibly farmed seafood in the UK that Lidl overcame a lot of tough competition to win this first of its kind award.

“Lidl’s prize is well deserved for their commitment to giving their customers a real choice of certified farmed seafood. We believe the best way to improve farming practices is by rewarding responsible farmers. We know that consumers want to use their shopping choices for good, but this is only possible with the support of retailers like Lidl giving them the option to buy certified products.

“Those consumers who want to make a difference with their purchases deserve to have a great selection to choose from when they go to the supermarket, so congratulations to Lidl for providing this and winning our first ever award.”

The awards took place at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Photo credit: National Marine Aquarium

“Something we are passionate about”

Amali Bunter, Head of Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade, from Lidl GB said: “Sourcing fish and seafood from responsible sources is something we are passionate about and we are delighted to win the inaugural ASC UK Retailer of the Year award. This award is testament to the efforts of our buying teams in driving a sustainable category, working closely with our suppliers every day.

“We are proud to have the largest range of ASC certified products in the UK market and look forward to continuing to work closely with the ASC in the years to come, delivering affordable and sustainable products for our customers when they shop in our stores.”

George Clark, MSC UK Programme Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome ASC to our annual awards this year. With farmed seafood such a core component of the UK seafood shelf, it’s an important moment to recognise the progress made in this sector. Congratulations to Lidl, the winner of this prestigious award.”

Growing UK presence

ASC is a global programme with a growing presence in the UK. As of September 2021, there are over 400 ASC labelled products available to consumers in the UK market, which is roughly double the amount of products in September 2019. The choice of locally farmed responsible seafood is also increasing for UK shoppers, with 12 ASC certified farms in the country producing salmon and mussels.

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