More than 2,500 ASC labelled products in the market

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) celebrates the market introduction of the 2,500th ASC labelled product coming from Queens in the Netherlands.

ASC labelled shrimp introduced by Queens is the first shrimp product to hit the shelves in the Netherlands, where Dutch consumers can choose from over 300 labelled products. Queens Stir Fry shrimp product is the 2,500th globally to come from an ASC certified responsibly managed farm.

ASC certified seafood is now available across 44 countries worldwide. This achievement was reached in less than three years after the first farm was certified in August 2012.

The number of ASC labelled products in the market has doubled in just over six months; and the number of farms involved in the ASC programme making it possible to supply these products has doubled in the last year.

“It is splendid to see how our partners’ efforts pay off. Due to their cooperation and diligent work there are now more than 2,500 ASC certified products available in the market offering consumers a responsible choice,” Esther Luiten, ASC’s Senior Commercial Marketing Manager said.

“We are delighted to mark this milestone with a product from Queens, which has been such a long term supporter. ASC’s growth is built on the commitment and support of the certified farms and companies in the ASC programme who offer consumers an environmentally and socially responsibly seafood choice.

“I want to thank all the companies and retailers that have included ASC labelled products in their ranges for their commitment. Through their efforts they are supporting well-managed farms and helping to meet the increasing demand for responsibly produced seafood. “

Responsibly produced shrimp

The shrimp in Queens Stir Fry natural 175g and Queens Stir Fry sweet chili 175g comes from the family-owned company OMARSA, based in Ecuador. OMARSA was the first shrimp producer to earn ASC certification. To gain ASC certification the farm took forward a number of initiatives, including mangrove restoration projects.

Sandro Coglitore, CEO of OMARSA, said: “We are very excited to start this partnership with a company such as Queens and to supply them with our ASC certified shrimp. And, we are confident this is just the beginning with some more ASC certified shrimp products to come in the near future.”

Queens showcased the first Dutch ASC certified shrimp product at the private label international trade show in Amsterdam this week.

Sustainability is a priority for Queens, which offers its customers a wide range of responsible products, including 14 ASC certified pangasius and tilapia products.

“It is important to us that we make it easy for customers, they should not have to worry about whether a product is responsible or not. It should be a given,” Harry Hoogendoorn, managing director of Queens, said. “Queens is very proud of being the first in the world to introduce ASC certified pangasius and tilapia in 2012. And, a new milestone with ASC certified shrimp is important to us. This means that 100% of our pangasius, tilapia and shrimp products are ASC certified. Queens is convinced of the importance of responsibly farmed fish and shrimp, now and in the future.”

Recognising and rewarding responsible aquaculture

The ASC certification programme rewards responsible farming activities that focus on environmental conservation and social responsibility. The ASC logo communicates good business practices, helps farmers access new markets and protects existing markets.  By connecting the consumer to the farm, the ASC logo adds value to seafood products throughout the supply chain.

ASC labelled seafood can be traced back through the supply chain to a responsibly managed farm. Chain of custody certification provides the assurance that the product was produced in compliance with ASC’s credible standards for responsible aquaculture. To gain chain of custody certification companies must adhere to strict requirements and show proof that they have traceability systems in place to ensure that no product mixing or substitutions occur.

Consumer appreciation

The ASC on-pack logo helps shoppers make an informed choice for responsibly farmed seafood. The logo reassures consumers that the fish comes from a farm that limits its impacts on the environment and local communities.

By choosing ASC certified products, consumers can enjoy seafood with a clear conscience; they know where it comes from and how it has been produced.

Consumers can actively help the aquaculture industry become more environmentally and socially responsible. By choosing products with the ASC logo they contribute to preserving healthy fish stocks, protecting vulnerable coastal zones and reducing the pressure on wild capture fisheries so that seafood can continue to feed a growing population in the future.