Two Reports Highlight Continued Growth of Certified Seafood in The Netherlands

Two reports released this week have highlighted the continued growth of certified seafood in The Netherlands.

Analysis by ASC and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) shows that Dutch supermarkets have further increased their range of responsible seafood. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of fresh, frozen and canned seafood is certified by either ASC or the MSC, up from 70% last year.

The figures have been revealed by the latest State of the Market analysis by ASC and the MSC. The two organisations, together with the largest supermarkets and seafood brands, have investigated Dutch seafood aisles for certified products for a second year. The new report covers the year 2018 and two additional product categories were added to this year’s report: pet food and convenience.

The report found that the share of frozen seafood that is MSC and ASC certified is 94% (up from 91% last year), while the figure for fresh produce is 82% (the same as last year). There was an increase in the portion of frozen shrimp that is ASC or MSC certified – 86%, up from 70% in the previous year. In addition, 97% of frozen salmon is either ASC or MSC certified (up from 85% last year).

These results are echoed by the separate annual analysis of certification in Dutch supermarkets by research agency IRI. Their research found that €229 million was spent on ASC certified seafood in 2018 – an increase of €28 million on the previous year. The total value of certified food purchased by Dutch shoppers has doubled from just under €1.9 billion in 2014 to more than €4.1 billion in 2018 – with seafood leading the way. IRI found that fish was the category with the largest share of certified products, at 70%.

“These results show that Dutch shoppers have more choice than ever when it comes to responsibly sourced seafood, and it’s especially promising to see so many options when it comes to popular species like shrimp and salmon,” said Maud van den Haspel, ASC Commercial Manager for The Netherlands. “ASC will continue to work with suppliers and retailers to ensure that certified options keep expanding for consumers, helping to reward responsible producers and minimise the social and environmental impacts of the seafood we love.”