The Co-op has announced a new plan to transition 100% of its standard own brand fresh and frozen farmed seafood range to Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification by 2027, strengthening its commitment to responsible sourcing.
ASC is a globally recognised standard for responsible aquaculture, ensuring transparency and traceability across the supply chain and promoting farming that respects fish welfare, the environment and the communities around farms.
Co-op’s own brand fresh seabass is the first product to carry the ASC logo and is now in-stores, whilst the remaining 18 lines, including fresh smoked salmon and whole prawns, will be completed over the next 15 months, it says.
Sam Darley, fisheries and agriculture compliance manager at Co-op, said: “Offering high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood on our shelves is at the heart of our commitment as a responsible retailer, and moving 100% of our farmed fish to ASC by 2027 reflects the rigorous standards we have upheld since 2008.”
Lief Hendrikz, market Development manager for the UK and Ireland, speaking on behalf of the UK market development team, added: “We welcome Co-op’s commitment and congratulate them on their leadership in responsible sourcing.
“It’s great news for shoppers who want to choose change and support responsible aquaculture. Retailers play a vital role in driving positive progress, and Co-op’s move will help make responsibly farmed seafood more widely available across the UK.”
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