Opening of the Co-Op store at Clippers Quay , Salford.
Picture by Chris Bull/UNP
Co-op announces 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 promotes farming that respects fish welfare, the environment, and the communities around farms.
The convenience retailer’s own-brand fresh seabass is the first product to carry the ASC logo and is now in-stores, whilst the remaining 18 lines in Co-op’s standard range including fresh smoked salmon and whole prawns, will be completed over the next 15 months.
The move is part of Co-op ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, traceability, and responsible sourcing across its seafood supply chain, and builds on the retailer’s long-standing support for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild seafood and RSPCA-Assured for its premium Scottish Salmon offer.
Sam Darley, fisheries and agriculture compliance manager at Co-op, stated: “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, ensuring all seafood is sourced from well-managed farms and fisheries whilst minimising our impact on the marine environment.”
Lief Hendrikz, market development manager UK & Ireland, speaking on behalf of the UK Market Development Team, said: “We welcome Co-op’s commitment and congratulate them on their leadership in responsible sourcing. Moving to 100% ASC-certified farmed seafood is 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.”
Members and customers can find out more information about Co-op’s fish range: Responsibly sourced fish – Co-op.
