THAILAND – Thai Union, a leading seafood company based in Thailand, has made history by becoming the first company in Asia to receive the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) Feed Standard Certification. 

The certification was awarded to Thai Union’s Mahachai Plant in Thailand, which produces feed for various seafood animals, marking a significant achievement in the region’s aquaculture sector.

ASC revealed that Thai Union’s Mahachai Plant, situated in Thailand’s Samut Sakhon province, underwent a rigorous audit process over several months before being granted the certification. 

The plant produces feed for a variety of aquatic species including seabass, seabream, meagre, tilapia, and shrimp.

Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, expressed his delight at Thai Union’s certification, emphasizing its significance in promoting environmentally and socially responsible feed production. 

He highlighted that the Thai Union’s certification is not only a milestone for ASC’s Feed Standard but also a crucial step in facilitating more responsible shrimp farming practices in Asia, a region known for its prominence in shrimp farming.

Peerasak Boonmechote, CEO of Thai Union Feedmill, underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible operations. 

He stated that obtaining the ASC Feed Standard Certification aligns with Thai Union Group’s global sustainability strategy, SeaChange 2030, further solidifying the company’s dedication to leading the industry toward a sustainable future.

ASC-certified farms have been given until October 2025 to transition to sourcing compliant feed produced under the ASC Feed Standard. 

Thai Union stands to benefit from ASC’s recent incentive, which exempts certified feed mills from paying license fees on compliant feed production for the current calendar year.

This achievement marks another successful partnership between ASC and the Thai Union following their collaboration on an Aquaculture Improvement Project for shrimp announced in 2023. 

Thai Union has been actively implementing Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIPs) in partnership with ASC, aiming to enhance the sustainability and responsible practices within the aquaculture industry.

Earlier this year, ASC celebrated the first two pioneers to achieve certification against the requirements outlined in ASC’s Feed Standard: Mexican-based feed producer Vimifos and the Chilean branch of global operation Skretting. 

Both Vimifos and Skretting undertook a rigorous audit process over several months for their sites. The conclusion of the audits has established that their processes and performances meet the Feed Standard’s robust environmental and social requirements. 

This is not only a milestone for Vimifos, Skretting, and ASC, but pivotal for the whole industry to strengthen the credibility of fed seafood farming now and into the future. Our Feed Standard sets a higher benchmark for feed production,” Chris Ninnes said.

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