Calimax commits to BAP-, BSP-certified sourcing; GSA opens Seafood Processing Standard Issue 6.0 for public comment
SeafoodSource is closely following the sustainable seafood movement by compiling a regular round-up of sector updates pertaining to eco-certifications.
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“We are excited to present SPS 6.0 to our global partners and stakeholders. Issue 6.0 incorporates innovative features that offer customized third-party certification audits to the individual scope of both aquaculture and wild-caught seafood processing plants,” Program Integrity Vice President Chris Weeks said in a press release. “When combined with the Enhanced Social Standard, SPS 6.0 embodies a robust supply chain assurance program designed for alignment to internationally recognized global food safety and social benchmark initiatives.”
The new design will offer the same assurance and provide an improved audit process for stakeholders, GSA said. It was created to enhance audit efficiency for plants under assessment, to improve applicability for wild-capture seafood processors, and to deliver clearer language with corresponding interpretation guidance.
The public comment period is open through 27 August.
- GSA also announced on 29 June its Vanguard Enhanced Social Standard (ESS) Issue 1.0 has opened for public comment through 27 August. The ESS is a deep social audit for seafood-processing facilities conducted independently by the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA).
“A facility is eligible to be assessed and certified to the ESS during, or after, application for the Seafood Processing Standard (SPS) Issue 6.0,” GSA wrote in a release.
- On 19 June, GSA announced Calimax has pledged to source BAP and BSP seafood. Founded in 1977 in Ibiza, Spain, Calimax is a seafood vendor distributing more than 200 products including shrimp, mussels, lobster, oysters, cod, salmon, and tuna.
“Calimax has been growing and evolving throughout the years, responding to consumer and market demand … but there are things that do not change over time: our commitment to give the best service and deliver the best of the sea,” Calimax Founder Ramon Muñoz said in a release. “We wanted to take our commitments one step further at Calimax by endorsing GSA’s certification programs, which cover the entire production process from hatchery or vessel to the final consumer. By sourcing products from BAP- and BSP-certified producers, we’re helping promote seafood that’s not only high-quality but also environmentally and socially responsible.”
The company has committed to working with GSA to ensure its farmed and wild-caught seafood are sourced from BAP- and BSP-certified producers.
“We are excited about this new partnership and commend Calimax for supporting seafood that meets GSA’s strict standards relative to the environment, the workers, and the animals themselves,” GSA Market Development Assistant Irene Padovano, said in a release. “With the addition of Calimax to the expanding group of market endorsers in Spain, we are also seeing the distribution sector becoming more active in the responsible seafood space.”
- The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) partnered with Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) to host the 2023 ASC Shrimp Summit from 12 to 14 June in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The event showcased ASC-certified Ecuadorian shrimp producers for key buyers from major international retailers.
“This trip helped me become aware of the importance of the shrimp industry in Ecuador… Particularly when it comes to the processes required to ensure responsible aquaculture, notably in terms of husbandry practices, marine ecosystems protection, and the ever-present social dimension of aquaculture,” Groupe Casino Buyer Hayette Djelloui said in a press release.
“My experience visiting processing plants in Ecuador was great. We got to see a lot of further processing and value-added capabilities,” Albertsons Seafood Director Anthony Snow said.
- ASC and Laguna Blanca Salmon partnered on a seafood-themed event at the 31st Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, which took place in Washington D.C., U.S.A. from 24 to 25 June, providing more than 200,000 samples of ASC-certified salmon to attendees.
“This month marks an important halfway point for ASC’s major North American marketing campaign,” ASC Marketing Manager Athena Davis said. “As we reflect on the first half of our second year going deep into key locations across the nation, building awareness of certified seafood and the meaning behind ASC’s sea green label, D.C. has been especially receptive to our mission. That’s why we keep coming back to collaborate with local businesses dedicated to moving the seafood industry toward greater environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”
The event was considered the nation’s largest-ever single sampling event of ASC-certified seafood, the company said in a release. It was a carbon-neutral event to celebrate sustainability which spanned across six city blocks in Washington D.C.’s Pennsylvania Avenue district. More than 100 brands and exhibitors were in attendance.
“The 31st National Capital BBQ Battle was a true testament to teamwork and the fact that we can have a greater impact when we come together,” Davis said. “ASC had the pleasure to work alongside a number of committed sustainability partners, including the event sponsor Giant Food who, along with Ahold Delhaize, uses ASC’s program to help guide their sustainable seafood sourcing policies. It was incredible to be the only seafood presenters among a sea of vendors and to have our certified salmon delivered by our partners at D.C.’s own Congressional Seafood. We wanted to show that salmon, raised the right way, can hold its own against even the best BBQ dishes. Laguna Blanca’s Patagonian salmon did not disappoint, proving to guests that farmed seafood offers a tasty, healthy, and planet-friendly option when you shop with our sea green label in mind.”
-On 26 June, GSSI announced the start of a 30-day consultation period on the benchmarking of the Marine Eco-Label Japan (MEL-Japan) Aquaculture Management Standard Version 2.0 and Fisheries Management Standard Version 2.0 to the GSSI Global Benchmark Version 2.0.
MEL-Japan was benchmarked under version 1.0 of GSSI's benchmarking formula in 2019.
- On 30 June, GSSI announced the recognition of the Certified Seafood Collaborative's Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) program under version 2.0 of the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool. It is the first certification scheme to be recognized under the new version of its benchmarking tool.
The RFM program applied for GSSI recognition on 29 August, 2022.
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