CP Foods, Nichirei initiate mangrove restoration project in Thailand

Charoen Pokphand Foods Nichirei Fresh have launched a biodiversity and mangrove protection project in Thailand.

Bangkok, Thailand-based CP Foods and Tokyo, Japan-based Nicherei are two of the world’s largest seafood companies. In a press release, they said they embarked on the project as part of their shared commitment to work toward attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“This collaborative effort demonstrates that two companies share a commitment to ethical and environmentally responsible business practices,” CP Foods Head of Shrimp Farm Business Winai Danvattana said. “Today's global consumers seek out products derived from an ethical production process. This offers the company and its partners' new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

The first phase of the project included the planting of 1,400 mangrove trees on coastal wetlands in the Tha Prig subdistrict of Thailand’s Trat province. Subsequent phases will include further efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, restore and safeguard biodiversity, and work toward more-sustainable shrimp production and consumption, Danvattana said.

“We are committed to leveraging a socially and environmentally responsible food supply chain in response to consumers' worldwide preference for products produced using environmentally and ethically responsible practices and procedures,” he said.

Nicherei Shrimp Group Leader Motohiro Kiuchi said its participation in the project was part of its adherence to the "circular economy" principle throughout the supply chain.

“The company prioritizes sustainable partnerships that focus on the environment, human rights, and favorable working conditions. This collaborative effort is consistent with Nichirei's sustainability policy and aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs) and to help mitigate impacts from climate change. Additionally, the company is aware that Japanese consumers are placing a greater emphasis on eco-friendly products,” Motohiro said. “This joint effort promotes sustainable seafood sourcing and restores the mangrove ecosystem and coastal natural resources, both of which are essential components of the shrimp supply chain. As the market leader in Japan, Nichirei emphasized that growing mangrove forests is our mission to ensure the sustainable growth of the shrimp business.”

Photo courtesy of CP Foods/Nicherei