BAKKAFROST SCOTLAND PICKS UP PRESTIGIOUS ASC ACCREDITATION FOR MARINE SITES

Bakkafrost Scotland’s flagship product is a leading contender for a major award at the prestigious Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards (SRFDAs) next month.

The Sgeir Dughall, Glennan Bay and Gob a Bharra farms are the first to be awarded the certification and the business has also obtained ASC Chain of Custody certification for all three of its processing facilities on the west coast.

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council is the world’s leading certification scheme for farmed seafood, and the ASC label only appears on products from farms that have been independently assessed and certified as being environmentally and socially responsible.

Bakkafrost Scotland managing director, Ian Laister, said:

“This is a major achievement for our sites and teams across the country, as the ASC develops and manages the strictest standards in the industry.

“These standards include hundreds of requirements covering the potential impacts of aquaculture – including water quality, responsible sourcing of feed, disease prevention, animal welfare, the fair treatment and pay of workers and maintaining positive relationships with neighbouring communities.

“The certification is testament to the commitment of our people and it is a significant first step in our journey towards further accreditation across the business in Scotland.”

With the addition of Bakkafrost Scotland to the ASC programme, there is now a total of 54 farms certified or in initial audit stages in the UK, covering finfish and shellfish species - representing an increase of 207% since Q1, 2022.

Lorraine Gallagher, ASC market development manager UK and Ireland said:

“We are delighted that Bakkafrost Scotland has been awarded ASC certification and is joining a growing community of farms in the UK that are working towards transforming responsible seafood farming for the future."