Seafood Task Force expands its global reach with new Asia Pacific members
The following eight Indian businesses, including Devi Sea Foods – the largest Indian exporter of shrimp – have become the STF’s newest members;
Avanti Frozen Foods
Devi Fisheries
Devi Sea Foods
Infifresh Foods
Kader Exports
Nekkanti Sea Foods
Penver Products
Sandhya Aqua Exports
In all, 17 companies from India, Indonesia and Vietnam joined STF’s 30 existing seafood industry members at a recent STF summit in Bangkok, signaling a significant expansion in STF’s geographical reach.
The trade association marked new milestones on ethical recruitment, vessel assessment and environmental standards across global seafood supply chains. It is currently working its way through a comprehensive ten-point plan, which includes:
Increased accountability, with all members needing to demonstrate traceability
Enhanced tuna supply chain oversight through a scalable program
Improved worker hiring practices through a responsible recruitment program
A draft Environmental Code of Conduct for Aquaculture, including protecting natural habitat from conversion to shrimp farms
The draft Environmental Code of Conduct for Aquaculture is currently being piloted in 12 shrimp farms across Thailand with the objective of decreasing the use of natural resources and reducing carbon footprint.
It follows the STF’s successful introduction of a Social Code of Conduct in 2018 which has promoted a greater understanding of vessel crew welfare and aligns with international standards.
All STF members provide an annual self-declaration of their supply chain mapping, risk assessment and traceability work, which allows the STF members to share trends and identify best practices. STF members include retailers and brands such as Costco Wholesale Corporation, Mars & Co., Nestlé S.A., Smucker’s Company, and Walmart Inc., as well as major tuna and seafood producers, including FCF Co. / Bumble Bee, StarKist, Thai Union / Chicken of the Sea, and Tri Marine.
The STF will present at the Boston Seafood Expo on March 10th, 2024, where a panel of members will outline its ongoing work and future ambitions for the industry. The panel will explain the STF’s step-by-step process to restore global market confidence to trade and keep the seafood industry competitive, working collectively to bring greater transparency to the supply chain whilst reducing costs.
STF Executive Director, Martin Thurley said:
“We’re delighted to welcome eight new major global suppliers to the STF community as we expand our reach in Asia Pacific. They will add invaluable country-specific insights as well as extensive industry experience to the Task Force as we continue to make progress on worker rights, conversion-free farmed shrimp, and sustainable sourcing across both shrimp and tuna supply chains.
“Our focus is on fixing: taking concrete steps on the ground which are realistic and achievable. By leveraging supply chain partnerships and making decisions together, we are driving real impact. We help retailers, seafood and pet food brands, supply chain partners and NGOs worldwide, all working towards ensuring confidence to trade. That goal becomes increasingly achievable as our membership grows”.