Update on STF progress in Thailand - Last 6 Months
We convened a crucial meeting with leading players across Thailand's shrimp industry supply chain earlier this year. Held in Bangkok, the gathering analysed findings from last October's STF Shrimp Supply Chain Summit to collaboratively update our roadmap for implementing socially sustainable and ethical practices.
In attendance were representatives from major suppliers including Asian Sea Corporation, Asian Feed Mill, CPF, Grobest, Marine Gold Products, Seafresh, Thai Royal Frozen Food, Thai Union Group and their respective feed mills. Discussions cantered on leveraging the collective's influence to enhance accountability and uphold robust standards throughout Thai seafood operations.
The meeting kicked off with a comprehensive recap of the recent supply chain assessments, highlighting key issues requiring urgent, unified action. Our Leadership Team outlined the remediation programmes being developed based on these findings, demonstrating the industry's shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Success stories were shared on putting agreed remediation plans into motion - proof that collaboration pays dividends. As emphasised, maintaining this cross-supply-chain partnership is pivotal for collectively tackling systemic challenges moving forward.
A key development unveiled at the meeting was the rollout of our new common data platform for members. Designed to streamline assessment data management, the platform empowers supply chain stakeholders to input their operational data alongside STF assessments. This centralised, transparent approach expedites analysis and promotes data-driven decision-making.
Attendees received a first-hand walkthrough of the platform's user interface, analytics capabilities, and potential for accelerating positive change through smarter business practices. Widespread adoption will further unite the Thai industry on a synchronised path towards greater traceability and accountability.
Celebrating another milestone, the meeting spotlighted the successful completion of our second Auditor Training Program in Bangkok. Participants from audit firms across Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia underwent intensive curricula covering STF codes, best practices and effective assessment methodologies.
Industry experts in social auditing and supply chain traceability led the comprehensive sessions, providing real-world guidance for strengthening operations. Building this cohort of qualified, locally based auditors is crucial for maintaining our rigorous oversight standards as it expands activities across Southeast Asia.
From establishing ethical recruitment practices and environmental codes of conduct, to deploying cutting-edge traceability tech - tangible accomplishments validate our multi-stakeholder model.
As this meeting demonstrated, we will continue to foster an ecosystem of shared accountability and precompetitive collaboration amongst even direct competitors. Ensuring future seafood is responsibly sourced from vessel to plate remains the collective goal uniting all members. Continued engagement with regional producers will be vital for replicating these ethical sourcing wins across other major Asian supply chains.