Brakes backs sustainable seafood

BRAKES Group has become the first foodservice supplier to introduce Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified prawns in the UK, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to FishnewsEU.

Launched at the end of March, the prawns are sourced from the family-run Vietnamese shrimp farm, Quoc Viet, which is the first Asian shrimp farm to gain ASC certification.

Responsible sourcing is a key element of Brakes strategy. Andrew Crawford, Fish & Seafood Category Manager for Brakes, explains how the foodservice provider is looking to grow its range of ASC certified products, starting with the new warm water prawns.

“We want to be seen as market leaders in the provision of sustainably and responsibly sourced fish and seafood, driving the foodservice market in the right direction and the introduction of ASC certified products into our product range will help us to do this,” Crawford said. “We are proud to offer the biggest range of sustainable fish and seafood in the UK and we also work closely with our customers to help them meet their own commitments. Ultimately, sourcing sustainably and responsibly is the right thing to do.”

In May 2015 Brakes became the first national wholesale foodservice supplier to sign the Sustainable Fish City pledge, committing to source fish and seafood only from demonstrably sustainable and responsible sources for its own brand range by May 2016.

As a further extension of their commitment to protect the marine environment, Brakes have also added three lines of ASC certified pangasius to their product offerings this month.

“We are gradually tailoring our range to fulfil our commitment and the new ASC certified shrimp and pangasius will help in this process. We have a long history of sustainable fish and seafood initiatives and accomplishments, and looking at our farmed range is the next logical step,” continued Crawford.

“It’s a significant moment to have the first ASC certified prawn in UK foodservice now available. The commitment by Brakes to offer not only shrimp, but also ASC certified Basa, is a strong example that responsible aquaculture is good for business,” said Esther Luiten, Senior Commercial Marketing Manager for ASC.

“By choosing ASC certified species, Brakes is supporting farms that protect the environment while offering their customers a responsible choice.”