July 1, 2019

CP Vietnam targets 100% certified fishmeal by 2022
 

CP Vietnam Corporation (CPV), an investment arm of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), announced that both by-catch and by-product fishmeal used in the company's operation will be certified based on the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation Responsible Supply (IFFO RS) or IFFO RS Improver Programme (IFFO RS IP) by 2022.

The move will assure consumers across the world that the company's products are made from responsible and slavery-free sources.

Dr. Sujint Thammasart, chief operating officer of CP Foods' aquaculture business, said that 100% of by-product fishmeal supplies to CPV's aquaculture business is now certified based on IFFO RS. Some of the fishmeal from Vietnam is also shipped to Thailand.

For by-catch fishmeal, CP Foods and CPV are currently participating in pilot IFFO RS IP programmes to develop a credible criteria for multi-species fisheries in Thailand and Vietnam.

Furthermore, CPV is engaging with local fishmeal producers to encourage them to join the IFFO RS IP certification. The 'improver' programme aims to guide suppliers with high potential of applying IFFO RS standards supporting sustainable practices.

CPV has encouraged its fishmeal suppliers to apply for a sustainable sourcing policy and guidelines for business partnership. The policy was launched for its partners in Bangkok, Thailand, and extended to Vietnam in late 2017.

"CPV, as CP Foods' manufacturing arms in Vietnam and a member of the Vung Tau (Vietnam) Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), has encourage our partners to apply for our sourcing policy, which is designed to improve their working process and traceability," Dr. Thammasart said.

He also noted that IFFO RS IP programme is the first step for the fishmeal factories in Vietnam towards global recognition.

"Joining the improver program from IFFO, (which) is the leading marine ingredients organisation, will enhance competitiveness of our suppliers. Their products will be globally recognised," Dr. Thammasart commented.

Besides IFFO standards, four of the company's aquaculture farms in Vietnam have received the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Certification, an international certification standard for sustainable seafood production. The remaining farms are preparing to apply for the certificate.

CPV is also working on a digital traceability system in shrimp business, which will enable the company to track its fishmeal supply back to fishing boat.

In Thailand, CP Foods reported 100% of fishmeal used in Thailand's operations are sourced from the by-products fishmeal which is traceable and sourced from IFFO RS or the IFFO RS IP certified facilities and in accordance with CP Foods' Fishmeal Sourcing Restrictions.

- CP Foods