Adnkronos Rome, March 13 (Adnkronos) – Findus, a company active in the frozen food sector and part of the Nomad Foods Group, announces the achievement of a historic milestone: 100% of its fish products come from MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified sustainable fishing and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certified responsible aquaculture. This goal, announced in March 2017, marks not only the completion of a journey, but also the beginning of a new chapter, consolidating Findus' role as a leader in the frozen fish market, with approximately 20 thousand tons of product, equivalent to 20% of the sector, for a total value of 290 million euros.
"We are extremely satisfied with this important result, the result of a significant organizational and economic commitment. The supply of significant volumes, such as those developed by Findus, the breadth and variety of our seafood portfolio, which boasts over 20 different species, required a significant commitment aimed at involving, informing and engaging the entire supply chain, from fishing groups to fish processing, from packaging to the arrival of products on the shelves of large-scale retail trade. The protection of marine biodiversity is a standard to be pursued collectively to protect our seas and guarantee a sustainable source of nutrition for future generations - said Renato Roca, Country Manager of Findus Italia - As market leaders, we are aware of our responsibility and we are proud to have inspired the entire sector, reaching the goal set in 2017 and constantly promoting a model of shared sustainability. This is not a point of arrival, but a stage that pushes us to continue in our commitment. Producing food with less impact on the environment and protecting natural resources is our challenge: we are committed to constant and responsible progress, so that sustainability increasingly becomes a value shared by the entire sector and consumers”.
A sector, that of frozen fish, which has performed well: according to Iias, 2024 tons of frozen fish were consumed in 95.955, with a growth of 3,9% compared to 2023. Findus is the first leading company in the sector to be 100% MSC and ASC certified. As a demonstration of the concrete impact of Findus' choice on the reference market - the company points out - the total volume of MSC certified fish products in Italy has more than tripled since the company obtained MSC certification, recording a growth of 170% between 2017/2018 and 2023/2024. If we consider the frozen category in particular, the influence on the market of Findus' certification has been equally significant: in this segment, the volume of MSC certified fish products has more than doubled, with a growth of 92% in the same period.
Starting next week, all products in the Findus ranges – over 60 references – will carry the blue MSC sustainable fishing label and the green ASC responsible aquaculture label.
Sustainable and MSC certified fishing must meet the rigorous Standard of the Marine Stewardship Council, the most important organization in the world in terms of sustainable fishing, which is based on three principles: fishing must leave enough fish in the sea to allow them to reproduce, so that the activity can continue over time; it must be carried out in such a way as to minimize its impact on the ecosystem, allowing marine flora and fauna to thrive; it must be managed in such a way as to be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions, in compliance with current laws.
As for the green Asc label, it guarantees the consumer that the fish product comes from a farm certified according to the Standard of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (Asc), an independent international non-profit organization that establishes strict requirements for responsible aquaculture, encouraging fish producers to minimize their environmental and social impact. The environmental requirements include that the farm minimizes its impact on local ecosystems, that all fish feed is fully traceable and that water parameters, such as phosphorus and oxygen levels, are measured regularly to remain within the established limits. The social requirements include the protection of workers' rights and respect for local communities. Finally, the animal welfare requirements ensure that animals are treated with the utmost respect throughout their life cycle.