Thai Union Group has introduced a program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the shrimp supply chain. Developed in collaboration with global environmental organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Ahold Delhaize USA, the Shrimp Decarbonization initiative signifies a significant stride towards sustainable aquaculture practices.

Collaboration for Sustainability

The innovative pilot program targets the production of 1,000 metric tons of processed shrimp, focusing on both lower environmental impact and meeting the highest product quality standards. Thai Union subsidiary, Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, will oversee the importation of the shrimp, ensuring full traceability from the hatchery to the final point of shipment. This initiative aligns with Thai Union’s commitment to driving sustainability within the seafood industry, aiming for a Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)-approved 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operations and supply chain.

The primary focus of the Shrimp Decarbonization initiative revolves around on-farm investments to enhance efficiency and productivity, reduce energy usage, and increase sourcing of sustainable feed ingredients. Recognizing the pivotal role of feed and farm optimization, these factors are identified as crucial drivers for achieving both productivity gains and emissions reductions.

Scaling Sustainable Efforts

With the success of the pilot program, Thai Union plans to expand these sustainable efforts across other shrimp farms in Thailand and beyond. This scaling effort aims to introduce sustainable interventions to support the transition of farms towards more environmentally friendly practices.

Ahold Delhaize USA, one of the largest grocery retail groups in the United States, has thrown its support behind the program. Two of its banners – Food Lion and Hannaford – have committed to purchasing shrimp from the initiative. Ahold Delhaize USA operates a vast network of over 2,000 stores and 20 distribution centers across more than 20 states, playing a significant role in the retail landscape. The company’s dedication to sustainability aligns with its inclusion on Progressive Grocer’s list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America, with recognitions such as being named one of its Retailers of the Century.