The ASC Nordic Awards ceremony in 2024 celebrated the achievements of key players in the sustainable seafood industry in the Nordic region. Cermaq was honored with the Producer of the Year award for its groundbreaking iFarm project, while Ikea received the Retailer of the Year award for its exclusive dedication to selling ASC certified salmon. Nordic Trout Sverige was recognized as the ASC Newcomer of the Year for establishing the first ASC certified farm in Sweden.
Laetitia Rosing, the regional manager of ASC Nordics, highlighted the significant growth in the Nordic market in 2024. With new producers joining the programme and existing producers expanding their participation, the region witnessed the production of an impressive 801,000 metric tonnes of ASC certified seafood. Moreover, there was a 25 percent increase in the uptake of ASC-labelled products in stores across the Nordics.
The ASC Nordic Awards not only celebrated the winners but also acknowledged the entire industry for driving change and promoting responsible seafood farming. The awards serve as a testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.
Producer of the Year
Cermaq emerged victorious in the Producer of the Year category for its innovative iFarm project. This project utilizes artificial intelligence to track individual fish in a pen, providing them with personalized care and health records. Through early detection of lice and sick fish, iFarm enhances fish welfare, reduces environmental impact, and optimizes feed usage. Kristin Hurum, director of sustainability, quality, and HR at Cermaq Norway, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing sustainability and fish welfare through innovative solutions like iFarm.
Retailer of the Year
Ikea was recognized as the Retailer of the Year for its early commitment to selling only ASC certified salmon and ensuring traceability certification for its restaurants. Karin van Oost, sustainability leader food at Ikea, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of Ikea’s dedication to sustainably sourced seafood. The award reaffirmed Ikea’s commitment to preserving oceans and promoting a healthier future for generations to come.
Newcomer of the Year
Nordic Trout Sverige claimed the title of ASC Newcomer of the Year for establishing the first ASC certified farm in Sweden. With a history dating back to the 1980s, Nordic Trout has expanded its operations across Finland, Åland, and Sweden, producing 10,000 tonnes of rainbow trout and roe annually. Jussi Kosomaa, chief business officer at Nordic Trout, viewed the award as recognition of the hard work of the staff at the Foxen fish farm in Töcksfors. Achieving ASC certification for its fish farm at Lake Foxen marked a significant milestone in Nordic Trout’s sustainability journey and commitment to providing Swedish consumers with sustainably farmed fish.
In conclusion, the ASC Nordic Awards in 2024 celebrated the achievements of industry leaders who are driving positive change in sustainable seafood production. The recognition of Cermaq, Ikea, and Nordic Trout Sverige highlights the commitment of companies in the Nordic region to responsible farming practices and environmental stewardship. These awards serve as a motivation for the industry to continue its efforts towards a more sustainable future for seafood production in the region.
