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Afishianado™, our periodic bulletin of news and announcements, provides insights into the latest industry trends, news, market research and sustainable seafood efforts. |
ProfilesSustainable Seafood Forum, Qingdao, China
 Given that China is the largest seafood exporter with a significant number of companies processing 20,000 to 30,000 metric tons of seafood per year, the potential exists to significantly change the amount of sustainable product in the global market, according to Peter Redmayne, owner of Sea Fare Expositions, Inc. For the sustainability message to take hold, it needs to originate with major buyers of Chinese product in North America and Europe where consumers are asking for a higher-value, distinguishable product. The Chinese domestic market does not currently have enough demand for sustainable product to influence seafood companies significantly, but huge concerns for food safety (due to the melamine milk scare in China and other recent food security and traceability problems) are heightening Chinese consumer awareness. Already, the Chinese have the perception that foreign products are better because they feel quality control is more stringent overseas. Now with a growing middle class that has more disposable income, Chinese are beginning to seek products that are not just healthy, but also environmentally and socially responsible.
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The first China Sustainable Seafood Forum was held on November 2 in Qingdao, China in conjunction with the 14th annual China Fisheries & Seafood Expo. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China and Sea Fare Expositions, Inc. An invitation-only event, the forum brought together influential Chinese seafood companies and government regulators to hear from major seafood buyers, NGOs, and governments from across Asia, Europe, and North America. Major buyers discussed the global market’s move toward sustainable seafood. Producers shared their experience in initiating successful sustainable seafood programs. NGOs related their experience working with businesses on certification and corporate sustainable seafood policies. Seafood Choices Alliance played a key role in shaping the agenda and inviting speakers, and was a key sponsor along with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Trace Register, Inc., and WWF. Approximately 100 participants attended the forum, including 17 speakers. Chinese business representatives came from a wide range of provinces including Fuzhou, Guangxi, Guangzhou, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Shanghai, Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang.Visit the Seafood Choices Alliance on Twitter 
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© 2006 Seafood Choices Alliance