Press release
Dutch retail giant Albert Heijn debuts sustainable shrimp from an innovative value chain collaboration
Albert Heijn is setting a new standard for sustainable seafood in the Netherlands. They are the first to introduce farmed shrimp that are raised with significantly higher welfare standards and have a low marine footprint, a culmination of several years of collaboration between multiple supply chain partners.
Netherlands, September 2nd 2024. Albert Heijn, a leading Dutch retail chain, has started selling sustainably farmed shrimp supplied by a groundbreaking value chain consortium. This consortium includes shrimp importer Klaas Puul, feed manufacturer Skretting, innovative feed ingredient providers Veramaris and Protix, and Cofimar, an Ecuador-based farm.
The consortium has successfully developed innovative shrimp feed, crafted by Skretting Ecuador for Cofimar. The feed incorporates alternative ingredients such as Veramaris algal oil, a rich source of essential Omega-3 EPA & DHA, and Protix insect meal, significantly reducing the marine footprint of the feed formulation. Moreover, these shrimp are ASC-certified and raised in accordance with stringent welfare practices, ensuring both environmental and social responsibility throughout the farming process.
Shoppers in the Netherlands can find these sustainable shrimp products on Albert Heijn's shelves, a testament to the supermarket's commitment to animal welfare, eco-friendly feed, and the reduced marine footprint of farmed seafood.
Emiel Beekwilders, Quality Manager for Meat, Seafood, and Cheese at Albert Heijn, emphasized the benefits of such partnerships: "Collaborating with Veramaris, Skretting, Klaas Puul, Cofimar and Protix not only advances sustainable aquaculture but also delivers healthier and more sustainable choices to our customers."
As the consortium celebrates this significant achievement, it is also looking to the future by actively seeking partnerships with other retailers to widen the availability of sustainable shrimp and expand these sustainable practices across the industry.
About Skretting
Skretting is a global leader in providing innovative and sustainable nutritional solutions and services for the aquaculture industry. Skretting has production facilities in 18 countries on five continents, and manufactures and delivers high quality feeds from hatching to harvest for more than 60 species. The total annual production volume of feed is more than 3 million tonnes. The head office is located in Stavanger, Norway. Skretting is the aquaculture division of Nutreco, a world leader in animal nutrition. Our purpose is Feeding the Future.
About Protix
Protix is the leading company in insect ingredients for healthy and sustainable pet food, aqua culture, livestock feed and organic fertiliser. The company is on a mission to create low-footprint ingredients that solve major issues in the current food system. Protix contributes to a circular food chain by using waste from the food industry as feed for insects. In turn, the insects are processed into valuable nutrients such as proteins and lipids. Protix’s customers use these proteins and lipids as high-quality ingredients for animal feed and pet food. Moreover, residual streams from the insects are used as organic fertiliser. This way, insects close the loop and bring the food system back in balance with nature. Since its foundation in 2009, Protix has developed state-of-the-art, scalable technology, enabling the efficient use of resources and supply chain optimisation, including the reduction and recycling of residues and waste. Protix has been producing insect ingredients at its fully ramped-up industrial scale plant in The Netherlands since 2019. The company takes a measured approach to growth, resulting in profitable and cost-effective operations. Emphasising the power of partnerships, Protix actively collaborates with forward-thinking entities to unlock the full potential of insect ingredients worldwide.
Follow us on Social Media
About Veramaris
Veramaris is committed to supporting the growth of aquaculture by offering the world's richest source of Omega-3 EPA & DHA through its ASC-MSC-certified algal oil for fish and shrimp feed. By harnessing nature’s original source of Omega-3, Veramaris helps to ensure the nutritional quality of aquaculture feed, for better animal health and performance, and less waste. This helps to meet the growing demand for more nutritious and higher-quality seafood without increasing the pressure on fisheries. From our headquarters in Delft, Netherlands to our advanced production facility in Blair, Nebraska, we collaborate with value chain partners to support the seafood industry in both creating and capturing value through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
Legal Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Veramaris doesn’t assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.