ASC highlights industry momentum behind new label and farm standard at Seafood Expo Global 2026. Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) team enjoyed another strong and influential presence at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, advancing conversations on global aquaculture transformation with partners across the supply chain and showcasing growing industry uptake of its new label and Farm Standard.
At the busy team booth, ASC showcased its newly launched label, which was prominently featured by partners across multiple countries and product categories—reinforcing growing industry alignment around credible, transparent, and trusted seafood certification.
Building on the landmark certification of the first farm certified to the Farm Standard, ASC hosted a side event with the theme “Proving Change from Source to Shelf: Reducing Risk, Building Trust and Driving Demand in a Changing World”. The session explored how the ASC Feed and Farm Standards strengthen the management of supply chain risks and how the new label empowers consumers with clear and verifiable information they can trust.
A key highlight was the contribution from Gontran de Ceballos, Sales Manager at Lubimar—the first farm certified under the ASC Farm Standard—who shared insights into what it means to achieve this pioneering certification and lead the way for the industry. Martyn Cole, Head of Membership & Credibility at ISEAL Alliance, also shared why transparency and verification are essential to building trust and credibility in certification.
ASC experts also actively shaped the agenda at Seafood Expo Global by contributing to key conference discussions on responsible seafood, including worker engagement, ESG-driven innovation, and integrated approaches to supply chain sustainability.
ASC also celebrated an industry milestone in Barcelona with the announcement that Bakkafrost Scotland had achieved 100% ASC certification across all its Scottish sites, following full certification of its Faroese operations. ASC representatives congratulated the company on this achievement, which reflects a strong commitment to robust environmental and social standards, as well as full traceability and continuous improvement. This accomplishment sets a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in aquaculture.
During the event, CEO Chris Ninnes was once again named in the Intrafish Power 100 of most influential people in the seafood industry. Marking a remarkable upward trajectory, Chris has climbed from #90 in 2024 to #30 in 2025 and now to #24 in 2026—reflecting both his growing influence and ASC’s expanding role in shaping the global agenda for seafood.
From meaningful industry dialogue to landmark certifications and global recognition, ASC presence at Seafood Expo Global 2026 underscored a clear message: the transformation of aquaculture sector is accelerating, and ASC continues to lead the way from source to shelf.
The team is already planning for next year’s event in Barcelona.
Image: ASC