Rupert Howes, CEO of the MSC, told attendees of its annual update at Seafood Expo Global in Brussels, Belgium, that the future of the seas is garnering attention at the highest levels.
“It’s so clear that the oceans and seafood sustainability is going up everyone’s agenda, and increasingly the political agenda,” he said, as the 13.1 percent price premium on MSC-labeled products will attest.
There are now 15,503 consumer-facing products in 100 countries bearing the MSC label, worth about $4.5 billion and representing 510,000 metric tons of product, or 10.5 percent of global fishery production.
Nowhere is the price premium for MSC-labeled product more noticeable than in Europe. Nicolas Guichoux, global commercial director for MSC, called Germany a “powerhouse” ambassador for the brand, as more than 5,700 products are sold in German retail outlets and restaurants. In fact, according to its own research, Germany was the only country in 2012 to have more than 50 percent of seafood consumers recognizing the label, well above the global average.
The Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, France and Austria are the other leading markets for the MSC.
Guichoux also recognized two retailers for their commitment to the brand. Carrefour this year committed to doubling the number of certified products it offers, to a total of 50, while Waitrose pledged to have 100 percent commitment to the label by 2016. The retailer also reported a 40 percent increase in sales of skipjack tuna since adding the MSC eco-label.
The power of the label is not only measured in sales, said Guichoux, pointing out that Vietnam’s Ben Tre clam fishery has seen a tremendous economic boost as a result of certification. Harvesters there have witnessed a 400 percent increase in income since earning certification.
“Together, we’re making a global impact, with positive environmental and economic impacts and a positive image for the fishing sector,” said Guichoux.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp industry is entering a period of strong transformation with the emergence of various high-tech farming models, helping improve productivity and competitiveness. Over the past 5–10 years, farming practices have shifted from traditional methods to intensive and super-intensive systems, featuring lined ponds, environmental sensors, automated feeding, and data management.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) With a focus on sustainable development, high-tech application, and climate change adaptation, An Giang Province aims to maintain its brackish water shrimp production in 2026 at a level equivalent to the previous year. Specifically, output is projected to reach over 155,510 tons, serving both domestic consumption and export processing, thereby sustaining the fisheries sector’s key role in the local economic structure.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the Mekong Delta, key pangasius farming provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho are accelerating the transition toward a circular economy model, contributing to higher product value and reduced environmental impact. Instead of focusing solely on farming and processing, the pangasius value chain is increasingly utilizing by-products and waste streams to generate added value.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s scallop exports are entering a phase of impressive growth, as the global market undergoes significant restructuring. In 2025, scallop export value reached nearly USD 66 million, up 49% from USD 44 million in 2024. This upward momentum has continued and accelerated into early 2026, with exports totaling USD 18.1 million in the first two months alone—an increase of 166% year-on-year. This represents an exceptionally high growth rate, reflecting the rapid expansion of a relatively new product segment within Vietnam’s mollusk export portfolio.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) – On March 19, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with the European Commission (EC) inspection delegation on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, led by Mr. Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).
(vasep.com.vn) Australia is emerging as one of the most stable and promising growth markets for Vietnamese shrimp. Amid global trade disruptions driven by geopolitical tensions—particularly conflicts in the Middle East—strengthening and expanding into stable markets like Australia has become increasingly important for Vietnam’s shrimp industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s squid and octopus exports reached over USD 111 million, up 23% compared to the same period in 2025. This result indicates a positive start for the sector, reflecting early signs of demand recovery in multiple markets from the beginning of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s fisheries sector maintained positive growth momentum, with shrimp output exceeding 132 thousand tons. This result contributed to a strong increase in seafood export turnover, despite ongoing volatility in the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports maintained strong growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording sharp increases compared to the same period last year. In February alone, export value reached USD 8.4 million, up 148% year-on-year. Cumulatively, in the first two months of 2026, total tilapia export turnover hit USD 23 million, soaring 242% compared to the same period in 2025.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In global seafood trade, sensory evaluation is increasingly becoming one of the key “technical barriers” in many importing markets-especially the United States. Issues such as filth, and signs of decomposition/spoilage are often detected through sensory evaluation methods and remain common reasons for seafood import alerts, detentions, or shipment rejections.
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