NETHERLANDS – Albert Heijn, a leading Dutch supermarket chain, has taken a bold step in sustainable seafood by introducing a new line of farmed shrimp with an innovative and eco-friendly feed formula.
This launch marks the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between key industry players like Skretting, a leading feed manufacturer; Veramaris and Protix, providers of advanced feed ingredients; and Cofimar, an aquaculture farm based in Ecuador, who have collectively revolutionised shrimp farming practices.
Central to this initiative is the groundbreaking shrimp feed developed by Skretting Ecuador specifically for Cofimar, an Ecuador-based aquaculture farm.
The feed’s formulation is particularly notable for using alternative ingredients, such as Veramaris’s algal oil, which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, and Protix’s insect meal.
These ingredients enhance the shrimp’s nutritional profile and significantly reduce the feed’s marine footprint, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in aquaculture.
The shrimp, now available on Albert Heijn’s shelves, are certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), ensuring they meet stringent welfare and environmental standards.
This certification and the innovative feed underscore Albert Heijn’s commitment to offering consumers healthier and more sustainable seafood options.
Emiel Beekwilders, Quality Manager for Meat, Seafood, and Cheese at Albert Heijn, highlighted the importance of such collaborations in advancing sustainable aquaculture.
“Working with partners like Veramaris, Skretting, Klaas Puul, Cofimar, and Protix allows us to deliver superior products and drive significant environmental improvements in the industry.”
This move is part of Albert Heijn’s broader strategy to lead the Dutch shrimp market, which has witnessed robust growth in recent years.
Fish represented the largest category in the Dutch seafood market in 2021, with sales reaching US$1.7 billion, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Looking ahead, shelf-stable processed seafood is projected to be the fastest-growing category from 2022 to 2026, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%.
Molluscs and cephalopods are anticipated to be the second fastest-growing segment, with a CAGR of 4.1% over the same period.
As Albert Heijn continues to push the boundaries of sustainability, this initiative is poised to influence broader market practices. The consortium seeks to partner with other retailers to expand the availability of these sustainably farmed shrimp.
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