Do not index
Do not index
In early March, the Seafood Task Force (STF), a U.S.-based non-profit trade association representing major retailers, brands, foodservice companies, and supply chain partners, welcomed 17 new Asian member companies into its fold, including prominent Indian shrimp exporter Devi Sea Foods.
The addition of these new members, along with the STF's heightened focus on South and Southeast Asia, has underscored the significance of an upcoming STF meeting scheduled for late April in Mumbai. At this gathering, issues highlighted in recent investigative reports will take center stage for discussion.
STF Executive Director Martin Thurley emphasized the importance of this meeting in a recent member briefing, stating that the agenda will feature the application of STF-tested models and approaches to the new members. Key highlights include bringing together all relevant stakeholders, sharing best practices gleaned from the STF's work in Thailand, and establishing clear expectations.
Established in 2014 in response to illegal and forced labor within Thailand's seafood supply chain, the STF has been dedicated to urging its members to adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and due diligence requirements.
During a panel discussion at the 2024 Seafood Expo North America on March 10, representatives from STF members Bumble Bee, Starkist, Costco, Walmart, and Thai Union discussed the task force's systematic approach to restoring global market confidence in Asian seafood. Thurley highlighted the importance of the STF's engagement with small-scale farmers in Thailand and its "boots-on-the-ground" strategy for ensuring compliance and responsible practices.
Thurley emphasized the effectiveness of the STF in driving change, attributing it to the diverse backgrounds of its members, which include retailers, brands, and NGOs. He stressed the collaborative nature of the STF, with each new member providing additional leverage and enabling greater problem-solving capabilities.
Traci Linder, Vice President of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability at Bumble Bee, emphasized the STF's commitment to long-term industry-wide transformation, rather than reactionary responses to immediate crises. She emphasized the importance of collaboration across companies, governmental bodies, and NGOs to address underlying issues effectively.
Looking ahead to 2024, Thurley stated that the STF's primary focus is on India, with 98 assessments underway across Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. He emphasized the necessity of using insights from recent reports to drive continual improvement in industry practices.
Written by
Tradoubles is a cross-border seafoods marketplace. We help you source the best seafood suppliers from asian countries.
.jpg?table=block&id=86fb9637-7f18-4734-befb-5700e3d624a9&cache=v2)
.jpg?table=block&id=c164c6f8-4b8a-42ba-8642-d49420c90c8f&cache=v2)
