Thai Union Initiates New Program to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Thailand's Shrimp Supply Chain

BOSTON, March 12, 2024 – Thai Union Group, a global leader in the seafood industry, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at drastically reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the shrimp supply chain. The Shrimp Decarbonization initiative, created in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Ahold Delhaize USA, represents a major advancement in sustainable aquaculture practices. The initiative's pilot phase aims to produce 1,000 metric tons of processed shrimp that not only has a lower environmental impact but also adheres to the highest standards of product quality. This shrimp, to be imported by Thai Union's subsidiary, Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, will be fully traceable from the hatchery to the final shipping point. This effort underscores Thai Union's dedication to environmental conservation and its goal to lead the seafood industry towards a more sustainable future by aiming for a 42 percent reduction in GHG emissions across its operations and supply chain, in line with SBTi-approved targets. "Collaborating with The Nature Conservancy enables us to develop a shrimp production model that is both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable. Our pilot program for 2024 reflects our commitment to lowering carbon emissions and establishing new sustainability standards in the seafood industry," stated Adam Brennan, Thai Union's Chief Sustainability Officer. "The Shrimp Decarbonization program is about more than just cutting emissions; it's about transforming the shrimp industry into a sector that is sustainable, efficient, and fair. By demonstrating that sustainable practices can also be economically beneficial, we hope to inspire and lead the entire industry." The program focuses on investments in on-farm improvements to boost efficiency and productivity, decrease energy consumption, and enhance the sourcing of sustainable feed ingredients. These farm and feed optimizations are crucial for achieving productivity improvements and emission reductions. Following the success of the pilot, Thai Union plans to extend these practices to other shrimp farms in Thailand and elsewhere, promoting sustainable practices across the industry. Ahold Delhaize USA, the parent company of a major U.S. grocery retail group, supports the initiative. Its brands, Food Lion and Hannaford, have committed to purchasing shrimp from the program. Marc Stolzman, Ahold Delhaize USA's Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting its potential to significantly benefit sustainable aquaculture and contribute to the company's mission of fostering a healthier planet and population. The program will implement tailored intervention packages, including the potential installation of photovoltaic panels on farms, in two phases. These interventions are expected to significantly reduce GHG emissions, demonstrating the program's potential for a substantial environmental impact. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the journey towards more sustainable seafood production. Through innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the Shrimp Decarbonization program is set to redefine industry standards. About Thai Union For 47 years, Thai Union Group PCL has been at the forefront of the global seafood industry, offering high-quality, nutritious, delicious, and innovative seafood products worldwide. Today, Thai Union is recognized as a leading seafood producer, with a vast portfolio of international and Thai brands, and a commitment to sustainability through its SeaChange® 2030 strategy. The company's efforts in sustainability have been acknowledged through various accolades, including its continuous listing on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and recognition by the Seafood Stewardship Index, among others. For more information on Thai Union's sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.seachangesustainability.org/.