Press Release: VASEP Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Development in the Shrimp Industry

Vietnamese shrimp packagers and exporters are dedicated to adhering to both national and international standards regarding food safety, hygiene, environmental protection, and labor rights. This commitment is evidenced by the increasing number of factories holding EU codes, nearly 100% of processing facilities operating under HACCP standards, and many achieving prestigious certifications such as ASC, Global GAP, and BAP.

To maintain the integrity of our production processes, Vietnamese regulatory agencies conduct dozens of inspections and audits each year on production conditions. In addition, third-party certification bodies perform yearly audits at our facilities, alongside inspections from retailers and partners of Vietnamese exporters. These rigorous measures demonstrate our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards in shrimp production.

We wish to address concerns raised by a recent online report from Sustainability Incubator, published on September 12. This report contains inaccuracies that may lead to misunderstandings about the Vietnamese shrimp industry. For instance, it features images of shrimp drying practices that pertain to small-scale local consumption rather than the regulated production processes for export. Additionally, the portrayal of fish meal production in Ba Ria Vung Tau does not accurately reflect our shrimp feed practices, as our shrimp feed does not include such fish meal as an ingredient.

The report’s claim that the price of Vietnamese shrimp has plummeted from $11 to $5 per kilogram is misleading. It lacks clarity on the specific type of shrimp referenced, whether whole, headless, or peeled. Pricing should be assessed based on specific sizes and product types, as a direct comparison between premium and lower-grade shrimp is not valid. While shrimp prices have experienced fluctuations globally due to factors such as COVID-19, inflation, and geopolitical conflicts, current averages for Vietnamese shrimp remain around $10 per kilogram, positioning us among the highest in the global market. Our industry has successfully managed price reductions through the efforts of businesses, particularly larger companies, in improving processing standards.

The Vietnamese shrimp value chain continuously strives to obtain BAP, ASC, GLOBAL G.A.P, and Bio EU certifications. Achieving these standards requires compliance with all Vietnamese regulations, with certification bodies conducting unscheduled evaluations throughout the year. This means that our shrimp businesses must consistently adhere to high standards to maintain these certifications. The report raises questions about the validity of these certifications, as well as social security assessments conducted by leading organizations in the field.

We believe this report lacks scientific basis, authenticity, and objectivity due to methodological errors and the manner in which surveys and interviews were conducted, leading to distorted conclusions about the Vietnamese shrimp industry. Notably, the research team interviewed only 151 individuals, of whom just 42 were from shrimp production facilities. This small sample size is insufficient to represent the over one million workers in the industry. Furthermore, the lack of transparency regarding the questionnaire content and the timing and location of interviews undermines the report’s reliability.

VASEP strongly disputes the inaccuracies and assessments presented in this report regarding Vietnam’s shrimp industry.

We are committed to transparency and integrity in our industry and invite stakeholders and consumers to engage with us directly to gain a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s shrimp production practices and the stringent measures we have in place to ensure sustainability and quality.

About VASEP

VASEP represents Vietnam’s seafood processing and exporting industry, comprising 320 business members that account for 84-85% of the country’s total seafood export turnover. The shrimp sector alone generates an annual export value of $3.5 to $4 billion, with high-quality, diverse products reaching over 100 markets worldwide. VASEP is dedicated to promoting sustainable development, ensuring product quality, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood.

(Source: https://seafood.vasep.com.vn/)