Poké bowl chain commits to using certified seafood
Pokawa, France’s leading poké bowl brand, is now serving 100% Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified seafood for all of its proteins, including salmon, shrimp, and tuna, the ASC said in a press release.
The poké bowl company is understood to have more than 100 restaurants across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and Martinique, and also does a lot of business via home delivery.
Thomas Le Breton, Pokawa’s director of purchasing and corporate social responsibility, said: “We are delighted to have achieved this dual certification, which marks a significant milestone in the deployment of our responsible purchasing policy. We would like to commend the commitment of our suppliers, and in particular our partner Transgourmet, who supports us in this demanding and ambitious approach from words to action.”
Strict requirements
ASC said that by earning the certification, Pokawa has committed to sourcing salmon and shrimp from farms that meet strict requirements for environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, water quality, animal welfare, and human rights.
“ASC congratulates Pokawa for this commitment to responsible aquaculture,” said Maxime Engler, ASC’s market development manager for France.
“By becoming the first ASC-certified poké chain in France, Pokawa sets an example, asserts its leadership in sustainable seafood, and demonstrates a strong commitment that meets the growing expectations of consumers for food that respects the environment and human rights.”
For its tuna, Pokawa has obtained MSC certification - a global standard for sustainable wild fishing. This certification is said to guarantee that the tuna is fully traceable to the point of sale and sourced from fisheries that comply with three fundamental principles: healthy fish stocks, minimal impact on marine ecosystems, and effective, transparent fisheries management.
