Shrimp Forward: Beyond Certification

Shrimp Forward is our supply chain improvement approach for farmed prawns. It caters to retail partners seeking a premium, future-proof proposition. Building on ASC certification, the program delivers improvements across four strategic pillars: climate footprint, responsible feed, shrimp welfare, and social responsibility.

Key commitments for 2026–2027 include:

Building on ASC certification, the programme delivers improvements across four strategic pillars: climate footprint, responsible feed, shrimp welfare, and social responsibility.

Shrimp Forward allows us to move beyond standard certification and build a transparent, controlled, and continuously improving supply chain. By combining long-term partnerships, independent verification, and targeted investments, we are creating a scalable model for future-proof shrimp sourcing, aligned with the expectations of both customers and regulators.

Climate footprint

Full LCA and reduction roadmap.

Responsible feed

100% ASC-certified feed, verified US soy, and formulation optimisation.

Shrimp welfare

Non-ablation, electrical stunning, and third-party verification.

Social responsibility

Human Rights Hotspot Analysis.

Climate Footprint: From measurement to reduction

Sykes is implementing a structured approach to reduce the carbon footprint of its prawn supply chain. As a first step, we have commissioned a full life-cycle assessment (LCA) covering feed ingredients through to processing. The study will establish a robust baseline footprint and identify the most effective pathways for reduction.

Based on the outcomes, we will define with our supplier partners:

  • Priority reduction measures
  • Technical and economic feasibility
  • A clear implementation roadmap

The study will form the foundation for credible Scope 3 footprint reduction and reporting.

Climate Footprint: From measurement to reduction

Responsible feed: Reducing environmental impact at source

Feed is one of the largest contributors to the footprint of farmed prawns. Shrimp Forward addresses this at source, with clear sourcing requirements, supplier engagement and ongoing optimisation.

Sykes Seafood gives preference to aquaculture supply chains that can demonstrate recognised standards such as ASC or BAP, with feed requirements that support responsible marine ingredients and lower-risk raw materials. This approach supports improved feed efficiency, reduced environmental impact and the transition towards more responsible input materials.

Feed aligned with recognised certification routes, including ASC, BAP, MarinTrust or MSC/ASC certified seafood ingredients where applicable.

Ensuring low risk of deforestation and land conversion in feed supply chains.

Collaboration with suppliers, feed producers and technical experts to optimise feed efficiency, cost control, carbon footprint, and support measurable improvement.

Responsible feed: Reducing environmental impact at source

Shrimp welfare: Setting a new benchmark

Sykes Seafood recognises the welfare concerns within seafood supply chains and actively promotes practices that help reduce negative welfare impacts.

Through collaboration with suppliers, technical partners and initiatives such as the Shrimp Welfare Project’s Humane Slaughter Initiative, we support practical improvements in warm water prawn welfare at farm and processing level. Together, these measures help position Shrimp Forward in line with growing expectations from retailers, NGOs, customers and regulatory stakeholders.

Sykes Seafood is working towards the removal of eyestalk ablation in all warm water prawn broodstock, with phased targets and supplier requirements aligned to recognised industry standards.

We support the introduction of electrical stunning before slaughter where practical through initiatives such as supplier engagement, training and investment in equipment implementation. To verify the use of the stunner, Sykes works with the Shrimp Welfare Project to test their new digital electrical stunner verification tool. Control 

Sykes is now also actively engaging with FAI Farms and SWP, both organizations focused on shrimp welfare, to identify next steps in Shrimp Welfare.

Shrimp welfare: Setting a new benchmark

Social responsibility: Moving beyond compliance

We go beyond standard certification to develop a deeper understanding of working conditions and strengthen human rights due diligence across the supply chain.

All suppliers are expected to meet Sykes Seafood’s responsible sourcing and compliance requirements before supply begins. Where risks or non-conformances are identified, suppliers are expected to provide clear corrective action plans within agreed timeframes.

This supports a more robust and proactive approach to identifying risks, improving transparency and protecting people across the supply chain.

Social compliance based on recognised platforms and audit standards, including Sedex registration and SMETA or equivalent ethical audits where required.

Human rights and supply chain risk assessment to identify risks, improvement areas and priorities for further due diligence.

Greater transparency around working conditions, livelihoods, supplier performance and the impact on local communities.

Social responsibility: Moving beyond compliance

Want to know more about our Shrimp Forward programme?

Discover how our combination of quality, supply chain control and sustainability can add value to your organisation.

Sykes Seafood

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