• They combine over four decades of local shellfish expertise with the highest standards of responsible aquaculture
Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) reported that Loch Fyne has achieved ASC certification for its oyster farming operations on Scotland’s west coast. From the end of October, customers are able to enjoy Loch Fyne ASC certified oysters combining over four decades of Scottish shellfish expertise with the highest standards of responsible aquaculture.
ASC certification offers assurance that Loch Fyne oysters are produced with respect for the environment, local communities and wildlife, with full transparency throughout the supply chain. According to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, by choosing Loch Fyne ASC-certified oysters, consumers are supporting aquaculture that safeguards ecosystems and helps secure the future of responsibly produced seafood.
“We are proud to be leading the way with ASC certification. Our team has been growing oysters on Loch Fyne for over 45 years, and this step ensures that the heritage and quality we are known for also comes with the strongest sustainability endorsement available. Customers can now enjoy our oysters knowing they are making a more positive choice for the environment,” said Beth Clark, Business Development Director at Loch Fyne.
This launch underscores Loch Fyne’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and offers customers a new opportunity to enjoy premium Scottish seafood with complete confidence.
Exceptional Flavor and Quality
Since 1978, Loch Fyne has been cultivating oysters renowned for their exceptional flavor and quality. By earning ASC certification, the business is demonstrating its commitment to building its heritage with a new endorsement: every oyster meets the world’s most rigorous standard for responsible aquaculture.
Lief Hendrikz, ASC Market Development Manager for UK and Ireland, said, “We are delighted to see ASC-certified oysters on supermarket shelves. Loch Fyne has a proud legacy of Scottish shellfish farming, and this certification is a powerful step in the transformation towards responsible seafood farming. By choosing ASC-certified oysters, customers can enjoy outstanding seafood while supporting aquaculture that protects fish, farms, planet, and people. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Loch Fyne as they set the standard for responsible oyster farming in the UK.”
Discovery Tour in Scotland
On the other hand, the ASC has recently hosted its latest Discovery Tour in Scotland, welcoming seafood buyers from the United States (US) and Italy to experience ASC-certified salmon farming first-hand.
Over three days, participants visited a range of certified farms, feed mills and processing facilities operated by Mowi Scotland and Bakkafrost Scotland, gaining valuable insight into how responsible aquaculture is practiced in one of the world’s most renowned salmon-producing nations.
The tour began in Edinburgh, where guests joined ASC staff for a welcome dinner before setting off to visit the Mowi processing facility in Rosyth, which handles ASC-certified salmon for both domestic and international markets.
Travelling north through the picturesque Highlands, participants explored the full supply chain of responsible aquaculture -including a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) site and a feed mill producing ASC-conforming feed. Visits concluded with on-site experiences at two ASC-certified loch-based salmon farms, both recognized for their commitment to environmental stewardship, fish welfare and community engagement.
Participants included senior seafood buyers and sourcing specialists from US wholesaler giant, Sam’s Club and cruise line Holland America and Italian supermarket chain, Italmark. The tour provided a platform for collaboration, transparency and shared learning between international markets and Scottish producers.
Ally Dingwall, Chief Technical Officer with ASC expressed her gratitude to the teams at Mowi Scotland and Bakkafrost Scotland for their hosting and for showcasing Scottish farmed salmon at its best.
“Seeing responsible aquaculture in action brings ASC’s standards to life. The Discovery Tour gives buyers the chance to meet producers, witness the care and innovation behind certified farming, and understand the challenges and the difference ASC certification makes for people, fish and the planet,” she said.
