Clams Lead Vietnam's Shellfish Exports from Jan-23 to Sep-23, Emphasizing ASC Certification's Role and Growing EU Market Demand

From Jan-23 to Sep-23, clams constitute the primary export product among various shellfish species, contributing to over 60% of Vietnam's total shellfish turnover. The ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification, established in 2010 by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and IDH (Sustainable Trade Initiative), plays a crucial role in managing global standards for responsible aquaculture and fisheries. ASC's certification standards are built on four pillars: environment, society, animal welfare, and food safety. These standards encompass nine sets, covering 15 species, including shrimp, salmon, trout, tilapia, catfish, and clams, along with a common ASC-MSC standard for seaweed.
In the European Union (EU), Vietnamese clam exports to the three largest markets—Spain, Italy, and Portugal—have all seen notable increases ranging from 38% to 44%. The consumption trends within the EU are shifting towards clam products, whole steamed white/brown clams, or ready-made items like clams steamed with garlic butter and clams with tom yum seasoning.