AGRIMINGOLD S.A. Becomes First Ecuadorian Shrimp Farm to Join ASC’s Improver Program
Blue Economy Insights · June 2025
In a significant move for sustainable aquaculture in Latin America, AGRIMINGOLD S.A. has become the first shrimp farm in Ecuador to participate in the Improver Program by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). The initiative covers 135 hectares of Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) farming in El Oro Province, with the farm producing over 753 tonnes of shrimp annually under its consumer-facing brand MAREAROSA.
Advancing Toward Responsible Aquaculture
While the ASC is known globally for its certification of responsible seafood producers, the Improver Program supports farms that are not yet ready or eligible for certification but are committed to improving their environmental and social practices. These farms enter structured Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIPs) to progressively raise standards in key operational areas.
“We are proud to welcome AGRIMINGOLD S.A. and its brand MAREAROSA as the first Latin American producer to join the Improver Programme,” said Patricia Bianchi, AIP and Governance Manager at ASC. “Their commitment to positive change reflects the proactive spirit we aim to foster.”
A Local Milestone with Global Implications
AGRIMINGOLD’s participation marks a first for Ecuador’s shrimp sector, which plays a major role in the global seafood supply chain. With environmental sustainability and social responsibility increasingly critical to market access and consumer trust, joining the AIP represents a forward-looking strategy.
“This represents a fundamental milestone in our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility,” said Annabell Palacios, CEO of AGRIMINGOLD S.A. “We want to contribute meaningfully to environmental protection and to the wellbeing of communities involved in our sector.”
Part of a Growing Global Network
The ASC Improver Programme currently includes 17 active AIPs in the shrimp sector, spanning:
- Ecuador (1)
- Kenya (1)
- Bangladesh (1)
- Indonesia (2)
- Thailand (12)
Each AIP is supported by tailored tools and procedures to guide farms through measurable improvements. The collective impact of these projects contributes to ASC’s broader goal of transforming global aquaculture for the better, including farms not yet certified.
AGRIMINGOLD S.A.’s entry into the programme highlights a broader industry trend. More seafood producers are embracing continuous improvement as a pathway to resilience, environmental stewardship, and long-term success in a competitive global market.
Tags: sustainable aquaculture, shrimp farming, Ecuador seafood, Aquaculture Stewardship Council, ASC Improver Programme, Aquaculture Improvement Projects, MAREAROSA, ESG in seafood, Blue Economy Insights, seafood sustainability
