Tops Friendly Markets has announced that it will be adopting Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification as part of their comprehensive aquaculture procurement policy. Tops Friendly Markets' goal is to work closely with the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and their suppliers to ensure that all aquaculture products are BAP certified to the farm level by early 2013, where certification standards are available.
Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania, and operates 127 company-owned and five franchised stores under the TOPS Friendly Markets banner.
"We are extremely pleased by the announcement from Tops. Their commitment shows that the issue of responsible aquaculture is not just a global or national issue, but a regional and local issue. We applaud the actions taken by Tops and welcome the growing number of retailers sourcing BAP product for their consumers," says Peter Redmond, GAA's VP of Global Development.
"At Tops we recognize the importance of having high quality seafood products available for our consumers and are committed to the efforts of the Global Aquaculture Alliance," says Jim Lane, Tops' Meat and Seafood director. "Our shoppers can be assured that our focus is toward providing the freshest, highest quality seafood, including farm-raised seafood that is farmed in a responsible and sustainable way."
About Best Aquaculture Practices
The BAP program is a comprehensive, rigorous, metrics-based certification program for aquaculture — including farms, hatcheries and processing plants. BAP standards cover the environment, social responsibility, animal welfare, food safety and traceability. For more information on BAP, visit www.gaalliance.org or contact Peter Redmond at predmond@gaalliance.org.
About Tops Markets
Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, N.Y., and operates 132 full-service supermarkets — 127 company-owned and five franchise locations. With more than 14,000 associates, Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's website at www.topsmarkets.com.
Source: Global Aquaculture Alliance
