The CARE Salmon collective aimed to bring together major stakeholders in the supply chain to develop the practices of salmon producers

Leading French Retailers Demand Higher Salmon Welfare Standards; ASC Says Its New Standard Already Delivers

The CARE Salmon collective, representing nearly half of France’s retail market, urges industry-wide change as the new ASC Farm Standard aligns with their call for stricter animal welfare practices.

PARIS — A coalition of major French retailers and food service leaders has issued a powerful call for stricter animal welfare standards in the salmon farming industry. The collective, known as CARE Salmon, has published an open letter urging Norwegian salmon producers to adopt higher welfare practices, stating that consumer expectations have rapidly evolved to prioritize fish well-being alongside environmental performance.

Launched in June 2024, CARE Salmon unites key market players, including Labeyrie Fine Foods, Groupement Mousquetaires, Auchan Retail, E.Leclerc, and others. This group represents nearly 20% of French salmon imports and almost half of the country's retail market share, giving it significant leverage to drive change across the global supply chain. The initiative is a collaborative effort with Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), a leading animal welfare organization, and aims to strengthen the credibility and sustainability of the salmon sector.

New Standards Meet Growing Demands

In a direct response, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced that its new Farm Standard, launched in May 2025, already meets the demands laid out by the collective. The ASC has affirmed its commitment to placing fish health and welfare at the heart of responsible aquaculture. The standard, which applies to all ASC-certified species, including salmon, includes a dedicated principle on animal welfare with criteria covering nine key areas, from water quality and feeding to handling and slaughter practices. A two-year transition period is in effect, with full mandatory compliance for producers by May 1, 2027.

Lucille Bellegarde, Senior Food Business Manager with CIWF, praised the collective’s proactive and collaborative approach. "As consumer expectations evolve and fish welfare becomes an essential concern, raising farming standards is key to strengthening the credibility and sustainability of the sector, while staying ahead of future legislative changes," she said.

For ASC, the message is clear. Camille Civel, ASC Regional Manager for Southern Europe, France & Italy, stated that when consumers see the ASC label, they can be confident the salmon was farmed with care for the environment, for the people, and for the fish. The new standard is a direct response to consumer demand, ensuring that the seafood they enjoy is not only responsibly farmed but also raised with a focus on animal welfare.

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