'Pokawa promotes healthy food as part of a lifestyle

Good for the Planet, Great in the Bowl: Pokawa Becomes France’s First Poké Chain with Dual ASC and MSC Certification

FRANCE
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 03:40 (GMT + 9)

The Paris-based brand strengthens its leadership in sustainable fast-casual dining by serving 100% certified seafood across its entire menu.

Paris – Pokawa, France’s leading poké bowl chain, has reached a major milestone in its responsible sourcing strategy by obtaining both Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifications. The achievement means that 100% of the seafood proteins served in Pokawa restaurants—including salmon, shrimp, and tuna—now come from certified sustainable sources.

Photo: Pokawa

These two internationally recognised certifications, considered among the most rigorous standards in the global seafood industry, guarantee full traceability and ensure that all products originate either from responsibly managed wild fisheries or from certified sustainable aquaculture farms. The certification applies across all Pokawa locations in France, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility.

Photo: Pokawa

From responsible farms to your bowl

Pokawa’s ASC-certified salmon and shrimp are sourced from aquaculture farms that meet strict criteria for environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, water quality, animal welfare, and respect for human rights. ASC is widely regarded as one of the most demanding certifications for responsible aquaculture, ensuring positive impacts not only on ecosystems but also on local communities and workers.

Thomas Le Breton, Director of Purchasing and CSR at Pokawa, said:

“We are delighted to have achieved this dual certification, which marks a significant milestone in the deployment of our responsible purchasing policy. We would like to commend the commitment of our suppliers, and in particular our partner Transgourmet, who supports us in this demanding and ambitious approach—from words to action.”

Maxime Engler, Market Development Manager France at ASC, added:

“ASC congratulates Pokawa for this commitment to responsible aquaculture. By becoming the first ASC-certified poké chain in France, Pokawa sets an example, asserts its leadership in sustainable seafood, and responds to the growing expectations of consumers for food that respects both the environment and human rights.”

Sustainable tuna fishing to protect ocean resources

For its tuna, Pokawa has earned MSC certification, the global reference standard for sustainable wild-capture fisheries. The MSC label ensures that the tuna served is fully traceable to the point of sale and sourced from fisheries that comply with three core principles: healthy fish stocks, minimal impact on marine ecosystems, and effective, transparent fisheries management.

For consumers, this translates into a clear and credible guarantee: choosing Pokawa directly supports the fight against overfishing and contributes to the long-term preservation of ocean resources.

Amélie Martinez, Head of the Commercial Division at MSC France, said:

“We are proud to support Pokawa. By choosing MSC-certified products, the restaurant chain empowers consumers to support sustainable fishing every day. It sends a strong and positive signal for the future of the oceans.”

100% certified seafood across the menu

With the simultaneous achievement of ASC and MSC certifications, Pokawa now guarantees that all of its seafood ingredients meet internationally recognised best practices for sustainability. This places the brand among a small group of French restaurant chains capable of offering fully certified marine proteins across their entire menus.

Beyond certification, the milestone highlights Pokawa’s commitment to collaboration and supply-chain transparency, recognising the essential role of partners who share the same values of responsibility, innovation, and long-term impact.

More broadly, this achievement represents a decisive step in Pokawa’s long-term strategy. The brand demonstrates that modern, flavourful cuisine can also be ethical and sustainable, proving that responsible food choices can be made accessible—without compromising on taste or quality.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print