Sandhya Marines becomes India’s first shrimp feed miller to earn ASC feed certification

INDIA – Sandhya Marines has become the first shrimp feed miller in India to be certified under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Feed Standard, following a rigorous independent audit conducted by DNV.

The certification, formally handed over during World Aquaculture India 2025, marks a significant milestone for the Andhra Pradesh–based firm and the country’s wider shrimp supply chain.

The ASC Feed Standard is considered one of the most demanding global frameworks for responsible feed production. 

It evaluates feed mills on environmental protection, labor rights, health and safety, ethical sourcing, and traceability, making Sandhya Marines’ achievement a strong indicator of its commitment to sustainable and socially responsible aquafeed production.

A milestone for India’s shrimp sector

Sandhya Marines, a major seafood exporter supplying more than 25 customers across over 10 countries, produces primarily frozen shrimp for retail chains, restaurants, and food service distributors in North America, Europe, and Asia. 

The company says the new certification strengthens its ability to serve international markets seeking verified sustainability credentials.

“We are proud to be the first shrimp feed miller in India to obtain ASC certification. The DNV certification mark is respected worldwide for its association with safety, quality, and sustainability,” said K. Arun Kumar, Whole-Time Director at Sandhya Marines. 

He added that responsible feed production enhances transparency and traceability while reducing the company’s environmental footprint. 

“The certification process has strengthened our systems for responsible sourcing and allows us to show our commitment to global sustainability standards.”

DNV, which carried out the independent assessment, said the achievement positions Sandhya Marines as a regional leader. 

“The ASC Feed certification reinforces Sandhya Marines’ commitment to being a responsible aquaculture producer, enhancing customer confidence, expanding market opportunities and demonstrating sustainable practices,” said Balamurugan Sambasivam, Area Manager for India and the Middle East.

A global momentum toward certified feed

Sandhya Marines joins a growing number of producers around the world that have recently secured ASC Feed Certification. 

This November, Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) announced that its Ban Bueng aquafeed mill in Chonburi Province was certified under the same standard, following an audit by Control Union (Thailand). 

Control Union managing director Stephan François L. Morilés said the achievement “reflects CPF’s strong commitment to advancing Thailand’s shrimp industry along a sustainable pathway.”

In the United States, Rangen Aquaculture Nutrition’s Buhl feed mill in Idaho became the first facility in the country to receive ASC Feed Certification. 

Situated in Idaho’s Magic Valley, a national hub for trout and salmon farming, the mill is now authorized to produce ASC-compliant feed for multiple species, including trout, salmon, shrimp, and tilapia. 

The milestone comes as global aquaculture faces increasing pressure to ensure traceability and responsible sourcing of fishmeal, fish oil, and agricultural ingredients such as soy, wheat, and palm oil.

For Sandhya Marines, the certification is both a business advantage and a signal to the industry. 

As international markets push for sustainable practices, certified feed mills are expected to play a central role in reducing aquaculture’s environmental and social risks.

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