De Heus’ commitment to sustainable aquaculture: Insights from VIETFISH 2024

De Heus’ aquaculture journey began in 2011 in Vinh Long, Vietnam. Since then, the company has expanded across Asia and Africa, establishing itself as a global leader in Pangasius production and a local leader in marine and cold-water fish feed. “Our high-quality feed portfolio supports a wide range of local species such as tilapia, snakeheads, and frogs, enabling local farmers to access top-tier nutrition and elevate their production,” says Emily.

The company’s guiding principle is clear: the success of De Heus is inextricably linked to the success of the farmers. This is why De Heus’ commitment to aquaculture goes far beyond the production of high-quality feed. As Emily explains, "Supporting independent farmers and fostering a sustainable aquaculture industry is at the core of our business. We recognize that providing the right feed is just one part of the equation."

Since its entry into the sector, De Heus has made significant investments. Such as the establishment of six specialized aquaculture feed mills and a global Aqua R&D Center located in Vietnam. “The facilities meet the highest industry standards, such as Global GAP, BAP, and ISO 22,000, enabling us to meet export requirements for a range of customers and value chain partners. We also provide crucial on-farm support, even in remote areas, with tailored solutions and expert advice. One standout offering is the mobile lab service, which helps farmers quickly diagnose health issues or diseases for timely treatment and prevention”, says Emily.

In line with its broader sustainability agenda, De Heus has framed its aquaculture priorities around areas where it can make the most significant impact. Through its Responsible Feeding program, each business unit is empowered to develop local programs that contribute to global sustainability goals while addressing the specific needs of their respective markets. De Heus Vietnam has led the way with several flagship initiatives that integrate sustainability into every aspect of its business operations.

One such initiative is the installation of solar panels across all 30 De Heus facilities in Vietnam. This is part of the company’s broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the feed production and food supply chains. De Heus is also implementing bulk delivery and silo solutions, which allow feed to be delivered to farms without the need for plastic packaging—an approach particularly suited to aquaculture, where river barges can be utilized for efficient transport.

The company is also focused on sourcing raw materials responsibly, including the use of deforestation-free soybean meal. In its drive to reduce environmental impact and preserve biodiversity, De Heus has embraced the use of novel ingredients. "Since 2023, we have introduced F3-Tom, a fish-free feed for shrimp that uses insect meal and algal oil to replace the amino acids traditionally derived from fish ingredients," explained Emily. This innovation reflects De Heus' dedication to sustainable sourcing practices and its willingness to pioneer new solutions.

De Heus also addresses the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by promoting responsible antibiotic use. "By improving water quality, enhancing farm biosecurity, and encouraging the use of vaccines or alternative health solutions, we help farmers achieve high performance while reducing reliance on antibiotics," states Emily. This approach not only supports healthier animals but also safeguards the long-term sustainability of the industry.

As a family-owned company, De Heus places great value on the communities where it operates. Beyond its commercial commitments, the company is dedicated to addressing long-term challenges like water salination and providing emergency aid in times of crisis. "We view our communities as an extension of our family, and that means taking responsibility in times of need," Emily shares.

Aquaculture holds immense potential as a sustainable source of protein, but there is still work to be done in enhancing the global perception of Vietnamese aquaculture products. By working together, De Heus believes the industry can make significant strides in improving sustainability, boosting efficiency, and delivering better solutions for farmers worldwide. “Our journey towards a more sustainable aquaculture sector is far from over,” Emily concludes. “But by uniting our efforts and continuing to drive progress, we can raise the standards of the industry and bring it to a new level of global recognition.”