Good for the Planet, Great in the Bowl: Pokawa Achieves ASC and MSC Certifications

Pokawa, France’s leading poke bowl brand, has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to responsible sourcing. The chain is now serving 100% certified seafood, recognized by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), across all its locations, including proteins like salmon, shrimp, and tuna.

Significance of ASC and MSC Certifications

These two internationally recognized certifications represent some of the most rigorous standards within the seafood industry—their promise of full traceability guarantees that all seafood served at Pokawa comes from responsibly managed fisheries or certified responsible aquaculture farms.

According to Thomas Le Breton, Director of Purchasing and CSR at Pokawa, “We are delighted to have achieved this dual certification, which marks a significant milestone in the deployment of our responsible purchasing policy. We commend the commitment of our suppliers, particularly our partner Transgourmet, who supports us in this demanding and ambitious approach from words to action!”

Responsible Aquaculture for Salmon and Shrimp

With the ASC label, Pokawa pledges to source their salmon and shrimp from farms that adhere to stringent criteria related to environmental conservation, biodiversity preservation, water quality, animal welfare, and human rights. This certification is widely regarded as one of the most demanding standards in responsible aquaculture, promoting respect not only for ecosystems but also for workers and local communities.

Maxime Engler, Market Development Manager France at ASC, remarked, “ASC congratulates Pokawa for this commitment to responsible aquaculture. By becoming the first ASC-certified poke chain in France, Pokawa sets an example and asserts its leadership in sustainable seafood, responding effectively to consumer demand for environmentally conscious food.”

Sustainable Tuna Fishing and Ocean Protection

Pokawa’s initiative extends to its tuna offerings, achieved through MSC certification, which serves as a global benchmark for sustainable wild fisheries. This ensures that the tuna is fully traceable and sourced from fisheries that comply with three fundamental principles: maintaining healthy fish stocks, minimizing impacts on marine ecosystems, and upholding effective, transparent fisheries management.

Amélie Martinez, Head of the Commercial Division at MSC France, stated, “We are proud to support Pokawa. By choosing MSC-certified products, the restaurant chain empowers consumers to participate in sustainable fishing every day. It’s a positive signal for the future of the oceans.”

100% Certified Seafood Across the Menu

With the simultaneous achievement of both ASC and MSC certifications, Pokawa has ensured that all seafood ingredients meet globally recognized sustainability practices. This positions the brand as one of the few French restaurants capable of offering a menu composed entirely of certified marine proteins.

This notable achievement reflects Pokawa’s commitment to collaboration, highlighting the invaluable role of partners who share similar values of responsibility, innovation, and transparency in the supply chain.

A Step Towards Sustainable Food Choices

More broadly, this milestone signifies a decisive step in Pokawa’s long-term strategy. The brand demonstrates that modern, flavorful cuisine can be responsible. By making sustainable food choices accessible without compromising on taste or quality, Pokawa continues to actively contribute to the food transition.

Image: From responsible farms to your bowl: Pokawa’s ASC-certified salmon and shrimp | Courtesy: Pokawa