Aquascot becomes Scotland’s first seafood processor to earn B Corp certification. Landmark certification sets a new benchmark for responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chains in the Scottish Highlands.
Highland-based seafood processing business Aquascot has today announced its certification as a B Corporation (B Corp), becoming the first Scottish based seafood processor to achieve the globally recognised standard for social and environmental performance.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the UK seafood industry. While aquaculture faces close scrutiny around fish welfare, environmental impact and public trust, Aquascot is demonstrating how the sector can deliver responsibly farmed, high-welfare protein at scale through its rigorous supply chain oversight and audit process, progressive policies and employee ownership.
Headquartered in Alness, Ross-shire, Aquascot operates at the heart of Scotland’s £468 million* aquaculture sector. As the primary supplier of premium Scottish salmon and trout to Waitrose since 2003, and recently named Waitrose Own Brand Supplier of the Year 2026, Aquascot has consistently driven best-in-class standards across waste reduction, ethical sourcing, and community impact.
John Housego, Managing Director of Aquascot, said:
“Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector globally, providing a vital source of healthy protein. However, operating responsibly requires tackling industry challenges head-on. Achieving B Corp certification proves that commercial success, high animal welfare, and rigorous environmental management can go hand in hand.
“From enforcing 100% farm-level auditing across our supply base to achieving zero waste to landfill and setting ambitious targets to cut food waste by 60% by 2030, we want to lead by example and show retail and foodservice partners what responsible seafood processing looks like.”
In addition to environmental credentials, B Corp certification evaluates a company’s impact on its workforce and local community. Celebrating 10 years of 100% employee ownership in 2026, Aquascot’s 200+ team members, known as Partners, have a clear stake in the governance and success of the business.
“Being located in Alness, north of Inverness, our business is deeply rooted in the local Highland community,” Housego added. “As an employee-owned B Corp, every person here has a voice. We hope this recognition inspires others across Scotland and the UK to join us in shaping the future of sustainable food.”
Head of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries at Waitrose & Partners, Jake Pickering said:
“Aquascot has been a key partner to Waitrose for over two decades, consistently championing the highest standards in animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Achieving B Corp certification is a fantastic milestone that reinforces their leadership in responsible aquaculture and demonstrates what is possible for the wider UK food industry.”
Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, says:
“Welcoming Aquascot to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Its commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”
*Gross Value Added (source: The Scottish Government)
About Aquascot
Established in 1987 and located in Alness in the Scottish Highlands, Aquascot is one of the largest employee-owned businesses in Scotland. Known as “The Scottish Seafood People,” the company specialises in responsibly sourced, high-quality Scottish salmon and sea-grown products. Proudly 100% managed by its partner employees since 2016, Aquascot is driven by a passion for quality, continuous improvement, and industry-leading welfare standards. Operating as a dedicated partner to Waitrose since 2003, Aquascot is committed to responsible farming at sea, product innovation, and supporting local communities. For more information, visit www.aquascot.com.
About B Corp Certification
Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified to meet B Lab’s standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Based on stakeholder input, research, and established best practices, B Lab’s standards are the basis for B Corp Certification requirements and B Lab’s impact management tools, and they inform the network’s programs and collective action initiatives. B Lab contact: [email protected]
Image: Aquascot
