Seafood companies shouldn't rely on eco-labels to communicate with China's consumers

Henrik Aarestrup, vice president of Emerging Markets at the BioMar Group, told the audience at the IntraFish Seafood Investor Forum in China that while sustainability can help sell shrimp, finding the right message for it is not simple, and must speak to consumers.

"When I was asked to speak on the gaps in sustainability in the Chinese shrimp market, my first thought was, 'How many Chinese consumers understand the concept of sustainable shrimp?' My second thought was, 'How many of us seafood experts at this event can define sustainable shrimp?'" Aarestrup said.