At Kien Giang Trading Joint Stock Company (KTC), we support the objectives of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) to promote responsible and transparent tuna fisheries worldwide. As part of this commitment, KTC strives to strengthen traceability and improve sourcing practices within our tuna supply chain.

This report is prepared in accordance with ISSF Conservation Measure 2.5, which requires companies to publicly disclose the sources of tuna purchases. The purpose of this report is to provide transparency regarding how KTC sourced tuna in 2025, while outlining our approach to gradually align with ISSF’s long-term objective of sourcing tuna from fisheries that meet the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification standard or participate in credible Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs).

As a seafood processor and trader operating in Vietnam, KTC sources tuna from both domestic and international supply chains. The availability of MSC-certified tuna within regional markets remains limited; however, the company continues to explore opportunities to improve sourcing transparency and collaborate with partners involved in sustainability initiatives.

2025 Tuna Sourcing Breakdown

Total Tuna Purchased: 3,997 metric tons (RTE)

FISHERY SOURCES

A. Breakdown by Fishery Source

1. Percentage of KTC’s purchases (round ton equivalents) by fishery source:

  • Fisheries certified by the MSC: 0%
  • Fisheries in full assessment for MSC certification: 0%
  • Fisheries in the MSC improvement program: 0%
  • Comprehensive FIPs showing progress within the past 24 months: 0%
  • None of the above: 100%

In 2025, most of KTC’s tuna raw materials were sourced from fisheries that are not currently participating in MSC certification or recognized Fishery Improvement Projects. These sources primarily consist of domestically caught tuna from Vietnamese fisheries and some imported raw materials supplied through regional seafood trading networks.

2. Roadmap to increase MSC-certified sourcing:

KTC recognizes the importance of sourcing tuna from fisheries that meet internationally recognized sustainability standards.

Starting from a baseline of 0% MSC-certified tuna in 2025, KTC plans to gradually increase the share of tuna sourced from MSC-certified fisheries or credible FIPs as supply becomes available in the regional market.

KTC’s indicative roadmap:

  • 2026: Approximately 2% MSC-certified sourcing through international suppliers
  • 2027: Approximately 3% MSC-certified sourcing depending on supply and market conditions

As MSC-certified sourcing increases, the “None of the Above” category will decrease by approximately 5% over the same period.

3. Roadmap regarding FIPs with no recent progress:

Currently, KTC does not source tuna from FIPs that have not demonstrated measurable progress within the past 24 months. MSC-certified sources are prioritized unless significant improvements can be verified.

KTC is participating in the MSC certification process for skipjack tuna in Vietnam in collaboration with Vina Tuna. This initiative has progressed from an FIP toward MSC certification, demonstrating improvements in fishery management and sustainable fishing practices.

4. Roadmap to reduce “None of the Above” category:

KTC aims to reduce this category by approximately 2–3% per year. It mainly represents tuna sourced from local and imported purse seine fisheries.

SUPPLIER SOURCES

B. Breakdown by Supplier Type

1. Percentage of purchases by supplier category:

  • ISSF participating companies: 0%
  • ISSF Data Check companies with compliance audits: 0%
  • Direct from vessels: 0%
  • None of the above: 100%

In 2025, most tuna raw materials were procured through local traders and intermediaries within the domestic seafood supply chain. These suppliers are not affiliated with ISSF participating companies or Data Check companies.

2. Roadmap to reduce “None of the Above” suppliers:

KTC plans to increase sourcing from ISSF participating companies by 2–3% by the end of 2026, including procurement from Spanish fleets that are ISSF participants.

A significant portion of current supply originates from local fisheries participating in an MSC Improvement Project coordinated by the Vietnam Tuna Association.

Commitment to Progress

KTC remains committed to improving transparency and responsible sourcing within its tuna supply chain. The company will continue to monitor developments in sustainable fisheries and align with internationally recognized sustainability standards.

KTC will also continue to publish sourcing information and progress updates in accordance with ISSF transparency expectations, contributing to sustainable management of global tuna resources.

At Kien Giang Trading Joint Stock Company (KTC), we support the objectives of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) to promote responsible and transparent tuna fisheries worldwide. As part of this commitment, KTC strives to strengthen traceability and improve sourcing practices within our tuna supply chain. This report is prepared in accordance with ISSF Conservation…