FDBusiness.com

Nestlé and Thai Union Group, the world’s largest producer of shelf-stable tuna products with annual sales exceeding US$3.7 billion, have officially inaugurated a demonstration boat to promote and raise understanding of human and labour rights of workers in the Thai fishing industry. Both companies, in collaboration with Verité, refurbished a traditional Thai fishing boat, transforming it into a vessel demonstrating good living and working conditions. This includes adequate and clean food and drinking water, appropriate rest, dining and leisure areas on board, first-aid kit, and toilet facilities with proper sanitation standards.

The first-of-its-kind demonstration boat launched in December 2017. Since then, 83 boat owners, captains and crews have taken part in training sessions in the Thailand’s provinces of Trat and Pattani. The initiative commenced in March 2016, supported by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and the Thailand Department of Fisheries (DOF). More training sessions will take place throughout the year. The Department of Fisheries will manage the continuation of this program in the long-term.

This programme is part of Nestlé’s Action Plan for responsible sourcing of seafood.