We'd like to congratulate our partner farm in Mexico,
Acuícola Gemso for attaining Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification at its processing plant this month and becoming the first Mexican tilapia operation to attain 2-star BAP certification.
Attaining the Global Aquaculture Alliances (
GAA) renowned certification is not only a great achievement for Gemso, but it is proof of our partner's commitment to responsibly produce tilapia while measuring up to strict food safety and environmental standards.
In 2014, Acuícola Gemso was incorporated into Tropical's tilapia cooperative as part of our strategy for sustainable growth. Gemso received BAP certification at the farm level in December 2014.
Gemso utilizes a cage system in the Plutarco Elias Calles "El Novillo" Reservoir, East of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. El Novillo Reservoir is an ideal location due to its low aquaculture activity, which is a key component to the healthy cultivation of fish in the absence of antibiotics.
As part of the BAP program, the farm constantly monitors water quality and takes corrective actions if any quality checkpoints are affected. Additionally, all aquaculture activity in the reservoir is managed and restricted by Mexican authorities.
Gemso's new state-of-the-art processing facility is located a short distance from the farm, guaranteeing speedy processing and optimal freshness. The plant is equipped to process deep-skinned, fully trimmed premium quality tilapia fillets as well as whole fish.
All products are free of any and all preservatives and gasses that may alter, extend or prolong natural color or shelf life.
One of the largest advantages of Gemso's processing facility is its proximity to the U.S. market. Situated 16 hours to Los Angeles by truck, Gemso can provide the freshest
2-star BAP Certified product to the West Coast.
Both Gemso and Tropical are committed to supplying a fish that is of superior quality and complies with and exceeds established social and environmental parameters. By implementing the BAP certification requirements, Acuícola Gemso ensures sustainable management of the tilapia farm and processing plant.
Including Gemso in our cooperative of farmers and processors, enables us to be geographically diverse and maintain continuity of supply, despite unexpected obstacles or delays, such as weather or transportation issues. Even with our complex structure, our tracking systems enable us to track every fish all the way back to the source.
| Fresh Fillet Size | Fillet Presentation |
| 3/5 oz | Premium trim |
| 4/6 oz |
|
| 5/7 oz |
|
| 7/Up oz |
|
