Thai Union Group is a global seafood production leader that has recently obtained a $150 million Blue Loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB)- the first of its kind in the Thailand’s seafood industry. This breakthrough financial agreement marks Thai Union’s pioneering position in sustainable aquaculture, sustainable seafood sourcing, and global climate resistance.
This strategic financing is in line with Thai Union’s long term vision under its SeaChange® 2030 sustainability roadmap with reference to international climate targets. As the demand for sustainably farmed seafood increases in Europe, the UK and the U.S., the deal represents a significant move forward in the movement toward environmentally conscious food supply chains globally.
What Is the Blue Loan and Why It Matters
The $150 million funding package consists of an ADB A-Loan and a syndicated B-Loan from major financial institutions, including:
- Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited
- HSBC
- MUFG Bank Ltd
- OCBC
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- United Overseas Bank Limited
The loan will expand Thai Union’s sustainable shrimp enterprise throughout Thailand, only sourcing from certified farms, or those actively participating in credible Aquaculture Improvement Projects (AIPs). what this means is that the shrimp arriving at the shelves of supermarkets in London, New York, Berlin, or Paris will increasingly be coming from farms that operate within tight environmental and ethical constraints.
Shrimp will be certified through schemes such as:
Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI)-recognized programs
Environmental and Social Impact at the Core
What makes this Blue Loan especially impactful is its dual focus on climate-smart aquaculture and social responsibility. Thai Union will invest in:
Biodiversity protection
Renewable energy adoption
Feed traceability and efficiency
Prevention of deforestation
Fair labor practices and community support
“Sustainability is embedded in everything we do, and this Blue Loan is a key milestone in our commitment to both the ocean and the communities that rely on it,” said Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO of Thai Union Group. “As the first seafood company in Thailand—and globally—to secure a Blue Loan of this kind, we hope to lead by example.”
Global Relevance: Why This Matters to UK, US, and European Consumers
Seafood consumption in the UK and U.S. has surged, with growing demand for ethical and environmentally sound sourcing. Thai Union Group, which owns popular brands like Chicken of the Sea, John West, and King Oscar, is a prominent supplier to European and North American markets. This loan ensures consumers abroad receive not just quality products, but seafood that’s responsibly produced from ocean to plate.
Increased transparency in sourcing, reduced emissions, and better labor standards resonate with consumers in London, Manchester, New York, and Berlin—where sustainability has become a critical part of purchasing decisions.
A Model for Future Sustainable Finance in Seafood
ADB’s Country Director for Thailand, Anouj Mehta, emphasized the loan’s significance:
“Aquaculture offers a scalable solution to feed the world sustainably. Yet, it faces rising environmental pressures. This Blue Loan addresses those challenges head-on and sets a global precedent for sustainable shrimp production.”
The initiative supports not only Thai Union’s corporate sustainability goals but also Thailand’s national climate commitments and ADB’s Strategy 2030, which focuses on climate resilience and inclusive development.
Anchored in Global Standards: Finance Meets Sustainability
The loan is governed by Thai Union’s newly launched Blue and Green Finance Framework, which sets strict standards for fund usage, management, and reporting. The framework:
Aligns with Thailand’s Phase 2 Green Taxonomy
Follows guidelines from the International Capital Market Association (ICMA)
Reflects the UN Environment Programme’s Blue Economy Principles
Received third-party validation from DNV, a leading risk management agency
This provides not only accountability but a replicable model for other seafood and aquaculture firms looking to finance sustainable growth.
About Thai Union Group
Founded in 1977, Thai Union Group PCL is one of the world’s largest seafood producers and a leader in marine health and nutrition. With over 44,000 employees globally and 2024 revenues exceeding THB 138 billion, the company delivers innovative and high-quality products across multiple categories, including:
Ambient and frozen seafood
Value-added products
Alternative proteins
PetCare
Sustainable aquaculture feed
Its globally recognized brands include Chicken of the Sea, Petit Navire, SEALECT, and Rügen Fisch.
Through its SeaChange® 2030 strategy, Thai Union is driving measurable environmental and social progress. The company has earned a place on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for 11 consecutive years and remains a trusted sustainability leader in global seafood.
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Blue Finance
The $150 million Blue Loan marks a turning point in how the seafood industry finances sustainability. With seafood being a staple protein source for millions across Europe and North America, Thai Union Group’s leadership is not just good for business—it’s a critical move toward a healthier planet.
This model of blue financing, combined with transparent reporting and international certification, is likely to set the stage for similar innovations across the food and beverage industries in 2025 and beyond.