Icewater Seafoods Earns World-Class Food Safety Certification Ahead of Cod Season

St. John’s, NL

Icewater Seafoods has achieved certification under the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) program, commonly known as BRC certification, earning an A Grade in its first-ever audit.

The achievement is a significant milestone for the family-owned company and recognizes the work of the hundreds of employees who help make Icewater one of the world's leading cod processors.

Awarded following an independent third-party audit of the company's food safety, quality, traceability, and operational systems, BRCGS certification is recognized globally and required by many of the world's largest retailers and food companies.

"This achievement is a testament to the professionalism, expertise, and dedication of our entire team," said Alberto Wareham, President and CEO of Icewater Seafoods. "I've often said that the cod expertise of our employees is the envy of the world, and this certification is further proof of that.

"Achieving an A Grade in our first BRCGS audit demonstrates that the skill, knowledge, and commitment of our people can stand alongside the best seafood operations anywhere in the world. This recognition belongs to every employee who contributes to our success."

Wareham said the certification comes at a particularly important time for both Icewater and Newfoundland and Labrador's cod industry.

"With the iconic Northern cod stock healthy and growing, we are ensuring Icewater is positioned to maximize opportunities for our employees, local inshore and offshore harvesters, and our province," he said. "As a family-owned company rooted in Arnold's Cove, we take tremendous pride in creating good jobs and producing a product that represents Newfoundland and Labrador on the world stage. This achievement shows that world-class standards are being delivered every day right here in our community."

Northern cod, which helped shape the history, culture, and economy of Newfoundland and Labrador, is healthy and has the largest spawning stock biomass of any cod stock in the world. With the 2026-27 cod season expected to begin next month and anticipated to include a meaningful increase in Total Allowable Catch (TAC), the certification further strengthens Icewater's ability to serve existing customers and pursue new opportunities in premium global markets.

The certification also comes at an important moment in the fishery's sustainability journey. Earlier this spring, Northern cod entered the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment process. Widely recognized as the global benchmark for sustainable wild-capture fisheries, MSC certification would further strengthen the market position of Newfoundland and Labrador cod and the communities that depend on it.

Icewater Seafoods is one of only a small number of seafood processors worldwide approved to supply premium retailer Marks & Spencer and exports Newfoundland and Labrador cod products to customers around the globe.

The company employs 280 people on a near year-round basis and will peak at 320 people this summer. Icewater offers some of the highest wages in the Atlantic Canadian seafood processing industry, and continues to invest in its facility and operations to remain competitive in global markets.

While the certification recognizes Icewater's food safety and quality management systems, the company says the achievement ultimately reflects the knowledge, experience, and commitment of the people who bring those systems to life every day.

One customer described the result as "an amazing result for a first-ever BRC site audit," noting that the achievement reflects not only strong food safety protocols, but "having a team that can demonstrate the standards within the processing facility."

The certification further strengthens Icewater's reputation as a trusted supplier of premium seafood products and positions the company for future growth as Newfoundland and Labrador's cod fishery continues its recovery.

About BRCGS Certification

Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS), commonly referred to as BRC certification, is one of the world's leading food safety and quality certification programs.

The acronym BRC originally referred to the British Retail Consortium, the UK retail trade association that developed the standard. Today, BRCGS certification is widely recognized by major retailers, food companies, and customers around the world as a benchmark for food safety, quality, traceability, operational excellence, and food safety culture.

Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), BRCGS certification provides independent verification that a facility's food safety and quality management systems meet internationally recognized standards and customer expectations.