Carrefour Italy has committed to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-approved sustainable fishing in a move that will see the retailer’s own-label fish products bear the MSC badge of approval on its packaging over the coming months.
Both the MSC and the retailer hope that the decision will encourage seafood companies to operate within industry-approved standards.
The fish affected include anchovies, plaice, cod, salmon, albacore tuna and pink shrimp, although the grocer has said that the commitment extends to species of fish that receive less media attention than the aforementioned.
"Carrefour's commitment to seafood sustainability began in 2007, with our support of a WWF call to stop the sale of bluefin tuna," said Flavia Mare, the company’s corporate social responsibility manager, in an MSC press release.
"It has continued through the fight against illegal fishing and the constant verification of the minimum catch size of fish. By joining the MSC programme, Carrefour continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the protection of marine resources."
The MSC’s Italian director, Francesca Oppia, said, "We are very happy that Carrefour Italy has chosen to sell seafood with the MSC label. We're convinced that through this commitment Carrefour will play an important role in educating Italian consumers and seafood producers, helping to create a more sustainable seafood market.
"The Italian market is less developed, in terms of sustainability, than other European markets, but there are very positive signs. Our experience in Europe shows that retailers can be the real engine in driving seafood sustainability. Welcome on board, Carrefour Italy."
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Peter Donnelly. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
