Following the move of grocery retailers worldwide to source sustainable fish, the producer of John West canned fish has announced that it will stock all of its branded tuna from certified fisheries.
Thai Union Group recently said that suppliers would have to be Marine Stewardship Council (MEC) certified, or be involved in fishery improvement projects, which improve practices and environmental impact, moving them closer to MEC certification.
The company has set a goal of 75% sustainably sourced fish for 2020 and spent $90 million on new initiatives to increase the availability of sustainable tuna.
Traceability and the use of safe and legal labour are the key to such projects, Thai Union said.
"Tuna is the most readily available source of protein for millions of people around the world, and at least one billion [of them] depend on seafood for nourishment or employment. As a leader in the seafood industry, Thai Union has a responsibility to protect tuna stocks for the good of the world," said Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO of Thai Union Group. "Our substantial investment will transform tuna-sourcing for the entire industry and demonstrates our strong commitment to the sustainability of our oceans."
Currently, only 11 tuna fisheries in the world are MEC certified and supply 14% of global supplies.
The company's new commitment affects all of its tuna brands, including John West, in Northern Europe and the Middle East, Mareblu, in Italy, and France's Petit Navire.
Sustainable fish-sourcing has been a theme for retailers lately. Recently, Carrefour Spain held a forum on sustainable fishing at the country's fishing ministry, and Coop Switzerland committed to 100% sustainable fish products.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Karen Henderson. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
