A new partnership on the west coast of the United States is pairing a nonprofit focused on seafood sustainability with a local-food oriented grocery store chain.
Santa Cruz, Calif.-based FishWise will train every member of New Seasons’ seafood and meat staff in the company’s – 200 employees total – to increase their knowledge of seafood species and sources. The training employees, is designed to familiarize New Seasons’ staff with factors affecting seafood sustainability and quality.
FishWise will also provide point-of-sale materials for customers and sourcing recommendations for New Seasons – essentially aligning the grocery chain with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program’s guidelines. The partnership between New Seasons Market and FishWise aligns with the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions’ Common Vision for Environmentally Responsible Seafood.
New Seasons Market has 18 stores located in the Pacific Northwest and northern California. It has plans to build an additional five stores in the coming year.
“Our customers care about their food and where it comes from,” Daily Berg, New Seasons Market seafood buyer and merchandiser, said in a statement. “The FishWise seafood labeling program allows us to provide our customers with all the information they need to make seafood buying decisions that line up with their values.”
Ethan Y. Lucas, a senior project manager for FishWise, said in a statement the program’s implementation will start in the spring.
“FishWise is very excited about our partnership with New Seasons Market and we commend the commitment the grocer has made to ensure its customers can choose from a wide variety of high quality, responsibly sourced seafood,” he said. “New Seasons Market is known for its exceptional customer service and commitment to the regional food economy. With FishWise, they’re taking proactive steps to educate the local community about sustainable seafood.”
