Topco Associates of Skokie, Ill., is sourcing Best Aquaculture Practices-certified seafood products for all Topco stores, effective immediately.
Topco's senior seafood buyer Mike Sullivan said the company made the decision to specify BAP-certified products as part of its overall strategy to source environmentally sustainable and responsibly produced seafood.
"We believe the BAP certification program for aquaculture seafood best meets the needs of our member companies," Sullivan said. "They care about the products they buy, and their customers do, too. BAP certification helps reassure them that the seafood they carry has been responsibly and sustainably produced."
Topco, owned by more than 50 member companies, including Associated Grocers, Meijer, Schnuck Markets, and Giant Eagle, among others, is the 20th retail or foodservice chain to adopt the BAP standard as part of a seafood sourcing policy. The BAP program was created by the Global Aquaculture Alliance of St. Louis.
GAA Vice President Peter Redmond said Topco's decision to specify BAP-certified products for aquaculture shows significant leadership.
"In today's marketplace, many consumers are concerned about the sustainability of the foods they purchase," said Redmond. "BAP provides the assurance to consumers that they are purchasing environmentally and socially responsible, safe, and traceable seafood."
November 23, 2009
