Meijer, a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, on Thursday announced the launch of a comprehensive seafood sustainability initiative to ensure that all its suppliers follow specific seafood sustainability guidelines.
Previously, Meijer partnered with the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) to help ensure its farmed seafood comes from suppliers who operate in the most beneficial way to the industry and environment. The retailer will continue to work with GAA to develop and refine its sustainability program and help its suppliers achieve Best Aquaculture Practices certification.
To ensure sustainability of its wild-caught seafood, Meijer joined forces with Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) to work closely with suppliers and producers in the development of Fishery and Aquaculture Improvement Partnerships. The partnerships focus on building consensus around specific improvements in policies, marine conservation measures, fishing and aquaculture practices.
During the next year, SFP will assist Meijer with the ongoing development of its sustainable seafood policy and continued seafood supply chain analysis. As Meijer evaluates its seafood suppliers, it will work with SFP to determine how to best engage its suppliers to encourage Fishery and Aquaculture Improvement Projects.
“As Meijer continues to refine its seafood sustainability program, we have internally pledged to only work with seafood suppliers that share our commitment toward seafood sustainability and have a genuine interest in being involved in the solution,” said J.K. Symancyk, COO. “We expect our seafood suppliers to provide open communication and commit to full transparency as we work toward achieving the highest levels of seafood sustainability.”
