Co-op grocery stores are realizing major seafood sales as a result of comprehensive sustainability programs and a focus on sourcing high-quality product.
For example, the 165 Co-op food stores, operated by Federated Co-operatives Ltd., recently began marketing a Reel in the Solution! sustainable seafood program to its shoppers. The program was developed by the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan–based supermarket chain and SeaChoice, a consortium of five Canadian conservation organizations that scientifically assess wild and farmed seafood species. The organization uses the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program as the basis of its assessments.
After reviewing all of its seafood supplies over the past year, Federated removed Atlantic halibut, blue marlin, shark, Chilean sea bass, long-lined swordfish, skates, rays and orange roughy from its shelves because the stocks are endangered or are caught with “unsuitable” fishing methods, according to the SeaChoice recommendations. Now, the Co-op’s stores are urging shoppers to consider purchasing options it deems more sustainable, such as Arctic char, sablefish, steelhead trout, rainbow trout, Dungeness crab and farmed blue mussels.
Click here to read the feature in its entirety from the July issue of SeaFood Business >
