European retailers commit to MSC, ASC seafood

Kaufland, which operates 660 stores in Germany, is the first retailer in the country to commit to carrying only Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish and shrimp in its frozen seafood department.

Kaufland’s frozen range includes 30 items, including crispy and gourmet fillets, fish fingers, shrimp, salmon fillets, and seasonal products. 

“As part of its sustainable product range, Kaufland is constantly expanding its range of fish products with MSC- and ASC-certified fish. These products are marked accordingly, so that the customers can make their selection specifically,” the retailer said in a statement.

Kaufland isn’t the only retailer making a push towards MSC-certified products. Elorrio, Spain-based Eroski, which operates more than 1,000 stores, also recently added three new MSC-certified products: lobster, desalted cod trays, and surimi.

Nearly a year ago, Eroski became the first retail distribution chain in Spain to obtain MSC chain of custody certification. It also carries MSC-certified Skrei cod, northern bonito, and Cantabrian anchovy under its Eroski Natur brand.

In the past year, Eroski has purchased 1,000 tons of MSC-certified fish, and it plans to purchase 2 million kilos by 2020.

Meanwhile, Carballo, Spain-based seafood processor Grupo Calvo, says it is marketing the first MSC-labeled tropical canned tuna. Its line of Ecolinea tuna now carries the MSC seal. The skipjack tuna is pole- and line-caught and is completely traceable to its source.

Grupo Calvo also plans to expand the Ecolinea range, which already includes salads, mussels and mackerel, to other types of products.

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