U.S. supermarket chain Hy-Vee recently committed to carrying Fair Trade Certified tuna, and on Tuesday, 10 October, it announced it will add Fair Trade scallops to its seafood line-up.
The West Des Moines, Iowa-based chain, which operates 245 stores in the United States, said it will offer Fair Trade-certified fresh and frozen scallops in all of its stores.
“The world’s first domestically-sourced Fair Trade seafood will begin hitting Hy-Vee shelves this month in conjunction with National Seafood Month, a time to highlight smart seafood choices, sustainable fishing practices, and the health benefits of eating a diet rich in seafood,” the retailer said in a statement. “Hy-Vee plans to convert all of its scallop offerings to Fair Trade as additional supply becomes available.”
In March, Hy-Vee moved to ensure all of the fresh, frozen, and value-added tuna it carries is Fair Trade-certified.
The scallops are sourced off the coast of New England.
Hy-Vee is partnering with Fair Trade USA, a nonprofit organization and the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America, to expand its Fair Trade seafood offerings. The organization’s seal recognizes best-in-class seafood companies for their commitment to sourcing ethical seafood.
According to Hy-Vee, Fair Trade USA’s seafood program is the first of its kind to address both social and environmental challenges in the seafood sector.
“Standards for marine resources ensure that fisheries are managed legally and responsibly, preventing further overfishing. At the same time, social and human rights standards empower fishermen with better working conditions, improved terms of trade and additional income to invest in their businesses and communities,” Hy-Vee said.
