The Kroger Co. on Friday offered an update on its sustainable seafood initiative, which kicked off in 2009 when it partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to develop a sustainable seafood sourcing policy.
The Cincinnati-based retailer confirmed that 65 percent of its top 20 wild-caught fresh and frozen seafood species are sourced from Marine Stewardship Council-certified or in MSC full assessment. That’s up from 50 percent in April. Its goal is to reach 100 percent by 2015.
Also, about half of Kroger's top 20 species by volume are sourced from MSC-certified fisheries. Its goal is to reach 75 percent by 2015.
Kroger is working with the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices program to ensure that its farmed seafood meets strict sustainability standards. Since the beginning of this year, Kroger has discontinued its sales of shark, bluefin tuna, marlin and, just this month, skates and rays due to overfishing concerns.
Kroger is the United States’ largest traditional grocery retailer, operating 2,439 stores in 31 U.S. states. Its banners include Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.