Two days after Loblaw provided an update on its year-old commitment to source only sustainable seafood by 2013, another major Canadian food retailer announced that it’s just over a year away from offering only sustainable seafood at its 600-plus supermarkets.
Metro on Friday adopted a sustainable seafood purchasing policy that it will gradually implement beginning in September. The policy, which includes phasing out species from unsustainable sources, is due to go into effect in June 2011.
The Montreal-based retailer said it will favor suppliers that “make tangible progress toward the sustainable management” and sell seafood products certified by programs such as the Marine Stewardship Council. It will also continue to consult independent fisheries experts, including Jean-Claude Brêthes, professor at the Institut des sciences de la mer of the Université du Québec à Rimouski.
The four-tiered policy consists of healthy species, sustainable operating methods, product traceability and local economy and labor, meaning Metro will take into account local economic issues when making seafood purchasing decisions.
“The adoption of a sustainable fisheries policy is consistent with our corporate responsibility approach,” said Robert Sawyer, Metro’s executive VP and COO. “This initiative is proof that we want to go beyond the role of distributor and become an actor in sustainable development.”
Metro has annual sales of more than CAD 11 billion (USD 10.4 million, EUR 8.3 million), and 65,000-plus employees. Its banners include Metro, Metro Plus, GP, Super C and Food Basics.
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