The Co-operative Group has set out its stall to be the UK’s leading sustainable fish retailer with the launch of a new corporate policy supporting good fishing practice.
The Responsible Fish Sourcing Policy, launched this week, was developed in association with The Co-operative Group’s fish suppliers and is designed to ensure a number of ethical issues are addressed when fish is sourced. These include over-fishing, illegal fishing, bycatch, fishing methods that destroy the seabed and the effect upon other species, marine animals and birds.
“As a responsible retailer, we have to address the fact that dwindling stocks and poor fishing practices are real concerns,” said Debbie Robinson, director of food retail marketing.
To mark the launch of the new policy, the retailer has introduced 30 new fish lines across its own-brand fish range, including ready meals such as South African hake provencale and sustainably sourced lightly dusted haddock.
Fish in all The Co-operative’s existing own-label products, from fresh cod to salmon sandwiches, would also be sourced in line with the policy by the launch of Seafood Fortnight on September 5, it added.
The Co-operative also announced it would be increasing the number of MSC-certified own-label fish lines available in store to 10, adding that a further 10 MSC-certified products were on their way.
“The Co-operative’s considerable and proactive programme of commitment will be greatly appreciated by its customers who are looking for an increasing range of sustainable seafood,” said Toby Middleton, UK commercial manager at the MSC.
The Co-op’s approach has also been welcomed by Greenpeace, which claims the new policy will place the retailer at the forefront of the sustainable seafood agenda.
The retailer also pledged £200,000 of funding to support fisheries going through MSC certification that may not otherwise have had the resources to fund the process.
The Responsible Fish Sourcing Policy, launched this week, was developed in association with The Co-operative Group’s fish suppliers and is designed to ensure a number of ethical issues are addressed when fish is sourced. These include over-fishing, illegal fishing, bycatch, fishing methods that destroy the seabed and the effect upon other species, marine animals and birds.
“As a responsible retailer, we have to address the fact that dwindling stocks and poor fishing practices are real concerns,” said Debbie Robinson, director of food retail marketing.
To mark the launch of the new policy, the retailer has introduced 30 new fish lines across its own-brand fish range, including ready meals such as South African hake provencale and sustainably sourced lightly dusted haddock.
Fish in all The Co-operative’s existing own-label products, from fresh cod to salmon sandwiches, would also be sourced in line with the policy by the launch of Seafood Fortnight on September 5, it added.
The Co-operative also announced it would be increasing the number of MSC-certified own-label fish lines available in store to 10, adding that a further 10 MSC-certified products were on their way.
“The Co-operative’s considerable and proactive programme of commitment will be greatly appreciated by its customers who are looking for an increasing range of sustainable seafood,” said Toby Middleton, UK commercial manager at the MSC.
The Co-op’s approach has also been welcomed by Greenpeace, which claims the new policy will place the retailer at the forefront of the sustainable seafood agenda.
The retailer also pledged £200,000 of funding to support fisheries going through MSC certification that may not otherwise have had the resources to fund the process.
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