Visgilde is the biggest group of associated fish and seafood retailers in the Netherlands with 46 shops, has announced to introduce the MSC’s blue eco-label to its customers. And for this the company has put banners, posters, barker cards and leaflets in Visgilde shops all over the Netherlands that will explain to customers what the MSC label stands for.
According to the company the MCS stands for fish and seafood from well managed and sustainable fisheries. Visgilde shops have got the certification for processing and selling fish and seafood from 13 fisheries that are certified to the MSC environmental standard and are thus eligible to mark their catch with the MSC’s blue logo.
At first the shops will offer pollock and salmon from Alaska, New Zealand hoki and North Sea herring from MSC-certified fisheries. More species will follow depends on each season. Visgilde’s Marketing Manager Ingeborg Oosterhuis says that the campaign will greatly increase consumers’ choice of sustainable caught fish and seafood.
He added that the in the fish business sustainability has become increasingly important and the members of Visgilde consider it a necessity. He says, “We cannot lose sight of the future and by offering MSC-labelled fish and seafood we help to make sure that coming generations can still enjoy this highly nutritious food option.”
Rupert Howes, CEO of MSC, informed that a great number of fisheries, producers and retailers have recognized the credibility of MSC to take the commitment to the consumer. Visgilde is the first group of independent and specialized fishmongers that joins the MSC.
Camiel Derichs, MSC’s North European Fisheries Manager, said that the reach of Visgilde shops is vast in the Netherlands and their enthusiasm in raising awareness for sustainable fishing and introducing MSC eco-label is enormous.
