According to Loblaw it is going to source all seafood sold in its retail locations from sustainable sources by the end of 2013. The commitment covers all canned, frozen, fresh, wild and farmed seafood products, in all categories. The Loblaw Sustainable Seafood Policy Initiative represents Loblaw’s commitment to conservation of marine resources and a healthy ocean environment.
Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited, told that the world’s oceans are facing an unprecedented crisis and the company is determined to think differently about how it sources seafood and to work in collaboration with the fishing industry and environmentalists to seek sustainable alternatives for customers.
The company also told that it has plan to establish a sustainable seafood procurement practice that focuses on responsible sourcing in every category the Company markets. The policy calls for some very tough decisions to be made, including the phasing-out of unsustainable supply where it cannot be demonstrably improved.
Gerald Butts, President and CEO, WWF-Canada, explained that this initiative is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive steps we have seen from a grocery retailer in Canada, and indeed the world. He opined that WWF is looking forward to working with Loblaw to help them achieve the commitments laid out in their policy.
It in 2008 when Loblaw took the first steps to offer sustainable seafood options to customers by launching Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified products and now offers 12 such products. It is true that the practice of sourcing seafood from sustainable sources will evolve over a period of time. Loblaw has already begun the process and is committed to making significant change at every step of the way.
