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First presented in 2006, the Seafood Choices Seafood Champion Awards annually recognizes individuals and companies for outstanding leadership in promoting environmentally responsible seafood. Seafood Choices established the award to honour those in the seafood industry whose past and/or present contributions demonstrate a commitment to innovation that leads to change.

 

“We’re always looking for ways to add value for our customers and we’re proud of our award-winning history of doing the right thing for the environment,” said Overwaitea Food Group president Steve van der Leest.

 

 Seachoice Overwaitea Press Conference

 

In July 2009 the retailer entered into a collaboration agreement with SeaChoice, making OFG one of the first retailers in Canada to actively commit to a sustainable seafood plan. Since this commitment, OFG has invested in a new six-point plan to increase their commitment to sustainable seafood.

 

The group has already taken some big steps: removing species and seafood items that SeaChoice suggests should

Steve van der Leest

be avoided while expanding their selection of seafood identified as the best sustainable choices.

 

“We work hard to be a trusted source when it comes to providing our customers with information and choices that help them make buying decisions that are right for them, and our partnership with SeaChoice is a great example of this focus,” said van der Leest.

 

In addition to Overwaitea Food Group, the 2010 Seafood Champion finalists are: Anova Seafood BV, The Netherlands; CEDEPESCA (Center for Development and Sustainable Fisheries), Argentina; The Co-operative, United Kingdom; Helene York of Bon Appétit Management Company Foundation, United States; Howard Johnson, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, United States; KLM In-Flight Services, The Netherlands; The Pollock Conservation Cooperative, United States; REJOPRAO (Réseau des Journalistes pour une pêche responsable en Afrique de l’Ouest), West Afric and WiLDCOAST – COASTASALVjE, Mexico and United States.

 

 

 

 

 

One of Western Canada's leading grocers, Overwaitea Food Group (OFG), began in 1915. At present the company operates about 115 supermarkets under the Overwaitea Foods, Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart, Urban Fare, and Cooper's Foods names. In addition to large selections of natural and bulk foods, OFG's stores offer private-label products (Western Classics, Value Priced, and Good & Kind). Urban Fare's upscale markets are located in cities in Western Canada. OFG's Bulkley Valley wholesale operation supplies some 1,800 grocery and convenience stores throughout Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. OFG is a division of The Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest private companies.

 

 

OFG is the environmental and energy efficiency leader in the grocery sector.  OFG has integrated energy management into business management so this is now a company priority as important as other critical areas like food safety and customer service. OFG’s key success is their commitment to continuous improvement.

 

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