Section of fish sales at a Hy-Vee supermarket. (Photo: GAA)
Hy-Vee reinforces its commitment to offer sustainable tuna products
(UNITED STATES, 2/3/2017)
Hy-Vee Inc. has expanded its Seafood Procurement Policy to include shelf-stable tuna, one year after the retailer met its goal to source 100 percent of its fresh and private label frozen seafood from responsible sources, and three years after unveiling its 'Responsible Choice' seafood-labelling programme.
“Shelf-stable tuna is a challenging and complex category, but we are committed to taking positive and meaningful steps to be part of the solution,” said Brett Bremser, EVP of perishables at Hy-Vee.
“By establishing a policy for our shelf-stable tuna, we are initiating the next phase of Hy-Vee’s sustainable seafood journey,” he added.
According to the Seafood Procurement Policy, the retailer chain is committed to sourcing shelf-stable tuna from fisheries that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) with supply chain traceability, and/or Green or Yellow rated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program, and/or engaged in fishery improvement projects making measurable and time-bound progress, Progressive Grocer reported.
The company's policy relies on these internationally recognized sustainability programs and guidelines because they incorporate criteria and standards that address the biggest issues in tuna sustainability, including overfishing of tuna stocks, bycatch of non-target species, habitat and ecosystem.
The policy also includes language recognizing the importance of traceability to ensure seafood is from legal and verifiable sources, the responsibility to uphold human rights in seafood supply chains, and the need to support and engage in initiatives to drive positive outcomes in fisheries and aquaculture production.
“As we enter the fourth year of our Responsible Choice seafood program, Hy-Vee remains dedicated to doing business in a manner that promotes the well-being of our customers, employees, communities and the global environment,” Bremser said.
In 2013, due to concerns over the high levels of bycatch in fish aggregating device-associated purse seine fisheries and in longline tuna fisheries, the chain developed two MSC-certified Hy-Vee Select canned-tuna products.
Hy-Vee’s Seafood Procurement Policy was developed in partnership with FishWise, a non-profit sustainable seafood consultancy that promotes the health and recovery of ecosystems through environmentally and socially responsible business practices.
The employee-owned chain operates more than 240 supermarkets located throughout the Midwestern United States.
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5820 Westown Pkwy
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West Des Moines
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Iowa (50266-8223)
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United States
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+1 515 267 2800
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