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Target stores are withdrawing the sale of farmed salmon in favour of Alaskan wild salmon. (Photo: Target)
Target to sell only wild Alaska salmon
(UNITED STATES, 1/27/2010)
A leading retailer has announced it will abandon selling farmed salmon in favour of wild caught Alaska salmon.
"We're very pleased to see Target's recognition of Alaska and our sustainable methods. We tell people that we are the model for the world and (know) how to raise and manage our fisheries or our salmon fisheries and I think this recognition by Target speaks volumes to that message getting out," said Ray Riutta with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI).
Target says its decision is based on price, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to the environment. If there is a price increase, it will only be minimal, Target spokesmen assure.
"Environmental sustainability is an important priority for us at Target and along those lines offering wild-caught Alaskan salmon helps ensure that we're selling salmon that has been sourced in a sustainable way, that helps to preserve the abundance of the species, and it doesn't harm local habitats," said Target spokesperson Amy Reilly, KTUU reports.
Environmentalists call Target's announcement a victory for customers and Alaska's fishing industry.
"Their decision to discontinue farmed salmon in favor of a much more sustainable option wild Alaskan salmon really signifies the fact that this company has a sense of corporate social responsibility and that they believe that their consumers deserve not just a better and healthier product," said Casson Trenor with Greenpeace.
ASMI says Target's decision showcases the success of Alaska's fisheries.
"It's raised in a really good environment, it's healthy, it's good for you. We're lucky that we have a tremendous product up here," Riutta said.
With a big customer like Target shopping exclusively with Alaska, the demand for Alaska fish could spike, especially if other major stores follow Target's example.
"They have their own needs and there is an awful lot of salmon sold in the United States and if everybody did this I'm not sure we would have enough product to handle that big of a demand, but that's a decision others will have to make," Riutta said.
The economic impact of Target's decision is still unknown.
The switch in Target's 1,700 stores is expected to happen by the end of 2010.
By Denise Recalde
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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