The supermarket has published a public profile, on the ODP website, which includes a list of all of the fisheries supplying wild-caught seafood sourced by Lidl UK, alongside information on fishery management, catch method, and environmental impact.
"At Lidl UK we are extremely proud of our commitment to sourcing 100%of our own brand chilled and frozen wild caught seafood from [Marine Stewardship Council]-certified fisheries. This is why we are pleased to be joining and supporting the Ocean Disclosure Project, which reinforces our focus on the traceability and transparency of our seafood," said Amali Bunter, responsible sourcing manager at Lidl UK.
Lidl is committed to sourcing 100% of its own-brant permanent fresh and frozen fish products, as well as fish used as an ingredient in its products, from independently certified sustainable fisheries. Through its commitment to Ocean Disclosure Project, Lidl its transparently reporting its efforts on an annual basis.
"Over the years, we have been working very hard with our suppliers and the wider seafood sector to help shape a more sustainable fishing industry, and we were one of the first British supermarkets to independently certify our sustainable fish and seafood."
Lidl is one of the country’s largest suppliers of MSC-certified fish, stocking the third largest range of MSC products - whether you enjoy a delicate salmon fillet or crunchy fishcake, you will find something that takes your fancy in the supermarket's range.
"More recently, we published our new sustainable seafood policy, which further underlines our commitments to responsible sourcing through our range of targets, including our support for Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs). We now look forward to making further progress with the wider sector in our collective aim to drive transparency and safeguard fish stocks for the future.”
Lidl's commitment is to source 100% of its fresh and frozen own-brand fish and seafood products from sustainable sources by the end of 2018.
SFP (Sustainable Fisheries Partnership) started the ODP in 2015 to provide a valuable information resource for responsible investors, seafood consumers, and others interested in sustainable seafood, it said. To date, 13 other companies, including retailers, suppliers, and aquaculture feed manufacturers from Europe and North America, have participated.
Lidl brought out its first MSC fish products in 2006 and have continually expanded its range since then.
“Lidl has experienced significant growth as a UK retailer and now represents an important share of UK seafood offerings; as such it is great to have their participation in the ODP,” said Tania Woodcock, Ocean Disclosure Project Manager at Sustainable Fisheries Partnership. “We hope that this move will encourage other retailers across Europe to join the ODP.”
About the Ocean Disclosure Project
The Ocean Disclosure Project promotes transparency in wild caught seafood through encouraging companies to identify the fisheries where they source products alongside information on the environmental performance of each fishery. The ODP therefore represents a pioneering commitment to supply chain transparency for companies sourcing from the world’s wild fisheries.
The ODP was launched in 2015 by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, a US-registered non-profit that works directly with the seafood industry to deliver sustainable seafood.
About LidlUK
Since establishing itself in the UK in 1994, Lidlhas experienced continuous growth in Great Britain and today has over 20,500 employees, 700 stores and 12 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales. As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry.
With a presence in 30 countries around the world, the supermarket, which has more than 225,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 10,000 stores and more than 150 distribution centres in 28 countries globally. Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society and the environment. Lidl UK is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from the UK, working with suppliers across the British Isles wherever possible.
(UNITED KINGDOM, 5/10/2018)
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