Meijer Casts New Seafood Sustainability Initiative

Meijer Inc. is launching a comprehensive seafood sustainability initiative that is expected to ensure all of its seafood suppliers follow specific guidelines for farmed and wild-caught seafood.

“Meijer has a great track record of working with responsible seafood suppliers,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO. “As we grow, the launch of this seafood sustainability initiative is simply the next step to ensuring we continue to provide our customers with seafood farmed and caught in the most responsible and sustainable way.”

Meijer offers a wide range of fresh seafood, both farmed and wild caught, and those products are always clearly labeled with country of origin.

Meijer has partnered with the Global Aquaculture Alliance to help the company maintain its high standards for farmed seafood by ensuring its seafood suppliers operate in the most beneficial way for the industry and the environment. This commitment to sustainable aquaculture means Meijer will continue to work with the GAA as it develops and refines its seafood sustainability program, while also helping its suppliers achieve sustainable aquaculture programs through a strict adherence to Best Aquaculture Practices, an international certification program.

Meanwhile, Meijer has joined forces with the international nonprofit organization Sustainable Fisheries Partnership to work closely with seafood suppliers and producers in the development of Fishery and Aquaculture Improvement Partnerships. These partnerships focus on building consensus around specific improvements in policies, marine conservation measures, fishing, and fish-farming practices. All of the seafood suppliers utilized by Meijer were contacted by SFP and asked to provide detailed information about where they source their wild capture seafood, as well as the method of harvest.

“As Meijer continues to refine its seafood sustainability program, we have internally pledged to only work with seafood suppliers that share our commitment toward seafood sustainability and have a genuine interest in being involved in the solution,” COO J.K. Symancyk said. “We expect our seafood suppliers to provide open communication and commit to full transparency as we work toward achieving the highest levels of seafood sustainability.”

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer operates 197 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.