Raley's Completes Sustainable Seafood Program Transition Early
Raley’s has completed the transition of its fresh seafood offerings to sustainable seafood companywide ahead of schedule, doing so as part of an ongoing effort to “change the way the world eats, one plate at a time.”
The West Sacramento, Calif.-based grocer finished the changeover six months in advance of its deadline. The program, fishery certification and ongoing seafood audits are made possible through a partnership with Austin, Texas-based Resiliensea Group. Additionally, Raley’s seafood staff has undergone extensive training to answer customer questions about sustainability.
“When humans consume seafood, we leave a permanent mark on the ecosystem,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s president and COO. “Sustainable seafood represents a healthy relationship with our planet that can endure forever. It is a way to replenish our oceans and manage their resources into the future. Informed consumers can make all the difference by finding out where their fish comes from and by making responsible choices.”
Sustainable seafood is either caught wild or farmed in ways that consider the long-term vitality of harvested species and the well-being of the oceans without harming affected ecosystems. Raley’s fishery partners are dedicated to preserving the health of marine environments for future generations. Providing sustainable seafood means working with trusted fisheries and fishermen to ensure that seafood is sourced responsibly and ethically.
Certified fisheries and farms must go through a rigorous process to validate that the practices used comply with requirements established by international experts. Raley’s sources its fresh seafood only from fisheries or farms with certifications recognized internationally as credible by scientific, industry and nongovernmental organizations.
In addition, Raley’s vendors must provide documented evidence that products don't come from sources that use any illegal methods. The retailer requires full seafood traceability, including audits and substantial documentation.