Town & Country Markets 1st Grocer to Sell Humane Harvest Pacific Cod

Northwest independent grocer Town & Country Markets will become the first grocer to offer Blue North Fisheries’ Humane Harvest line-caught Pacific cod, starting Nov. 1. 

Cod individually caught aboard the Blue North fishing vessel are stunned immediately upon harvest, minimizing stress and resulting in a healthier, tastier fish, according to the company. The vessel is also the first in the Bering Sea to employ Moon Pool technology, which involves harvesting fish from within the vessel rather than from the weather deck, eliminating the crew’s exposure to perilous sea conditions. Once caught, the fish is filleted and frozen at sea for optimal freshness.

“This seems a natural next step in our commitment to offer sustainable seafood and conscious food choices to our shoppers,” noted Susan Allen, shareholder and director of brand development for Town & Country, a locally owned and operated grocer with six stores located throughout the Puget Sound region. “We are excited to offer this Humane Harvest cod to our customers, and are honored to be the first retailer to do so.”

“We believe that all sentient beings, including fish, deserve to be treated as humanely as possible,” said Michael Burns, co-founder and chairman of Seattle-based Blue North. “When we looked at potential partners to introduce this new product to consumers, we immediately thought of Town & Country Markets. My family and I have shopped for more than 30 years at our local Bainbridge Island Town & Country store.”

Launched in 2015, the Blue North Humane Harvest Initiative has been available on a limited basis to restaurant groups, but never before at grocery.