Large Superstores Commit To Sustainability

Kroger has set a 2015 goal of sourcing 100 per cent of its top 20 wild-caught species from sources that are certified by MSC, in full assessment, or involved in a Fishery Improvement Project with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Kroger has 2,458 stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.

Costco, the world’s largest membership wholesale club and third largest food retailer in the United States, stated it would stop selling certain wild-caught species universally identified as at great risk unless their sources are MSC-certified.

Supervalu, one of the nation's largest grocery retailers, announced it will source 100 per cent of its top 20 wild-caught seafood products from sustainable fisheries or those on a clear pathway to sustainability by 2015. Specifically, these products will be sourced from MSC-certified fisheries, fisheries that are in full assessment, or involved in a Fishery Improvement Project with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) by 2015. Stores in the Supervalu retail network include ACME, Albertsons, Cub, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘N Save, and Shoppers.

Finally, Walmart announced the company’s expanded restatement of its seafood sustainability commitment. Walmart and Sam’s Club will require all their wild-caught seafood products to be certified sustainable to MSC or equivalent standards. The restated commitment builds upon its 2006 commitment and has now been broadened from fish to seafood, which brings in shrimp, crab, and lobster, among other seafood categories that were not part of the previous commitment. Walmart will require currently uncertified fisheries to develop work plans to achieve certification and report progress biannually. Plans must be in development by May 2011, and finalised and underway no later than June 2012. Download Walmart’s seafood sustainability restatement.