Tops Friendly Markets' goal is to work closely with the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and their suppliers to ensure that all aquaculture products are BAP certified to the farm level by early 2013, where certification standards are available.
Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania, and operates 127 company-owned and five franchised stores under the TOPS Friendly Markets banner.
"We are extremely pleased by the announcement from Tops. The commitment shows that the issue of responsible aquaculture is not just a global or national issue, but a regional and local issue. We applaud the actions taken by Tops and welcome the growing number of retailers sourcing BAP product for their consumers," says Peter Redmond, GAA's VP of Global Development.
"At Tops we recognise the importance of having high quality seafood products available for our consumers and are committed to the efforts of the Global Aquaculture Alliance," says Jim Lane, Tops' Meat and Seafood director.
"Our shoppers can be assured that our focus is toward providing the freshest, highest quality seafood, including farm-raised seafood that is farmed in a responsible and sustainable way."
Tops Friendly Markets Joins Best Aquaculture Practice Standard
US - Tops Friendly Markets has announced that it will be adopting Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification as part of its comprehensive aquaculture procurement policy.
by Lucy Towers
