Kroger Expands Seafood Sustainability
The Kroger Co. has set a 2015 goal of sourcing 100 percent of its top 20 wild-caught species from sources that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, in full assessment or involved in a fishery improvement project with World Wildlife Fund.
These are among the new details released by the Cincinnati-based grocer about its progress on seafood sustainability and the next phase of its partnership with WWF, which is at the forefront of developing strategies for responsibly-sourced wild seafood. Kroger has been working with WWF for more than a year to assess its current seafood supply and develop ways to improve the sustainability of its seafood buying practices and standards.
The results of the internal analysis suggest already more than half of the top 20 wild-caught seafood species sold by Kroger are certified by the MSC or in full assessment.
“Kroger is enthusiastic about this goal and what it will mean for our customers,” said Mark Van Buskirk, Kroger’s VP for meat and seafood merchandising. “We want to ensure that our customers and their children can enjoy fresh, sustainable seafood for generations to come.”
In addition to sourcing 100 percent MSC certified fish, Kroger is supporting a number of fishery improvement projects in cooperation with WWF, including the Ecuadorian mahi mahi and Indonesian yellowfin tuna fisheries. The improvements being put in place will directly help these fisheries perform at a level consistent with MSC standards, benefiting local communities, fishermen, suppliers and consumers.
Kroger will also no longer sell shark, marlin or bluefin tuna due to sustainability concerns in the species.
To learn more about Kroger's 2011 Seafood Sustainability Policy, visit www.kroger.com/fresh_foods/meat_seafood/Pages/2010_seafood_sustainability_policy.aspx
Kroger operates 2,458 supermarkets and multidepartment 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.