SUSTAINABILITY
Seafood
Scotland has long been a leader in sustainable fishing methods.
Ocean Health is Wealth RE TAILERS AND PRODUCERS CAN CAPITALIZE ON CONSUMERS’ PREFERENCE FOR ECO-FRIENDLY SE AFOOD. By Bridget Goldschmidt s consumers have grown more concerned about the health of the environment in the face of climate change, the issue has extended from how landbased foods are produced to those of the world’s oceans. According to 2020 research from Stockbridge, Mass.based consultancy Changing Tastes, most American consumers are worried about the effect of ocean health on fish and seafood, with a majority now concerned about heavy metals, plastic contamination and radiation in their fish and seafood, as well as the use of forced labor and antibiotics. The research found that these issues are now of greater importance than overfishing, which is still a concern for more than eight out of 10 adults. This year, a substantial 68% of respondents to a survey fielded by The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. said that they take into consideration where their seafood comes from before making a purchase. In response to these concerns, the Quincy, Mass.-based grocer, a banner of Ahold Delhaize USA, has developed a sustainable seafood program encompassing an annual local seafood initiative that brings in an assortment of fresh catches from well-known area seafood purveyors. “Stop & Shop is committed to sourcing only seafood from fisheries and farms that are well managed to ensure that fish populations remain healthy, Stop & Shop's sustainable seafood program encompasses an annual local seafood initiatiave that brings in an assortment of fresh catches from wellknown area seafood purveyors.
Key Takeaways Ocean health is an increasingly important consideration for consumers when buying seafood. Confusion about terms and processes still lingers for many shoppers, however, and with most food retailers offering sustainable seafood programs, grocers can find it a challenge to differentiate their individual initiatives. To further engage consumers, retailers need to tell the stories of those who supply the seafood, encourage the consumption of a wider variety of species, and offer more education across various media.
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