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Metcalfe’s Markets Introduce Sustainable Seafood Program With FishWise
Created on Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Family owned and operated, Metcalfe’s Market (Metcalfe’s) has partnered with FishWise – a non-profit organization focused on improving the sustainability of seafood retailers, distributors and producers to develop and implement a comprehensive sustainable seafood program.
This partnership strengthens Metcalfe’s commitment to offering customers environmentally sustainable seafood. Metcalfe’s Markets have implemented service case labeling of all fresh seafood including sustainability color ranking, catch method, and geographic origin, making it easier for customers to choose sustainable seafood options. In addition, Central US Seafood Watch pocket guides are available to provide customers with a comprehensive list of sustainable seafood options.
“Here at Metcalfe’s, we are committed to sustainability and try to develop programs that help us become part of the solution, one step at a time.” said president and co-owner Tim Metcalfe. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with FishWise. They have taught us a great deal about sustainable seafood and we look forward to sharing this knowledge with our customers to help them make informed decisions when purchasing seafood.”
The color-coded system consists of green, yellow and red. Green signs are “best choices” (abundant, well-managed and caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways), yellow signs are “good alternatives” (still have concerns regarding how they are caught or farmed), and red signs are deemed “unsustainable” by the scientists at Monterey Bay Aquarium (overfished, caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment).
“FishWise commends the progress of Metcalfe’s Market on seafood sustainability and we look forward to working together to develop and execute on these commitments.” Mariah Boyle, assistant director of operations for FishWise said. “Metcalfe’s Market has established themselves as a progressive industry leader in sustainable practices. Their leadership in this area as an independent grocer is even more remarkable.” she continued.
The addition of a sustainable seafood program to Metcalfe’s Market is an extension of their commitment to sustainability which includes a Food Miles program, 100% green powered stores and, most recently, a Reuse & Choose recycling program. Metcalfe’s Food Miles program consists of in-store signage that educates shoppers about where and how far away their food has traveled. By participating in the Food Miles program, customers can support over 2,000 fresh, local options. In addition, both markets are 100% green powered, supported by wind and solar technologies. And lastly, Metcalfe’s encourages customers to reuse and/or recycle their grocery bags with their Reuse & Choose program, rewarding both the customer as well a local charity of the month.
Metcalfe’s takes pride in the quality of its seafood offerings and is dedicated to maintaining these high standards while shifting sourcing to more sustainable options over time. The stores are immediately taking action to discontinue the sale of a few “unsustainable” species including skate, shark and monkfish.
The agreement between Metcalfe’s Market and FishWise is consistent with the Common Vision for Environmentally Sustainable Seafood. The Common Vision is an ambitious, but realistic guide to environmentally responsible seafood for businesses. It was developed by more than fifteen of North America’s leading ocean conservation organizations.
Click here to download the press release.