Tesco Strikes New Sustainable Seafood Partnership

29 Apr 2016 --- Tesco has struck a new deal with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), in a move which will see it source more seafood in a sustainable way.

The move comes as an increasing number of customers are demanding that supermarkets sell sustainably-caught seafood.

The supermarket giant has made three key pledges, on the back of the new deal with the independent non-profit organization which certifies that fish have been caught sustainably.

1) To expand the MSC-ecolabel scheme for pre-packed and frozen fish sold in Tesco stores.
2) Introducing MSC-certified fish to its 656 fish counters, making sustainable fish accessible to shoppers across the UK
3) Ensuring that all tuna sold at Tesco stories is sourced in a sustainable way, whether own label or branded.

Earlier this month Tesco introduced its MSC ecolabel across 28 different types of chilled prepacked fish-including cod fillets, smoked kippers, haddock fishcakes and fish fingers.

Next month, it will introduce the label to its 656 fish counters across the UK, and later this year it will introduce it across frozen fish lines.

Tesco has also made a further commitment on sustainable tuna. Since 2012, all Tesco’s own-brand tuna has been fished using the sustainable pole and line method. 

Tesco said it is now extending the same sustainably requirement to branded tuna products. Tesco said it will allow brands sufficient time to meet these requirements.

Other supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrison’s also sell MSC-certified products.

Tim Smith, group quality director, Tesco, said: “Customers tell us it’s important they can be sure the fish on our shelves is caught in way that maintains health fish stocks and doesn’t cause harm to other sea life or the ocean environment.”

“Rapidly expanding the amount of MSC ecolabel fish on our shelves and counters will make sustainably sourced fish affordable and accessible for shoppers across Britain.”

Rupert Howes, chief executive of MSC, said: “Tesco’s commitment to MSC certified seafood is helping to ensure the future health of the world’s oceans.”

As the UK’s biggest supermarket chain, Tesco is uniquely positioned to help British shoppers to put MSC ecolabelled sustainable fish on the table.”

“By helping their customers to choose certified sustainable seafood, they are also helping them to recognise and reward sustainable fishing, ensuring health fish stocks, and healthy oceans for generations to come.”