Seafood

Seafood is the daily source of protein for 3 billion people, making it an important part of our business. As marine fish stocks decline and demand increases, both the global fishing industry as well as the marine ecosystem face tough challenges. Destructive fishing methods and climate change are heavily damaging ocean environments. Similarly, the seafood industry experiences pressure from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, undermining efforts to ensure sustainable production.

In the face of these challenges, numerous solutions have seen the light of day. Growth in responsible farmed fish is a promising solution to the issue of declining fish stocks. At sea, more sustainable ways of fishing are helping fish stocks recover with new fishing techniques that reduce by-catch. In addition, a growing amount of research is done to help the industry understand the impact it has on life under water. 

Ahold Delhaize and its brands are working hard to make sure that all our own brand seafood is responsibly sourced. In practice, this means we aim to buy seafood for our own brand which is either:

• Certified by certification schemes recognised by the Global Sustaianble Seafood Initiative (GSSI), including the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
• Assessed by a credible third party such as WWF in Greece, ILVO in Belgium or the Gulf of Marine Research Insittute in the US.
• From a fishery in a credible Fishery or Aquaculture Improvement Project.

We have set two targets for ourselves:

1. 100% of own-brand seafood product sales certified against an
   acceptable standard, from sustainable sources assessed by a
   credible third party, or from credible FIPs/AIPs.
2. 100% of own-brand seafood product sales with an identified farm/
   fishery of origin.

At the end of 2023, 98% of own-brand seafood product sales were either certified against an acceptable standard, from sustainable sources assessed by a credible third party, or from FIPs/AIPs. 99% of own brand seafood product sales had an identified farm/fishery of origin.