Ahold USA achieves seafood sustainability milestone

Carlisle, Pa.-based Ahold USA announced that all of the seafood sold from the service counters at its retail divisions of Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle is now 100 percent sustainably and responsibly sourced. In addition, 100 percent of Ahold USA’s Nature’s Promise and other own-brand seafood products are also sustainably sourced, including frozen shrimp and canned tuna. In total, customers will find more than 200 sustainable seafood items at Ahold USA’s retail divisions.

“Sustainable seafood is the right consumer choice and is also better for the health of the aquatic ecosystems that produce it,” said Marissa Nelson, senior vice president of responsible retailing and healthy living, Ahold USA. “We work with seafood suppliers who share our same values of respect for the environment and responsible product sourcing. By supporting these environmentally responsible fisheries and fish farms, our division stores provide high-quality seafood that is not only good for our customers, but ensure the same quality seafood will be available for years to come.”

To make smart seafood purchasing decisions, Ahold USA said it created a standard that follows leading industry practices and certifications such as Marine Stewardship Council, Aquaculture Stewardship Council or Best Aquaculture Practices. The retailer’s program ensures seafood has been farmed or fished in an environmentally responsible way meeting strict criteria. As part of this initiative, the retailer designed a comprehensive training program to further educate retail division associates about responsible sourcing and sustainable seafood, including species-specific origin and sustainability criteria.