ROCHESTER, NY – Wegmans Food Markets has united with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) to help understand Wegmans’ impact on the future of seafood sustainability.
“The seafood industry and what we know about its impact on the environment is always changing. So it only makes sense to partner with a group of experts that can keep track of the latest and greatest information,” says Carl Salamone, Wegmans VP of Seafood. “When SFP counsels us on the technical side of the business, it allows us to do what we do best… provide fresh, high quality, responsible seafood to our customers. We’re excited about how this partnership can enrich our company, our customers’ experience, and the seafood industry.”
Dick Jones, SFP Global Director, Major Buyer Education Team, believes that conscientious seafood buyers are able to influence their supply chain to make long term investments and changes that lead to fisheries improvement. “SFP is pleased to work with Wegmans on developing its strategy for sustainable seafood, for it will make a positive impact on a global level.”
All of Wegmans seafood suppliers were asked to provide information about the fisheries where they source their products, the gear used for the catch, and other pertinent details. Sustainable Fisheries Partnership then analyzed the data and delivered a report to Wegmans. The report is designed to help Wegmans understand the impact its business has on the environment and status of seafood stocks.
At this time, SFP is focusing on wild-caught species. It is anticipated that the focus will move to farmed seafood in the future.
“SFP is continuing to work on the analysis of the fisheries. Once that has been completed, we will evaluate the entire report and make a plan for the future,” states Salamone. “Our hope is to work with our suppliers to identify areas of the industry that can be improved and create plans to move forward. Sustainability is a never-ending goal.”
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Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 79-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for fourteen consecutive years. In 2011, Wegmans ranked #3 on the list.