Hy-Vee strengthens commitment to seafood sustainability

The company has added a Responsible Sourcing Commitment to its Seafood Procurement Policy, the latest step in Hy-Vee's effort to improve the sustainability of its seafood.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hy-Vee, Inc., an employee-owned company of 235 stores in eight Midwestern states, is pleased to announce the addition of a Responsible Sourcing Commitment to its comprehensive Seafood Procurement Policy. The policy and commitment were developed in partnership with FishWise – a non-profit organization focused on supporting sustainability through environmentally responsible business practices.

To protect marine resources and ensure future seafood supplies, Hy-Vee has committed to sell responsibly sourced fresh and frozen seafood that is rated Green or Yellow by the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, certified to an environmental standard equivalent to these ratings, or is sourced from credible, time-bound improvement processes by the end of 2015.

Hy-Vee has added the Responsible Sourcing Commitment to its Seafood Procurement Policy to underscore the company's commitment to providing high quality seafood that is safe for consumption and also harvested or raised in a manner that provides for its long-term viability (sustainability) while minimizing damage to the environment and other sea life.

Hy-Vee, Inc., offers a diverse and high-quality seafood selection to its Midwest customers and is dedicated to maintaining these high standards as the company implements the expanded seafood policy.  "It is Hy-Vee's mission to do business in a manner that promotes the well-being of our customers, employees, communities, and the global environment," said Hy-Vee's Nate Stewart, Vice President of Perishables. "We aim to be a destination for sustainable seafood, where customers can be confident that they are supporting the health of their families and that of the oceans by purchasing seafood sold at Hy-Vee." As part of its sourcing strategy, Hy-Vee is supporting fishery improvement projects and is engaging with suppliers to source seafood that is responsibly harvested or raised.

Hy-Vee will keep its customers, employees, and stakeholders informed about the company's efforts to improve the sustainability of its seafood supplies by providing information about the program on its website, at its store locations, and through featured articles in its quarterly Seasons magazine. Hy-Vee also plans to launch a customer education program for its service case, whereby fresh seafood items that meet the procurement policy will receive a 'Responsible Choice' call-out.

"Hy-Vee is taking significant steps to improve the sustainability of its seafood offerings and is establishing itself as a leader in this field," said FishWise Project Manager Ashley Greenley. "We are excited to work with them on their journey towards responsibly sourced seafood." A key example of Hy-Vee's commitment towards sustainability was its transition away from Russian king crab, a fishery that has been overexploited and is subject to high levels of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing, in favor of U.S. king crab fisheries in Alaska, which have healthy stocks and strong management.  

The agreement between Hy-Vee, Inc. 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, developed by more than fifteen of North America's leading ocean conservation organizations.

About Hy-Vee, Inc:
With 235 retail stores across eight Midwestern states and sales of more than $8 billion, Hy-Vee ranks among the top 25 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the United States. Supermarket News, the authoritative voice of the food industry, has honored the company with a Whole Health Enterprise Award for its leadership in providing services and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

About FishWise:
Based in Santa Cruz, CA, FishWise promotes the health and recovery of ocean ecosystems by providing innovative market-based tools to the seafood industry and supports sustainability through environmentally responsible business practices. FishWise partners with some of North America's largest and most innovative retailers, suppliers, and producers. For more information, visit www.fishwise.org

Contact: Ruth Comer – Assistant VP, Media Relations, Phone: (515) 559-5770 – Mobile: (515) 868-2061 – E-mail: [email protected]

Kathleen Mullen-Ley – Project Manager, FishWise
Phone: (831) 427-1707 – E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Hy-Vee, Inc.