El Corte Inglés has become the first Spanish distribution chain to offer canned and frozen fish bearing the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel.
El Corte Inglés offers MSC-certified seafood products as part of its Sustainable and Responsible Seafood Buying Policy, published in April 2011, which sets out the chain’s intention to “contribute to the sustainability and survival of marine species, while guaranteeing future consumer demand and the continuity of fishing-related industries.”
One of the first steps in the implementation of this policy is the introduction of MSC-labelled products, guaranteeing that the produce comes from fisheries which have been audited independently with regard to stock status, environmental impact and management.
The first products on offer with the MSC ecolabel are Campos brand albacore tuna, both canned and frozen, and Officer brand herring in tomato sauce. El Corte Inglés will be working with suppliers over the coming months to extend the range and offer sustainable alternatives to the almost 650 million clients who visit the chain’s stores each year.
Laura Rodríguez, MSC Spain and Portugal Country Manager, said: “Working with El Corte Inglés on their sustainable seafood purchasing policy has been a very satisfactory experience, because of their serious attitude towards the implementation of their commitments. We hope that consumers and suppliers will respond positively to this step towards sustainability, and that the range of products bearing the MSC ecolabel will be extended in the coming months."
El Corte Inglés is Spain's largest retail group and a world leader in department stores.
