On 6th August the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will launch its third Sustainable Seafood Week in China. 78 stores from eight of China’s largest retailers will take part in activities to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing.
Initiated by the MSC in 2013, Sustainable Seafood Week China is supported by the National Sustainable Consumption program organized by the Chinese Retailer and Chain Store Association (CCFA), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and UNEP China program.
Retailers taking part in this year’s event include Aeon, Metro, Ole’ (food hall) under China Resources Vanguard, Concord Investment China Ltd. (RT-mart), RAINBOW, City Shop, Sam’s Club and IKEA China.
Growing awareness of sustainable seafood
Dr An Yan, MSC’s China Program Director said: “This year more retailers will support Sustainable Seafood Week than ever before. All have a joint vision of serving more sustainable and traceable seafood to Chinese consumers. Sustainable Seafood Week gives us a great opportunity to raise awareness of the need for sustainable seafood.”
The week long program, will include a traditional seafood tasting demonstration, supported by the MSC’s partners including Clearwater, Chang International, Zoneco and Frosta. The MSC will also organize several in store promotions including point of sale information; classes on how to cook sustainable cod; and educational activities at retailer’s kids clubs. All activities aim to increase Chinese consumers’ awareness about sustainable fisheries and products with the MSC blue ecolabel.
“Choosing products with the blue MSC ecolabel gives Chinese consumers confidence that the product can be traced back to certified sustainable fisheries.” said MSC Asia Pacific Director, Patrick Caleo. “Sustainable Seafood Week is part of our Asia Pacific awareness building program encouraging people to choose labelled products so as to conserve marine ecosystem.”
Growing supply
Ms. Guo Geping, President of CCFA said: “CCFA has a long term goal to build a market for credible certified products to China, through close partnerships with standard-setting organizations. For example, MSC certified seafood will be encouraged procurement policy of China retailers. Through the implementation of sustainable procurement policies, retailers will provide substantial healthy and environment-friendly seafood to Chinese consumers by a great number of product varieties.”
“So far, there are more than 40 MSC labeled products available to Chinese consumers. This is still a niche offering as we’re only just beginning to develop a sustainable seafood market in China. With an increasing number of Chinese retailers joining the journey of sustainable seafood procurement, we hope that Chinese consumers will soon have more opportunities to find seafood with blue MSC label,” concluded Dr An.
In addition to the retailers supporting Sustainable Seafood Week, online shopping site JD.com, and international hotel chains, such as Shangri La, are participating in the 2016 Sustainable Seafood Week, giving Chinese consumers more opportunities to enjoy sustainable seafood.