Hy-Vee's Private Label Canned Tuna Among Top Five Responsibly Sourced Brands
April 3, 2015 | News & Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hy-Vee ranks fifth in Greenpeace USA’s recent analysis of 14 major canned tuna brands
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 3, 2015) — Hy-Vee, Inc.’s private label canned tuna ranked fifth in Greenpeace USA’s recent Tuna Shopping Guide, which analyzed 14 well-known canned tuna brands across the United States.
Hy-Vee Select Responsible Choice skipjack and albacore tuna were recognized as ocean safe products because of their pole-and-line or pole-and-troll fishing methods, which have minimal impact on other species. The analysis also noted the grocery chain’s recent strides with its Seafood Procurement Policy and the availability of information on Hy-Vee’s responsible seafood efforts.
“We are dedicated to delivering a high-quality seafood selection to our Midwest customers. To accomplish this, we believe we must also play an integral role in keeping our oceans healthy,” said Nate Stewart, vice president of perishables at Hy-Vee. “We look forward to continuing to improve our responsible seafood efforts.”
Greenpeace scored the brands in categories including traceability, fishing methods used, product labeling and consumer education, and support for marine reserves and promoting industry change. Through this scoring process, it found that only 20 percent of the canned tuna sold in the United States comes from sources that engage in responsible and nondestructive fishing practices.
Hy-Vee’s Seafood Procurement Policy includes the Responsible Choice labeling initiative, which informs customers about the company’s efforts to provide seafood from environmentally responsible sources. The policy was created to help Hy-Vee sell seafood that is not only safe for consumption, but that is also harvested or raised in a manner providing for its long-term viability while minimizing damage to the environment and other sea life.
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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 235 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $8.7 billion annually. 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.