The recent study “From the sea to the supermarket: The sale of sustainable fish and seafood” by Causa Natura Center breaks down a photograph of supermarkets in Mexico and the degree of sustainable supply of the fish and seafood they offer.
The report evaluates the public commitment to sustainable sourcing of retailers with the highest market share, such as: Grupo Walmart, Grupo Soriana, Grupo Chedraui, H-E-B, Costco Wholesale and Grupo La Comer.
This evaluation is one of the six that make up the reporting methodology.
In particular, it considered the goals in terms of time, proportion and coverage; including product standards, segments, geographical areas and progress reports.
Walmart
Grupo Walmart obtained the highest score among other supermarkets in terms of sustainable supply. By 2025, the company has set out to ensure that 100% of its fish products come from sustainable sources.
That includes fresh, frozen and tuna.
In 2022, the company reported that 89% of fish and seafood have fishing certifications or in a Fisheries Improvement Project (a kind of alliances in favor of the sustainable use of a fishery).
In the same year, it was asserted that 100% of tuna has an MSC certificate, used to guarantee the sustainability of the source fish by some retailers.
Costco Wholesale
It is committed to sourcing sustainable seafood, specifically for the Kirkland Signature brand, including products certified with MSC, FIP or aquaculture (ASC or AIP).
“The company was looking to achieve 63.5% of MSC certified fishery products and 44% of farms certified by AIP by 2022. Although the commitment is public, no specific information is provided for Costco Wholesale Mexico,” the study cites.
Chedraui
In 2020, the retail chain committed to preferentially sourcing sustainable fish and seafood.
Although Chedraui presents itself as the first to adopt a purchasing policy for sustainable products, this document is not publicly available on its official pages, the study highlighted.
H-E-B
“We apply exceptional standards in the selection of suppliers and at every stage of the supply chain, from acquisition to presentation in all our stores,” the retailer said in a statement dated November 10.
The study identified that in its social responsibility tab, this retailer ensures that marine products come from a network committed to the sustainability of the oceans and the community.
“However, the sustainability standards and the proportion of sustainable products in relation to the total number of fish and seafood offered are not detailed,” the study says.
La Comer and Soriana
In the case of La Comer, the Causa Natura Center study states that there is no information on any commitment to the sustainable supply of fish and seafood.
No commitment was found on the part of Soriana either, despite the fact that the last three annual reports and its website were reviewed.
Causa Natura Media requested interviews with Grupo Walmart, Grupo Soriana, Grupo Chedraui, H-E-B, Costco Wholesale and Grupo La Comer. No comment was given by these companies to this media.
Recommendations
Among its recommendations for sustainable sourcing, the Causa Natura Center study highlights that supermarkets must make public their commitment to supplying fish and seafood.
In addition, it is recommended that they make a public report, whose purpose is to show the progressive progress of these goals or to reason why progress has not been possible.
*This note is part of series #PescadoenelSupermercado, which reports on the standards of fisheries sustainability in the Mexican market.
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