Loblaws declares itself Canada’s top sustainably-certified seafood provider

Loblaws has staked a claim that it sells the largest volume of Marine Stewardship Council- and Aquaculture Stewardship Council-certified fresh seafood of any grocer in Canada.

The Brampton, Ontario-based retailer, which operates 2,400 stores, making it one of Canada’s largest grocery chains, said it sells more than 200 products with MSC, ASC, and Best Aquaculture Practices certifications. Loblaw is the only coast-to-coast grocer in Canada with certified fresh fish cases, allowing it to offer shoppers audited and traceable MSC- and ASC-certified seafood at seafood counters, the company said.

Loblaw recently announced it is rolling out a new program it says will add support and resources to help its more than 1,000 existing Canadian local businesses continue to supply it with products.

.Launching January 2024, Loblaw’s Small Supplier Program is designed to “empower and support new and existing small suppliers, helping their businesses thrive and reach more customers through Loblaw’s stores,” the grocery chain said.

“By providing faster payments, streamlined processes, a six-month guaranteed listing period, and top-notch support, the program makes running a small business simpler when working with Loblaw,” it said.

In addition to affording suppliers, including seafood suppliers, the opportunity to grow their businesses, the program will ultimately provide consumers with greater choices on shelves nationwide, Loblaw said.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and the path to this country’s successful future,” Loblaw President and CEO Per Bank, who was hired in April 2023, said. “Every day, we experience the terrific power of innovation in many family-owned, traditional, and local producers and we want to assist their ability to develop new products and generate a truly diverse and inspirational range.”

Because building and growing a solid customer base can take time, Loblaw’s new program provides a six-month on-shelf commitment, while waiving associated listing fees, giving new suppliers the opportunity to test their products with greater ease, the retailer said.

Loblaw will also provide dedicated team members at Loblaw’s corporate office and regionally, as well as training and resources to help small suppliers.

Loblaw recently beat third-quarter estimates as same-store sales in its food segment grew 4.5 percent due to increased traffic in its stores. Loblaw was one of several major grocery chains that recently agreed to work with the government on lowering overall food prices in response to spiraling global inflation.

Photo courtesy of Loblaw