Retailer Snapshot

Environmental Sustainability Commitment. Buy-Low Foods achieved its commitment to remove all red-listed seafood in 2015 and has since committed to procuring products that are Recommended by Ocean Wise or rated either ‘Good Alternative’ or ‘Best Choice’ by Seafood Watch, or from fisheries and farms that are engaged in credible improvement projects. This commitment applies to all of Buy-Low’s fresh and frozen seafood products (see infographic below) sold in all its store banners, and is supported by an effective traceability policy. Uniquely among major Canadian retailers, Buy-Low Foods does not sell any open net-pen farmed Atlantic salmon due to sustainability concerns. 


Social Responsibility Commitment. Buy-Low Foods’ commitment to social responsibility refers to credible international standards but does not include a traceability policy or timelines.

Scope of Commitment. See below for information on which types of products are included in the scope of Buy-Low Foods’ sustainable seafood policy.

Grocery store brands: Owned and controlled by Buy-Low Foods
Seafood company brands: Owned by companies that supply many retailers
No brand: Fresh and frozen seafood packaged without branding

WHAT CAN CONSUMERS DO TO HELP?

Take action!

Buy-Low Foods has made noteworthy improvements in the last year, but there is still important work to be done. Retailers listen closely to what YOU have to say. Leverage that power to drive important changes throughout the supply chain!

Select a topic to ADVOCATE for Buy-Low Foods to improve.

Social Responsibility

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Go to Buy-Low’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Buy-Low Foods’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you haven’t made any improvements to your social responsibility commitment in 3 years! As your customer, I want you to publish clear expectations of your seafood suppliers and improve your traceability policy. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Buy-Low Foods’ #SeafoodProgress profile, they haven’t made any improvements to their social responsibility commitment in 3 years! As someone who shops at Buy-Low, I want them to publish clear expectations of their seafood suppliers and improve their traceability policy. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@buy-low, according to your #Seafood Progress profile, you haven’t made any improvements to your social responsibility commitment in 3 years! As your customer, I want you to publish clear expectations of your seafood suppliers and improve your traceability policy. @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to info@buy-low.com.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Buy-Low Foods’ Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Daniel Bregg, President

Hi Mr. Bregg,

I shop at Buy-Low Foods and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I am glad to see that Buy-Low is working on bringing canned seafood products under your commitment by the end of 2021, but am disappointed by the lack of progress you have made toward your social responsibility commitment. Human rights abuses and poor practices at sea, on aquaculture farms and in processing plants continue to be reported on. Retailers must do their part to ensure that the products they sell are free from these atrocities!

I call on Buy-Low Foods to include clear expectations for your seafood suppliers, a clear and effective traceability policy and a timeline for meeting your social responsibility commitment.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Buy-Low Foods or Nesters store here. 
  2. Call the store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Alternatively, call Buy-Low’s Head Office at 604-888-1121.
  4. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Transparency

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Go to Buy-Low’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile, you don’t share a list of the products you source with region and gear type with the public. I’d like Buy-Low to be more transparent about the seafood you source! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile, they don’t share a list of the products they source with region and gear type with the public. I’d like Buy-Low to be more transparent about the seafood they source! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Click on the twitter icon and go to your account.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@buy-low, according to your #Seafood Progress profile, you don’t share a list of the products you source with region and gear type with the public. I’d like Buy-Low to be more transparent about the seafood you source! #transparency @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to info@buy-low.com.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Buy-Low Foods’ Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org.

Attention: Daniel Bregg, President

Hi Mr. Bregg,

I shop at Buy-Low Foods and recently reviewed its company profile on Seafood Progress. I am glad to see that Buy-Low now labels all of your private label seafood with geographic origin and gear type or farming method. However, I’m disappointed to learn that Buy-Low doesn’t report this information about your seafood products online. Doing so would prove to customers like myself that Buy-Low has nothing to hide in your supply chains, and I think that retailers have a responsibility to be completely transparent with customers about their supply chains!

Thanks for your consideration.

Regards,

[your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Buy-Low Foods or Nesters store here.
  2. Call the store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Speak to the message above in your own words.

Supporting Industry Improvements

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Go to Buy-Low’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile, you haven’t engaged in any actions to support improvements in skipjack tuna management practices in 3 years. As your customer, I’d like to see you help drive improvements upstream for popular (and at risk) products like canned tuna. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Buy-Low’s #Seafood Progress profile, they haven’t engaged in any actions to support improvements in skipjack tuna management practices in 3 years. As someone who shops at Buy-Low, I’d like to see them help drive improvements upstream for popular (and at risk) products like canned tuna. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Click on the twitter icon and go to your account.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@buy-low, according to your  #Seafood Progress profile, you haven’t supported improvements in skipjack tuna management practices in 3 years. As your customer, I’d like to see you help drive improvements upstream for popular (and at risk) products like canned tuna. @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to info@buy-low.com.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Buy-Low Foods’ Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org.

Attention: Daniel Bregg, President

Hi Mr. Bregg,

I shop at Buy-Low Foods and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I am glad to learn that Buy-Low only sells farmed shrimp and prawns that are ASC certified or BAP 2+ star certified. However, I’m disappointed to learn that Buy-Low hasn’t engaged in any actions to support improvements in skipjack tuna management practices in 3 years. Considering that canned tuna is a popular (and at risk) product in your stores, I think Buy-Low ought to help drive improvements upstream!

Thanks for your consideration.

Regards,

[your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Buy-Low Foods or Nesters store here.
  2. Call the store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Speak to the message above in your own words.

Another way to take action is to let retailers know that their efforts are noticed and that you want them to continue on the path towards best practice.

Select a topic to ACKNOWLEDGE Buy-Low Foods’ efforts.

Education

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Go to Buy-Low’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“I noticed on Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile that all Buy-Low and Nesters stores now have detailed signage on your sustainable seafood commitment. As a customer, I appreciate your efforts to help me make informed decisions in store! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“I noticed on Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile that all Buy-Low and Nesters stores now have detailed signage on their sustainable seafood commitment. As someone who shops at Buy-Low, I appreciate their efforts to help me make informed decisions in store. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Click on the twitter icon and go to your account.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@buy-low, I noticed on your #Seafood Progress profile that all Buy-Low and Nesters stores now have detailed signage on your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I appreciate your efforts to help me make informed decisions in store. @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to info@buy-low.com.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Buy-Low Foods’ Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org.

Attention: Daniel Bregg, President

Hi Mr. Bregg,

I shop at Buy-Low Foods and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I noticed that all Buy-Low and Nesters stores now have detailed signage on Buy-Low’s sustainable seafood commitment. As a customer, I really appreciate your efforts to help me make informed decisions in store!

I look forward to seeing Buy-Low continue to work toward best practice with your sustainable and socially responsible seafood commitments!

Regards,

[your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Buy-Low Foods or Nesters store here.
  2. Call the store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Speak to the message above in your own words.

Store Banners

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Go to Buy-Low’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“I noticed on Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile that ALL Buy-Low and Nesters market stores are included in your sustainable seafood commitment. As a customer, I appreciate that your commitment applies to every store! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“I noticed on Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile that ALL Buy-Low and Nesters market stores are included in Buy-Low’s sustainable seafood commitment. As someone who shops at Buy-Low, I appreciate that their commitment applies to every store! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Click on the twitter icon and go to your account.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@buy-low, I noticed on your #Seafood Progress profile that ALL Buy-Low and Nesters market stores are included under your sustainable seafood commitment. As a customer, I appreciate that your commitment applies to every store! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to info@buy-low.com.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Buy-Low Foods’ Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org.

Attention: Daniel Bregg, President

Hi Mr. Bregg,

I shop at Buy-Low Foods and recently viewed its Seafood Progress profile. I noticed that ALL Buy-Low and Nesters market stores are included under your sustainable seafood commitment. I just wanted to let you know that, as a customer, I appreciate that your commitment applies to every store.

I look forward to seeing Buy-Low continue to work toward best practice with its sustainable and socially responsible seafood commitments!

Regards,

[your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Buy-Low Foods or Nesters store here.
  2. Call the store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Speak to the message above in your own words.

Supporting Industry Improvements

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Go to Buy-Low’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“I noticed on Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile that you don’t sell ANY farmed Atlantic salmon. As a customer, I appreciate your efforts to keep these products off your shelves! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“I noticed on Buy-Low Foods’ #Seafood Progress profile that they don’t sell ANY farmed Atlantic salmon. As someone who shops at Buy-Low, I appreciate their efforts to keep these products off their shelves! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/buy-low-foods“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Click on the twitter icon and go to your account.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

.@buy-low I noticed on your #Seafood Progress profile that you don’t sell ANY farmed Atlantic salmon. As someone who shops at Buy-Low, I appreciate their efforts to keep these products off their shelves!@seachoice

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to info@buy-low.com.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Buy-Low Foods’ Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org.

Attention: Daniel Bregg, President

Hi Mr. Bregg,

I shop at Buy-Low Foods and recently viewed your Seafood Progress profile. I noticed that you don’t sell ANY farmed Atlantic salmon. As someone who shops at Buy-Low, I appreciate their efforts to keep these products off their shelves!

Regards,

[your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Buy-Low Foods or Nesters store here.
  2. Call the store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Speak to the message above in your own words.

See below for the remainder of Buy-Low Foods’ 2021 profile summary.

More retailer information

Data Collection. Buy-Low Foods collects species’ scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on all its fresh-frozen products. 

Responsible Sourcing. Buy-Low Foods’ commitment to social responsibility refers to credible international standards but does not include a traceability policy. To help put a stop to human rights atrocities throughout the seafood supply chain, retailers’ social responsibility commitments need to include clear expectations for seafood suppliers and an effective traceability policy. SeaChoice hopes to see more progress from Buy-Low in this area of growing concern.

Transparency. As of May 2021, Buy-Low Foods labels all its private label seafood products with species’ scientific name, geographic origin, whether the product is wild or farmed and what gear type or farming method was used. 

Education. Buy-Low Foods is committed to creating materials and training programs to ensure its employees have a thorough understanding of seafood sustainability. In May 2021, Buy-Low collaborated with SeaChoice to introduce comprehensive signage in all of its store locations to help educate consumers on its sustainable seafood policy. Buy-Low also engages regularly with its suppliers to ensure that the products it receives are in line with its environmental policy.

Supporting Improvements. Buy-Low Foods preferentially sources ASC certified or BAP 2+ star certified farmed shrimp and prawns. SeaChoice recommends that Buy-Low engage in actions to support improvements in skipjack tuna and other Priority Seafood commodities. Uniquely among major Canadian retailers, Buy-Low Foods does not sell any open net-pen farmed Atlantic salmon due to sustainability concerns.

Note: In the process of developing this profile, SeaChoice corresponded with Glen Genereux, Meat Buyer/Meat Merchandising Manager at Buy-Low Foods.

Step 1: Does the retailer have a comprehensive commitment on sustainable seafood?

Overall Step Score

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ Sustainable Seafood Reference Manual (unpublished, 2013) reports that its sustainable seafood commitment was to, by 2015, ensure that all fresh and frozen seafood were from sustainable and traceable sources, or were in a credible improvement project. The goal to remove all red-listed (as determined by Seafood Watch) seafood products from Buy-Low Foods’ stores was achieved in 2015.

  • 0% No publicly available environmental sustainability commitment or policy
  • 20% General commitment to environmentally sustainable seafood without clear objectives, traceability policy or timelines
  • 40% Commitment to environmental sustainability that includes clear objectives for sustainable procurement, but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 60% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards (such as Seafood Watch or Ocean Wise rankings, eco-certifications, etc.), but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 80% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards and a clear and effective traceability policy, but no timeline
  • 100% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards, a clear and effective traceability policy, and a timeline for meeting the commitment (unless the commitment has already been met).
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods supports the UN’s Universal Declaration on Human Rights and adherence to relevant Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and works with its suppliers to ensure that its labour practices reflect national laws and international standards (Responsible Sourcing Initiative, Buy-Low website).

  • 0% No publicly available social responsibility commitment or policy
  • 20% General commitment to socially responsible seafood without clear objectives, traceability policy or timelines
  • 40% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives for socially responsible procurement (for example by referring to credible international standards such as ILO, UN Declaration, etc.), but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 60% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives and actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, but no traceability policy or timelines.
  • 80% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, and a clear and effective traceability policy, but no timeline
  • 100% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, a clear and effective traceability policy, and a timeline for meeting the commitment (unless the commitment has already been met).
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ sustainable seafood policy includes both Buy-Low Foods and Nesters Market (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/05/2021).

  • 0% Retailer does not include any banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 25% Retailer includes 25% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 50% Retailer includes 50% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 75% Retailer includes 75% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 100% Retailer includes 100% of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ sustainable seafood policy does not cover its private label or national brand shelf stable products, but is working on bringing these product categories under its commitment (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% Retailer's commitment covers neither all of their shelf stable or national brand. products
  • 50% Retailer's commitment covers all of their shelf stable or national brand products
  • 100% Retailer's commitment covers all of their shelf stable AND national brand products
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 2: Is the retailer collecting data to support their commitment?

Overall Step Score

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

What information is the retailer collecting to monitor the environmental and social sustainability of their seafood products?

The step score is based on the average of Step 2 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ collects species’ scientific names for all products covered by its seafood commitment (i.e. fresh-frozen and private label seafood products), but not for shelf stable or national brand products (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ buyers request that all vendors provide origin (country and/or region) of catch or aquaculture facility for all products covered by its seafood commitment (i.e. fresh-frozen and private label seafood products, but not shelf stable or national brands; personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ buyers request that all vendors provide information on whether products are from wild or farmed sources for all fresh-frozen, private label products and national brand products (personal communication, G. Genereux, 27/05/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ buyers request that all vendors provide information on the gear type or farming methods for all fresh-frozen, private label and national brand seafood products (personal communication, G. Genereux, 27/05/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 3: Is the retailer making responsible sourcing decisions?

Overall Step Score

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Are the retailer’s procurement decisions supporting their environmental and social sustainability commitments?

The step score is based on the average of Step 3 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that KPI 3.3 was changed in 2019 from “Retailer works with suppliers to address potential human rights and labour abuses, and support sustainable livelihoods for producers” to more specific indicators around retailers’ agreements with their suppliers/vendors to uphold their environmental and social commitments.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods’ sourcing policy relies on ratings from Seafood Watch and recommendations by Ocean Wise, and also aims to increase the number of products in its range that are from MSC and ASC certified sources.

  • 0% No sustainability criteria used to inform purchasing decisions (or no information available)
  • 100% Sustainabilty criteria used to inform purchasing decisions
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods achieved its commitment to remove all red-listed seafood products by 2015 and it has continued to abide by this policy (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% Retailer has not reported in last three years how much of their seafood sold meets their sustainability commitment (or no information available)
  • 25% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 50% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 75% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 100% percent of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All suppliers sign a Code of Conduct that covers all of Buy-Low Foods’ commitment to not source any red-listed products or open-net pen farmed Atlantic salmon and to preferentially source MSC/ASC certified products (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% Suppliers are not required to sign a code of conduct (or no information)
  • 25% Some suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 50% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 75% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 100% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment and the retailer actively verifies that this commitment is being upheld.
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All of Buy-Low Foods’ seafood suppliers have signed a Code of Conduct on social responsibility that reflects their public social responsibility commitment to support the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights, adhere to relevant conventions of the International Labour Organization, and ensure that their labour practices reflect national laws and international standards (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% Suppliers are not required to sign a code of conduct (or no information)
  • 25% Some suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 50% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 75% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 100% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's social responsibility commitment and the retailer actively verifies that this commitment is being upheld.
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 4: Is the retailer transparent about their commitment?

Overall Step Score

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Is the retailer making information regarding the environmental and social performance of their seafood products publicly available and are they reporting on progress against their sustainable seafood commitment?

The step score is based on the average of Step 4 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In 2018, Buy-Low Foods changed its fresh counter and store packaged labels to include scientific (Latin) names, whether the product is wild or farmed, geographic origin and gear type or farming methods (personal communication, G. Genereux, 26/05/2021).

  • Species Latin name (the what)
  • Country of origin (the where)
  • Wild or farmed (the how part 1)
  • Gear type or farming methods (the how part 2)
  • 0% Retailer does not label products with the information (or no information)
  • 50% Retailer labels some products with the information
  • 100% Retailer labels all products with the information
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

As an Ocean Wise partner, Buy-Low Foods is using the Ocean Wise logo on Ocean Wise Recommended seafood products. Buy-Low Foods also includes MSC/ASC labels on certified pre-packaged products.

  • 0% Retailer does not label products with an ecolabel as appropriate (or no information)
  • 100% Retailer labels products with an ecolabel as appropriate OR all products fit under a standard and is communicated as such
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods currently does not disclose this information.

  • 0% No list of products procured with region and gear type has been made available (or no information)
  • 50% Some seafood products with region and gear type has been made available
  • 100% All seafood products with region and gear type has been made available
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods reported in 2015 the achievement of its commitment and reaffirmed this in 2017 through the SeaChoice/Buy-Low Foods press release and then to Seafood Progress in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

  • 0% No public information on how the retailer is doing to meet its commitment
  • 50% Retailer has at one point in the past reported publicly how much of its seafood sold meets its commitment
  • 100% Retailer regularly reports publicly how much of its seafood sold meets its commitment (by volume/value, at least every two years)
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 5: Does the retailer educate staff, customers and/or vendors about the importance of their commitment to sustainable seafood?

Overall Step Score

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Is the retailer educating their employees, customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders about their sustainable seafood commitment, environmental and social issues in seafood, and the importance of traceability?

The step score is based on the average of Step 5 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that KPI 5.3 changed in 2019 from “Suppliers are required to sign a Code of Conduct to uphold the retailer’s sustainable seafood policy” (now covered by KPIs 3.3 and 3.4) to an indicator of what actions retailers have taken to educate their suppliers/vendors about their sustainable seafood commitment.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods is committed to creating materials and training programs to ensure its employees have a thorough understanding of seafood sustainability, the Ocean Wise Seafood Program, and certification standards (such as MSC and ASC) so they can offer their customers advice on sustainable seafood options. Seafood counter staff are updated regularly on Buy-Low’s sustainable product options so that they can in turn educate and engage customers (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% Training programs not conducted for seafood staff (or no information)
  • 50% Training programs sometimes conducted or for only some seafood staff
  • 75% Training programs conducted for all seafood staff, but infrequently (less than every two years)
  • 100% Training programs regularly (at least every two years) conducted for all seafood staff
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In May 2021, Buy-Low introduced comprehensive store signage that clearly communicates its sustainable seafood commitment in all its Buy-Low Foods and Nesters locations.

  • 0% There is no description of the sustainable seafood program in store (or no information)
  • 50% This is some description of the sustainable seafood program in store
  • 100% There is a comprehensive description of the sustainable seafood program in store
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods engages regularly with its suppliers to ensure that the products it receives are in line with its environmental policy (no farmed Atlantic salmon, farmed shrimp eco-certified with at least BAP 2 star, no red-ranked products) and Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or MSC/ASC certified where possible. Buy-Low has also sought out more sustainable options from its suppliers to ensure its customers have access to seafood produced according to best practice (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • 0% The retailer has taken no actions OR no information available
  • 25% The retailer sends its suppliers or vendors a copy of its sustainable seafood commitment or policy
  • 50% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy and sometimes engages with its suppliers to help ensure the products they supply meet the retailer's expectations.
  • 75% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy and regularly engages with its suppliers to help ensure the products they supply meet the retailer's expectations.
  • 100% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy, has a clear strategy to engage with its suppliers and provides direct support (e.g. training, resources) to help ensure all seafood product are procured in line with its policies.
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 6: Does the retailer support improvements in fisheries and aquaculture?

Overall Step Score

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Does the retailer sell ‘Priority Seafood’ products (seafood that has high volume of sales in Canadian retail stores and that is generally not recommended by the Ocean Wise Seafood Program), and if so, do they support improvement and how?

The step score is based on the average of Step 6 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that this Step was changed significantly in 2019 to introduce two additional ‘Support Improvement’ actions for each of the Priority Seafood products. This means that if a retailer was engaged in the same actions in 2019 as in 2018, and no more, their score will appear to have decreased). Additionally, KPIs 6.4 and 6.5 on other SeaChoice priority seafood products were generalized into a new KPI that allows retailers to showcase any other actions they are taking to support improvement of specific seafood products (besides shrimp, farmed salmon and skipjack), or to support improvements in seafood sustainability in general.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods does not sell any farmed Atlantic salmon.

  • Only sells farmed salmon products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by ASC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for salmon farming management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve salmon aquaculture practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve salmon farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not ASC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially procures farmed salmon from sources that are ASC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods preferentially sources ASC certified shrimps and prawns, and when those products are not available sources shrimps and prawns that are Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) 2-star (or more) certified. Buy-Low offers a wide range of Ocean Wise Recommended shrimp products and over half of its shrimp sold is Ocean Wise. Buy-Low Foods does not offer any red-ranked shrimp (personal communication, G. Genereux, 20/04/2021).

  • Only sells farmed shrimp and prawn products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by ASC or BAP, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for shrimp and prawn farming management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve shrimp and prawn farming practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve shrimp and prawn farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not ASC or BAP certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially procures shrimp and prawns from sources that are ASC or BAP certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods is not currently engaged in any of the following ‘Support Improvement’ actions on skipjack tuna.

  • Only sells skipjack tuna products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by MSC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for skipjack fishing methods and management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve skipjack fishery management practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve skipjack fishing practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not MSC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially sources from more sustainable sources that are MSC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Buy-Low Foods
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Buy-Low Foods doesn’t advertise any fresh or frozen products that are ranked ‘Avoid’ because it doesn’t sell any! In 2019, Buy-Low Foods began using the Ocean Wise logo in their flyers to help alert its customers to sustainable products (personal communication, G. Genereux, 04/20/2021). In May of 2021, Buy-Low Foods sent a letter in support of a boat-to-plate traceability program to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (personal communication, G. Genereux, 05/14/2021).

  • Only sells versions of this product that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by MSC/ASC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for harvest or farming method and management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve fishing or aquaculture practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve fishing or farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not MSC/ASC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially sources from more sustainable sources that are MSC/ASC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities
  • Scoring Rubric
← Back to Seafood Progress

Seafood Progress Reports

Sustainable Seafood Policy

Link

Location

British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan

Store Brands

  • Buy-Low Foods
  • Nesters Market

SeaChoice is a sustainable seafood partnership of the following three conservation groups: