Retailer Snapshot

Environmental Sustainability Commitment.  In 2021 Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op) expanded the scope of its sustainable seafood commitment to include all its shelf stable products (e.g. canned tuna) and seafood company brand products (e.g. products made by Highliner or Cloverleaf). Co-op is now committed to sourcing all its seafood products from sources that are ranked at least a ‘Good Alternative’ (Yellow) by Seafood Watch or that are covered by an equivalent certification or are in a credible improvement project. In May of 2021, Co-op reported that 85% of its seafood sold in the past year has met its commitment. Co-op relies on one-up (from the supplier) one-down (to the store) traceability for verification and aims to improve the traceability of its products where possible. 

Social Responsibility Commitment. Co-op’s commitment to social responsibility refers to international standards but lacks clear expectations for seafood suppliers, a clear and effective traceability policy and a timeline for meeting its commitment.

Scope of Commitment. See below for information on which types of products are included in the scope of Co-op’s sustainable seafood policy. 

Grocery store brands: Owned and controlled by Co-op
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!

Co-op has made some 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 Co-op to improve.

Social Responsibility

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

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.

“.@CoopFCL, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile your supplier code of conduct states that suppliers must ‘not knowingly’ source product from supply chains with human rights violations. As someone who shops at Co-op, I want you to expect more of your suppliers! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to inquiries@fcl.crs. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Co-op’s Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc us at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Scott Banda, CEO

Hi Mr. Banda,

I shop at Co-op and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I am glad to see that Co-op recently brought canned seafood products and other seafood products under your sustainable seafood commitment, but am disappointed by the lack of progress you have made toward your social responsibility commitment over the past 3 years. For example, your supplier code of conduct still states that suppliers must only “not knowingly”’ source products from supply chains with human rights violations. Meanwhile, 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 Co-op to include clear expectations for your seafood suppliers and a clear and effective traceability policy, and demand that its suppliers investigate their supply chains for human rights abuses.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Co-op store here.
  2. Call your store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Alternatively, call Co-op’s Home Office at 360-244-3311.
  4. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Transparency

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

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.

“.@CoopFCL, 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. As someone who shops at Co-op, I’d like you to be more transparent about the seafood you source! @seachoice “

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to inquiries@fcl.crs. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Co-op’s Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc us at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Scott Banda, CEO

Hi Mr. Banda,

I shop at Co-op and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I am glad to see that FCL reports the percentage of seafood that it sells by volume that meets its sustainable seafood commitment. However, I’m disappointed to learn that Co-op doesn’t report information online about where your seafood products come from or how they are produced. Doing so would prove to customers like myself that Co-op has nothing to hide and I think that retailers have a responsibility to be completely transparent with customers about their supply chains.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Co-op store here.
  2. Call your store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Alternatively, call Co-op’s Home Office at 360-244-3311.
  4. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Supporting Industry Improvements

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

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.

“.@CoopFCL, 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 Co-op help drive improvements downstream for at risk products like canned tuna. @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to inquiries@fcl.crs. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Co-op’s Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc us at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Scott Banda, CEO

Hi Mr. Banda,

I shop at Co-op 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 Co-op 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 Co-op ought to help drive improvements upstream! 

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Co-op store here.
  2. Call your store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Alternatively, call Co-op’s Home Office at 360-244-3311.
  4. 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 Co-op’s efforts.

Commitment

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

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.

“.@CoopFCL, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you expanded your commitment this year to include all canned and seafood brand products. As a customer, I really appreciate that your commitment covers ALL seafood in store! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to inquiries@fcl.crs. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Co-op’s Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc us at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Scott Banda, CEO

Hi Mr. Banda,

I shop at Co-op and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I noticed that you expanded your commitment this year to include all canned and seafood brand products. As a customer, I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate that your commitment covers ALL seafood in store!

I look forward to seeing Co-op focus its efforts on supporting the improvement of priority species in fisheries and aquaculture next.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Co-op store here.
  2. Call your store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Alternatively, call Co-op’s Home Office at 360-244-3311.
  4. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Data Collection

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

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.

“.@CoopFCL, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you now collect scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed, and gear type or farming method on ALL of your seafood products. As your customer, I appreciate your diligent data collection! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to inquiries@fcl.crs. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Co-op’s Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc us at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Scott Banda, CEO

Hi Mr. Banda,

I shop at Co-op and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I noticed that Co-op now collects the scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on ALL of your seafood. As a customer, I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate that Co-op is requiring this information from your suppliers and showing them that it matters to you!

I look forward to seeing Co-op focus its efforts on supporting the improvement of priority species in fisheries and aquaculture next.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Co-op store here.
  2. Call your store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Alternatively, call Co-op’s Home Office at 360-244-3311.
  4. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Education

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

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.

“.@CoopFCL, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you provide recommendations to your suppliers to help them meet your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I appreciate that you educate and support your suppliers on the importance of your commitment! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to inquiries@fcl.crs. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Co-op’s Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc us at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Scott Banda, CEO

Hi Mr. Banda,

I shop at Co-op and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I noticed that you provide recommendations to your suppliers to help them meet your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I appreciate that you educate and support your suppliers to help make the entire supply chain more sustainable!

I look forward to seeing Co-op focus its efforts on supporting the improvement of priority species in fisheries and aquaculture next.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Find the contact information for your Co-op store here.
  2. Call your store’s main line and ask to speak to the seafood (or meat) department.
  3. Alternatively, call Co-op’s Home Office at 360-244-3311.
  4. Speak to the message above in your own words. 

See below for the remainder of Co-op’s 2021 profile summary.

Other retailer information

Data collection. In support of its expansion of scope in 2021 to include all national brand and shelf stable products, Co-op now collects information on the species scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on all its seafood products.

Responsible Sourcing. Co-op requires suppliers to sign a code of conduct that stipulates that they “not knowingly” source product from supply chains with human rights violations. SeaChoice would like Co-op to improve its supplier code of conduct by stipulating that its suppliers are expected to investigate their supply chains and that compliance will be verified on an annual basis. 

Transparency. Co-op labels all fresh fish and seafood, and some private label frozen seafood, with species scientific name, country of origin, whether the product is wild or farmed, and gear type or farming method. For the past four years, Co-op has publicly reported the percentage of seafood sold that meets its commitment (85% in 2021). 

Education. Co-op sometimes conducts training programs for staff and there is some information in store about the importance of its commitment to sustainable seafood. Co-op requires suppliers to regularly confirm the sustainability rankings, certifications and volumes for all products, and provide recommendations to assist supplier’s with meeting Co-op’s product expectations. 

Supports Improvements. Co-op preferentially sources farmed Atlantic salmon that is recommended by Ocean Wise and also offers sustainable alternatives including farmed steelhead, sustainably harvested wild salmon and land-based farmed coho salmon. Co-op only sells farmed imported shrimp and prawn products that are certified by Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) as 2 star or above. Co-op is not taking any actions to support improvements on skipjack tuna or any other priority species at this time.

Note: In the process of developing this profile SeaChoice corresponded with Lisa Sparrow-Moellenbeck, Food Safety Manager, and Jessica Niekamp, Processed Meat and Frozen Category Manager at Co-op.

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

Overall Step Score

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Federated Co-operatives Limited (The Co-op) is committed to sourcing all private label and national brand fish and seafood products, including wild and farmed fresh, frozen and canned fish and seafood products from sources that are ranked at least a ‘Good Alternative’ (Yellow) by Seafood Watch, or that are covered by an equivalent certification or are in a credible improvement project. The majority of the data that FCL collects “relies on one-up (from the supplier) one-down (to the store) traceability for verification and in most cases does not include full electronic traceability. FCL aims to improve the traceability of [its] products where possible and will also aim to periodically spot check the veracity of the data [its] suppliers provide through tools such as genetic testing.”

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL’s seafood commitment recognizes the need to uphold international standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human rights and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Additionally, all suppliers must sign “an agreement that they will continue to uphold [FCL’s] policy, including providing accurate data and ensuring that fish and seafood is not knowingly sourced from businesses with human rights violations” (emphasis added). FCL’s traceability requirements for suppliers does not extend to social responsibility.

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All of FCL’s stores are covered under its sustainable seafood commitment. Note that Calgary Co-op is managed as a separate co-operative (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In 2021 FCL expanded the scope of its sustainable seafood commitment to cover all its shelf stable and national brand products.

  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In support of its expansion of scope in 2021 to include all shelf stable products, FCL now collects information on the scientific (Latin) name of all its private label and national brand fresh, frozen and shelf stable products (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • Fresh fish and seafood
  • Private label fish and seafood (frozen and shelf stable)
  • National brand fish and seafood (frozen and shelf stable)
  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In support of the expansion of scope in 2021 to include all shelf stable products, FCL now collects information on the geographic origin and region of catch of all its private label and national brand fresh, frozen and shelf stable products (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • Fresh fish and seafood
  • Private label fish and seafood (frozen and shelf stable)
  • National brand fish and seafood (frozen and shelf stable)
  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In support of the expansion of scope in 2021 to include all shelf stable products, FCL now collects information on whether products were farmed or wild-caught for all its private label and national brand fresh, frozen and shelf stable products (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • Fresh fish and seafood
  • Private label fish and seafood (frozen and shelf stable)
  • National brand fish and seafood (frozen and shelf stable)
  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In support of the expansion of scope in 2021 to include all shelf stable products, FCL now collects information on the gear type and farm production method for all its private label and national brand fresh, frozen and shelf stable products (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL uses ratings from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program and the Ocean Wise Seafood Program, and certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) to assess the sustainability of its seafood products.

  • 0% No sustainability criteria used to inform purchasing decisions (or no information available)
  • 100% Sustainabilty criteria used to inform purchasing decisions
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In 2021, FCL proudly expanded the scope of its sustainable seafood commitment to cover all its shelf stable and national brand products. FCL can demonstrate that 85% of all seafood sold in its stores met its sustainable seafood commitment in the past year (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 28/05/2021).

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All suppliers have signed an agreement to uphold FCL’s traceability requirement and adhere to sourcing products that meet their environmental criteria (certification by ASC, MSC, or BAP), yellow or green by Seafood Watch, Recommended by Ocean Wise, or in a Fishery Improvement Project reported by FisheryProgress.org to be making progress.

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All suppliers have signed an agreement to uphold FCL’s traceability requirements and ensure that their fish and seafood products aren’t “knowingly sourced from sources with human rights violations”, however this is only one aspect of the international standards which FCL supports, which including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL labels all fresh and frozen fish and seafood, and some private label fresh and frozen seafood, with species scientific name, country of origin, whether the product is wild or farmed, and gear type or farming method (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL use eco-labels as appropriate at point of sale on pre-packaged fish and seafood products, although not on fresh or fresh packaged products because their stores do not have the required Chain of Custody certification.

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL’s commitment includes working toward best practices for transparency by working with environmental NGO partners to publicly report on progress made toward their commitments. FCL reported to SeaChoice in May 2021 that 85% of its seafood sold meets its commitment by volume. The decrease from 96% in 2020 to 85% in 2021 is a direct result of FCL expanding its commitment to include all shelf stable products (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 28/05/2021).

  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

At least some FCL employees have already received training and FCL’s February 2018 Seafood Policy says all new staff will receive this. Staff have access to the policy and general seafood information but the training program is currently paused (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

There is no information on FCL’s Seafood Policy for customers in store.

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL’s Fish and Seafood Category Managers regularly share its sustainable seafood commitment with suppliers and discuss sustainable seafood options and availability. They require suppliers to regularly confirm the sustainability rankings, certifications and volumes for all products they provide to FCL. This forms the basis of FCL’s data collection to inform its commitment tracking. Additionally, recommendations are given and discussed with smaller local fisheries to assist with the requirements to meet FCL’s policy (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 28/05/2021).

  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • 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

  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL is committed to continuing to influence improvements in the salmon farming industry and preferentially source farmed Atlantic salmon that is recommended by Ocean Wise (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021), and also offers sustainable alternatives including farmed steelhead, sustainably harvested wild salmon and land-based farmed coho 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL only sells farmed imported shrimp and prawn products that are certified by Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) as 2 star or above, but does not source Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified products because of their price point (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL is not taking any Support Improvement actions on skipjack tuna at this time (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 22/04/2021).

  • 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
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited (Co-op)
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

FCL is not taking any Support Improvement actions on any other seafood products at this time (personal communication, L. Sparrow-Moellenbeck, 28/05/2021).

  • 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, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

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