Retailer Snapshot

Environmental Sustainability Commitment. Sobeys’ commitment is for at least 95% of the total weight of its fresh and frozen private label fish and seafood to be third-party certified or Recommended by Ocean Wise by 2025. This commitment applies to all of Sobeys store banners. In May 2021, Sobeys reported that 94% of its fresh and frozen private label seafood sold in the past year has met its commitment. Sobeys does not have a traceability policy to support this commitment, but plans to introduce one in 2022. 

Social Responsibility Commitment. Sobeys commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives and actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, but no traceability policy or timelines.

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

Grocery store brands: Owned and controlled by Sobeys
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!


Sobeys has a long way to go to achieve best practice in seafood sustainability and social responsibility. 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 Sobeys to improve.

Social Responsibility

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Sobeys Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t support your commitment to social responsibility with a traceability policy. Without this, how can you be sure that your seafood supply chains are free of human rights abuses? As your customer, I expect your seafood to be traceable! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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 Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t support their commitment to social responsibility with a traceability policy. Without this, how can they be sure that their seafood supply chains are free of human rights abuses? As someone who shops at Sobeys, I expect their seafood to be traceable! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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.

“.@sobeys, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile your social responsibility commitment is not traceable. How can you be sure that your seafood supply chains are free of human rights abuses? As your customer, I expect your seafood to be traceable! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to customer.service@sobeys.com. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Sobeys’ Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org

Attention: Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Sobeys and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t support your commitment to social responsibility with a traceability policy. Without this, how can you be sure that your seafood supply chains are free of human rights abuses? As your customer, I expect your seafood to be traceable. 

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Sobeys’ Customer Care line at 1-888-944-0442. 
  2. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.

Commitment

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Sobeys Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t include ANY seafood company brand or canned seafood products under your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I expect your commitment to apply to all of the seafood that you sell in store! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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 Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t include ANY seafood company brand or canned seafood products under their sustainable seafood commitment. As someone who shops at Sobeys, I expect their commitment to apply to all of the seafood that they sell in store! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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.

“.@sobeys, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you don’t include ANY seafood company brand or canned seafood products under your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I expect your commitment to apply to all of the seafood that you sell in store! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to customer.service@sobeys.com. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Sobeys’ Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org

Attention: Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Sobeys and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t include ANY seafood company brand or canned seafood products under your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I expect your commitment to apply to all of the seafood that you sell in store!

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Sobeys’ Customer Care line at 1-888-944-0442. 
  2. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.
Data Collection

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Sobeys Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t collect the scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed or gear type or farming method on any of your canned seafood. As your customer, I expect you to collect this information on all of your products! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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 Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t collect the scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed or gear type or farming method on any of their canned seafood. As someone who shops at Sobeys, I expect them to collect this information on all of their products! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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.

“.@sobeys, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you don’t collect the scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed or gear type or farming method on any of your canned seafood. As your customer, I expect you to collect this information on all of your products! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to customer.service@sobeys.com. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Sobeys’ Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org

Attention: Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Sobeys and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t collect the scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed or gear type or farming method on any of your canned seafood. As your customer, I expect you to collect this information on all of your products.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Sobeys’ Customer Care line at 1-888-944-0442. 
  2. Once connected, 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 your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Sobeys Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you only include scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on SOME of your product labels. As your customer, I expect all of this information to be on all of your seafood products! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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 Sobeys #SeafoodProgress profile, you only include scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on SOME of your product labels. As your customer, I expect all of this information to be on all of your seafood products! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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.

“.@sobeys, your #SeafoodProgress profile says you only include scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on SOME of your product labels. As your customer, I expect all of this information to be on all of your seafood products! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to customer.service@sobeys.com. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Sobeys’ Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org

Attention: Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Sobeys and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you only include scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on SOME of your product labels. As your customer, I expect all of this information to be on all of your seafood products!

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Sobeys’ Customer Care line at 1-888-944-0442. 
  2. Once connected, 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 Sobeys efforts.

Commitment

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Sobeys Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you include all of the banners that carry your private label seafood in your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I appreciate that your policy applies to all of your stores! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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 Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you include all of the banners that carry your private label seafood in your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I appreciate that your policy applies to all of your stores! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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.

“.@sobeys, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you include all of the banners that carry your private label seafood in your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I appreciate that your policy applies to all of your stores! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to customer.service@sobeys.com. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Sobeys’ Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org

Attention: Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Sobeys and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was happy to learn that you include all of the banners that carry your private label seafood in your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I appreciate that your policy applies to all of your stores.

I look forward to seeing you expand your commitment to include canned seafood next!

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Sobeys’ Customer Care line at 1-888-944-0442. 
  2. Once connected, 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 your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Sobeys Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, you label your seafood products with an ecolabel. As your customer, I appreciate that you include this information on pack so that I can make informed decisions in store. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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 Sobeys’ #SeafoodProgress profile, they label their seafood products with an ecolabel. As someone who shops at Sobeys, I appreciate that they include this information on pack so that I can make informed decisions in store. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/sobeys/“

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.

“.@sobeys, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you label your seafood products with an ecolabel. As your customer, I appreciate that you include this information on pack so that I can make informed decisions in store. @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the email below and address it to customer.service@sobeys.com. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Sobeys’ Socially Responsible Seafood Commitment.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org

Attention: Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Sobeys and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was happy to learn that you label your seafood products with an ecolabel. As your customer, I appreciate that you include this information on pack so that I can make informed decisions in store.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Sobeys’ Customer Care line at 1-888-944-0442. 
  2. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.

See below for the remainder of Sobeys 2021 profile summary.

Other retailer information

Data Collection. Sobeys collects the species’ scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on all its private label fresh or previously frozen, frozen seafood and some of its shelf stable seafood.

Responsible Sourcing. All suppliers must sign a code of conduct that covers all of Sobeys’ sustainable seafood commitment, but Sobeys does not verify that this commitment is being upheld. All suppliers must also sign a code of conduct that covers only some of Sobeys’ social responsibility commitment and it is also not verified. 

Transparency. Sobeys labels some products with species’ scientific name, geographic origin and wild/farmed. Sobeys does not label any of its products with the gear type or farming method. 

Education. Staff are trained on Sobeys’ sustainability policy when first trained, but there is no ongoing training. Some of Sobeys’ stores include information on its sustainable seafood policy however it is not comprehensive. Finally, Sobeys regularly engages with its suppliers to ensure the products they supply meet its expectations. 

Supporting Improvements. Sobeys works with suppliers to improve salmon farming practices and skipjack tuna fishing practices, and preferentially sources BAP 2 star certified farmed shrimp. Sobeys preferentially sources Ocean Wise Recommended products.

Note: In the process of developing this profile, SeaChoice corresponded with Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability at Sobeys.

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

Overall Step Score

  • Sobeys
  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys’ sustainable seafood policy states that a minimum of 95% of the total weight of its fresh and frozen private label fish and seafood will be third-party certified or Recommended by Ocean Wise by 2025. Sobeys requires all canned tuna suppliers to source from packers that are ISSA members, and all vendors supplying products to Sobeys Private Label Programs to have Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification. Sobeys is working on incorporating an effective traceability policy that collects and tracks key data elements into its commitment by 2022 (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys’ sustainable seafood policy states that “Sobeys Inc. partners with industry suppliers that share our values in responsibly sourcing fish and seafood. All vendors supplying products from high risk countries to Sobeys Inc.’s Private Label Programs are required to ensure the producers maintain acceptable Social Compliance Audit standards. Sobeys Inc. recognizes the following social compliance audit standards: GSCP Reference Code, SA 8000, BSCI Code of Conduct and Fair Working Conditions (FWC).”

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys includes all of its banners that carry private label seafood in its sustainable seafood commitment.

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys’ sustainable seafood commitment does not cover its fresh, frozen or shelf stable national brand products or its fresh/frozen no brand products (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys collects the scientific name of all its private label fresh or previously frozen, frozen and some shelf stable seafood (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021).

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

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys collects the place of last transformation and geographic origin of all its private label fresh and frozen, and some shelf stable seafood (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

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

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys collects wild or farmed data for all its private label fresh and frozen, and some shelf stable seafood (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

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

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys collects wild or farmed data for all its private label fresh and frozen, and some shelf stable seafood (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

To help inform its purchasing decisions and ensure it is meeting its sustainable seafood commitment, Sobeys considers Ocean Wise Recommendations, prioritizes sourcing products from eco-certifications including MSC and BAP, and supports fisheries improvements by sourcing products from active Fisheries Improvement Projects (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

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

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys’ 2020 Corporate Responsibility Highlights reports that 94% of its private label brand (Compliments and Sensations) fresh and frozen seafood was certified as sustainable by third-parties, for example, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). However, this report does not include fresh counter/unbranded seafood or canned, pouched, or other shelf stable products.

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All suppliers to Sobeys are required to sign Ocean Wise’s code of conduct. All suppliers of private label products for Sobeys must additionally pass a risk assessment and sign a supplier agreement (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All suppliers of Sobeys’ private label products must pass a risk assessment by facility and sign a supplier agreement (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys labels all its products with common name as required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency seafood labelling guidelines, and for some products, indicates the geographic origin, scientific name and whether it is wild or farmed. Sobeys is currently looking into how it can include more information on its seafood labels (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021).

  • Species scientific (Latin) name
  • Country of origin
  • Wild or farmed
  • Gear type or farming method
  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys labels its products with ecolabels including Ocean Wise, MSC and BAP as applicable (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys is not currently disclosing this information, but are planning to do so once its new data collection program has been fully implemented (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys has published information in the past on how much of its seafood met its sustainability commitment. In 2020, Sobeys published an update on the percentage of its private label fresh and frozen seafood that is eco-certified (94% in the 2020 fiscal year).

  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys requires all seafood staff to complete an online training program as part of their onboarding training. Sobeys is working on an online training program that will be regularly conducted for existing staff (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Some stores under the Sobeys umbrella (e.g. Sobeys, IGA, and Thrifty Foods) in Western Canada and Quebec include information on its partnership with Ocean Wise (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys sends its suppliers and vendors a copy of its sustainable seafood policy after every revision to ensure it is up to date. Sobeys also engages with its vendors to discuss sourcing and sustainability issues on key species as often as resources allow (personal communication, E. Browne, 11/05/2021). In June 2021, Sobeys reported that it has been engaging with a key supplier regarding adding an Ocean Wise-recommended salmon to their offer (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021).

  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • 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

  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys’ private label farmed salmon products are sourced from Atlantic Canada and are Best Aquaculture Product (BAP) 4 star certified. Sobeys also offers alternative product options, including salmon farmed in closed containment facilities, organic and antibiotic-free salmon, and similar species such as farmed Arctic char or trout. In the past, Sobeys performed site visits to its National Atlantic Salmon supplier to assess their practices in coordination with third party NGOs. Unfortunately, Sobeys was not able to visit this supplier in 2020 or 2021 due to travel restrictions (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021). In June 2021, Sobeys reported that it has been engaging with a key supplier regarding adding an Ocean Wise Recommended salmon to their offering. Furthermore, Sobeys preferentially sources Ocean Wise for all commodities where possible (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys’ private label farmed shrimp is minimum BAP 2 star certified (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys has been encouraging its tuna suppliers to move towards more sustainable tuna fishing practices. Its main tuna supplier Clover Leaf is now committed to 100% FAD-free skipjack tuna by 2022. Sobeys preferentially sources Ocean Wise Recommended skipjack tuna (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021).

  • 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
  • Sobeys
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Sobeys supports improvement in seafood commodities by preferentially sourcing Ocean Wise Recommended products and sourcing from fisheries and farms that are certified by the MSC and ASC. It uses the credible, third-party website www.FisheryProgress.org to inform which fisheries improvement projects to source from. Whenever possible, Sobeys preferentially purchases locally produced seafood (personal communication, E. Browne, 09/06/2021).

  • 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

Across Canada's provinces

Store Brands

  • Foodland
  • FreshCo
  • IGA
  • Safeway
  • Sobeys
  • Thrifty Foods
  • Voila (e-commerce)

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