Tesco to remove some John West tuna from the shelves because of sustainability concerns
Some 20% of John West products in Tesco are being withdrawn after the review from the retailer
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2017/12/964.jpg Waitrose has also recently promised that unless John West meets the supermarket’s sustainability criteria its products will be removed Rex
Tesco is to remove some John West tuna products from the shelves after the company failed to meet the retailer’s
sustainability standards.
Since 2012, the supermarket has vowed to use only pole and line caught tuna, a more sustainable fishing method, which minimises the risk to species.
The supermarket said it had to delist a number of core
John West tuna by the end of July after a review of the brand.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2017/12/965.jpg Read more
John West tuna may not be as environmentally friendly as you think
“We wanted to take our commitments on quality sustainable tuna further, and earlier this year we announced we would take steps to make sure all the tuna on our shelves – including branded tuna products – met our requirements,” Tim Smith, Tesco’s group quality director, said.
“We have now completed our review, and as a result have decided to de-list a number of core John West lines with effect from the end of July,“ he added.
“John West were not able to keep the promise of meeting our standards soon enough,” spokesmen for Tesco told the Independent.
Smith said Tesco will still be selling some of John West’s products.
“We are working with John West on a plan for these remaining lines to be converted to sustainable tuna sources as soon as possible,” Smith said.
John West confirmed 20 per cent of products in Tesco are being withdrawn after the review from the retailer.
“Tesco’s review of the fish products it stocks, which has resulted in approximately 20 per cent of the John West range being withdrawn, was driven by commercial negotiations as much as sustainability considerations,” a spokesman for John West told the Times.
“Indeed, six John West salmon products which are being withdrawn are fully Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified and meet all of Tesco’s sustainability requirements. Tesco remains an important retail partner for John West and we share its aspiration to increase the level of sustainable seafood available to consumers,” he added.
In response to John West statement, the MSC told the Independent that none of John West products carry their label.
“Products need to bear the MSC eco label on pack in order for a company to claim their product is from a certified fishery. This demonstrates the fishery and the entire supply chain has been independently certified. None of John West’s salmon products carry the MSC label,” said Toby Middleton, MSC programme director, North East Atlantic.
The Independent has contacted John West for additional comment.
In April, Tesco warned John West it would remove the brand from its stores unless it stopped using destructive fishing practices.
