Montreal, March 14, 2012 – Because consumers are increasingly concerned with the origin of the products that they buy, Metro is pleased to announce that the packaging for its Irresistibles and Selection private label frozen seafood products will from now on provide detailed information with respect to traceability. In so doing, Metro completes a new step of the sustainable fisheries policy that it adopted in 2010.
“Thanks to a complete review of the information available on the products that we commercialize under our private labels, we are now able to provide our packaging with the common name, the scientific name, the zone or the country where it was fished or farmed, as well as the type of fishing involved. Consumers will now be better informed and will be able to make more enlightened choices”, said Metro Inc.’s Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, Marie-Claude Bacon.
The new packaging will include a fact sheet providing information about the product’s origin at a glance. This packaging will gradually make its way into Metro supermarkets and discount stores across Quebec and Ontario over the coming weeks.
Ever since Metro’s Sustainable Fisheries Policy was implemented in September of 2010, labels on fresh seafood products packaged in-store have also provided this detailed information thanks to a thorough analysis of traceability. Metro is currently continuing with the implementation of Phase 2 of its policy, which involves private label grocery products for which a dialogue with suppliers has already begun. The information gathered will enable us to better understand what those suppliers are able to offer, which will lead the company to make informed decisions and to set goals.
A reminder that in May of 2010, Metro announced that it was adopting a sustainable fisheries policy with the view to offer all of its supermarket and discount store customers across Quebec and Ontario, beginning in June of 2011, fresh and frozen wild and farmed seafood products in line with its sustainable fisheries policy. When the policy came into effect in September of 2010, Metro withdrew seven endangered species. Since then, several initiatives have been implemented by Metro, including an evaluation of the diagnostics of commercialized species based on the most recent scientific opinions and reports, the training of the personnel concerned, many communications involving various platforms aimed at informing consumers about the issues at stake in sustainable fisheries, as well as a financial contribution to the UNESCO-UQAR Research Chair devoted to the integrated analysis of marine systems. Sourcing responsibly is a priority within Metro’s corporate responsibility approach, under the Delighted customers pillar.
METRO INC.
With annual sales of over $11 billion and over 65,000 employees, Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Québec and Ontario, where it operates a network of more than 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.
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Pierre Tessier
Communications Infrarouge
pierre.tessier@cominfrarouge.com
514 233-1636
Marie-Claude Bacon
Senior Director
Corporate Affairs Department
mbacon@metro.ca
514 643-1086