TORONTO, May 16, 2024 - Metro Ontario is pleased to announce that it has achieved its 2022 sourcing commitment to buy three million pounds of beef from Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) Certified farms and ranches by 2026, ahead of schedule. From now on, the CRSB Certified Mass Balance mark will be displayed on all beef products across Metro Ontario’s Platinum Grill Angus Canadian AAA Beef Program, available in all 131 Metro stores in Ontario.
The CRSB’s definition of beef sustainability prioritizes the planet, people, animals and progress through a journey of continuous improvement. The CRSB Certified program provides credible assurances for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada. This means verifying outcomes across five areas of sustainability that include conserving and enhancing our natural resources (land, water and air); supporting our people and communities; best practices in animal care; food safety and quality, and embracing efficiencies and innovation that foster continual improvement. These focus areas align closely with multiple elements of METRO’s priorities when it comes to responsible procurement.
“Responsible procurement is a fundamental aspect of our business. We also know how important it is to our customers. We want to work with suppliers that share our commitment to responsible practices and act on this commitment. CRSB Certified farms can produce beef in a way that’s accountable to the environment, animals, the farmers and ranchers that grow food. Metro Ontario is proud to partner with the CRSB,” says Michael Rose, Vice President Fresh Merchandising, Metro Ontario.
“It is exciting to see Metro, a long-time member of the CRSB, expanding their commitment in their beef sourcing. This move shows that they value what Canadian beef farmers and ranchers do on the ground every day for the environment, for the animals in their care and their communities,” says Ryan Beierbach, Chair of the CRSB and CRSB Certified rancher from Saskatchewan. “By displaying the CRSB Certified Mass Balance mark on-pack, Metro shows their customers they are making positive contributions through their food choices. We look forward to continuing to work with METRO to expand their sourcing goals.”
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About the CRSB
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) advances, measures and communicates sustainability in the Canadian beef value chain in collaboration with its multi-stakeholder membership. It drives continuous improvement through sustainability performance measurement and goals, a voluntary 3rd party sustainability certification program, and projects and initiatives aligned with strategic goals. Learn more at crsb.ca.
The Certified Sustainable Beef Framework, known as CRSB Certified, provides credible assurances for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada. Learn more at crsbcertified.ca.
About METRO Inc.
With annual sales of more than $20 billion, METRO INC. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario, providing employment to more than 97,000 people. Its purpose is to Nourish the health and well-being of our communities. As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, manufacturer, and provider of eCommerce services, the company operates or services a network of some 980 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, and 640 pharmacies primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners. For more details, visit corpo.metro.ca.
Source and further information:
METRO
Media Relations
1 800 463-2190
media@metro.ca