ALDI SOUTH GROUP BECOMES FIRST FOOD RETAILER TO INCLUDE MSC’S NEW IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME IN ITS SOURCING POLICY

ALDI South Group becomes first food retailer to include MSC’s new Improvement Programme in its sourcing policy. ALDI South Group has become the first food retailer globally to include the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)’s new Improvement Programme in its sourcing policy. The Programme was launched in October to offer fisheries support and incentives to become more sustainable, provided they make measurable improvements over a five-year period. It has been designed to support fisheries worldwide, regardless of their size or location to make the changes necessary for them to meet the MSC Fisheries Standard.

ALDI’s policy aligns with the growing demand among UK consumers for sustainably sourced seafood and will help encourage further fisheries to commit to improving their practices and gaining MSC certification. Research shows that UK shoppers increasingly seek products that come from a certified sustainable fishery, with over half of UK seafood consumers (55%) agreeing that seeing the blue MSC ecolabel would make them more likely to purchase a product*.

MSC’s Improvement Programme complements existing Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), which operate globally. While many businesses already source seafood from FIPs as part of their sustainable sourcing commitments and policies, the effectiveness and impact of these projects can vary significantly. Through this initiative, the MSC will provide stronger assurance that fisheries’ improvements are verified and timely.  The Program will support fisheries that aim to enter full assessment against the MSC Standard within five years, and will be an important tool for growing the number of certified sustainable fisheries worldwide.

Loren Hiller, MSC UK & Ireland Commercial Manager, said:

“It’s fantastic to see ALDI take this important step, by incorporating the MSC Improvement Programme into its sourcing policy. This marks the first public commitment to the programme by a retailer, setting a significant precedent for others to follow. The coming years will be critical for achieving the MSC’s ambitious goal of engaging over one third of the world’s marine catch in our programme by 2030. With 19.3% of global wild marine catch currently engaged, there is significant work ahead. This new commitment highlights the pivotal role retailers, brands, and restaurants play in driving progress towards sustainable fisheries.

“The MSC Improvement Programme provides a robust framework to incentivise and accelerate meaningful change in fisheries that are not yet ready for certification, and giving them access to vital support, including funding. By supporting these fisheries on their journey towards meeting the MSC Fisheries Standard, ALDI is not only contributing to healthier oceans but also setting a powerful example for the market. We encourage other retailers and brands to follow suit and use their influence to promote sustainability across the supply chain.”

Fisheries participating in the MSC Improvement Programme will not be eligible to use the MSC ecolabel as their catch is not certified sustainable. However, once they achieve minimum performance requirements across all indicators and meet specific traceability requirements, they may gain access to MSC-certified supply chains. As an added incentive, retail products containing their seafood can display a back-of-pack statement indicating their participation in the Improvement Program.

Some 42% of UK seafood consumers think that their favourite seafood won’t be available in 20 years’ time, according to research conducted on behalf of the MSC**. Aldi’s commitment to supporting fisheries on their journey to sustainability through the MSC Improvement Program provides hope for the future of seafood, ensuring long-term availability while protecting marine ecosystems.

Despite the increasing concern for the future of our oceans, seafood consumers want to do their part to protect fish and seafood for the future.

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said:

“We are proud to be the first retailer to incorporate the MSC’s new Improvement Programme into our sourcing policy. This initiative provides fisheries with vital support and incentives to enhance their sustainability practices, helping to ensure healthier oceans for future generations. We look forward to building on our existing partnership with the MSC and advancing the transition towards more sustainable seafood sourcing.”

The new MSC programme builds on a previous pilot initiative, which ran from 2020 to 2024. During this phase, 16 fisheries from South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia, India, Nicaragua and Peru, as well as one Scottish fishery, were successively included into the initiative. The first fishery to successfully complete the programme during the pilot phase was part of the South African Pole & Line Albacore tuna fishery. Following the implementation of improvements in data collection, monitoring by independent observers, implementation of management rules and minimisation of bycatch of endangered species, particularly seabirds, this fishery was able to meet the MSC standard and get certified in an independent certification process in August 2024.

*1073 seafood consumers were surveyed by GlobeScan Consultancy for the MSC in 2024

**GlobeScan survey for the MSC