IKEA Canada commits to responsibly produced seafood

By Carol Neshevich

IKEA Canada has announced its commitment to selling and serving seafood that comes from sustainable and responsible sources.

“We know that our customers have an increasing interest in what’s in their food and where it comes from,” says Stefan Sjöstrand, president of IKEA Canada. “IKEA is committed to operating our business in the most sustainable way possible, and our food offer is no exception. As a destination for salmon and other seafood, we have a great opportunity to lead and support the adoption of more sustainable practices in the seafood industry.”

IKEA has made the commitment to offer only seafood that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (or MSC, for wild caught seafood) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (or ASC, for farmed seafood). The MSC and ASC certification programs are globally recognized as highly credible, science-based standards for sustainable and responsible seafood.

IKEA’s total seafood offerings include more than 23 different certified seafood species, such as salmon, herring and shrimp.

“I am really proud that our customers can enjoy tasty fish that has been responsibly produced by people with good working conditions. This is a result of our high ambitions and commitment regarding the whole value chain; from fisheries and farms to training of our co-workers and certification of the restaurants,” says Michael La Cour, managing director of IKEA Food Services AB.

The Marine Stewardship Council is pleased with IKEA’s commitment. “The IKEA commitment to source and sell only certified sustainable seafood demonstrates global leadership and is already helping to secure seafood supplies for future generations,” says Jay Lugar, program director, Canada, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). “It also sends a strong message to other industry leaders on the role they hold in ensuring a healthy future for oceans in Canada and globally. We are delighted that IKEA is committed to using the MSC ecolabel on product providing consumers with clear choices for sustainable seafood.”

Chris Ninnes, CEO of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), agrees: “I am delighted with IKEA´s decision to source ASC certified responsibly farmed seafood. The global IKEA commitment to the ASC program is a game changer, introducing the ASC to consumers in many new markets. This is exceptional leadership in supporting the change necessary to promote the development of responsible aquaculture. Customers can now be assured that the salmon in IKEA’s restaurants and Swedish Food Markets comes from farms that respect the environment, the rights of workers, and the interests of the local community.”

As part of IKEA’s Swedish heritage, seafood is sold and served every day at IKEA stores around the world. Seafood has a long tradition in Swedish kitchens, and it’s a special part of Christmas, Easter and Midsummer celebrations.