The ALDI SÜD and ALDI Nord Groups, along with other retailers and seafood businesses, have signed a statement calling for robust fisheries control mechanisms, including a digital traceability approach to improve assurance of sustainable fisheries.
ALDI is committed to sourcing all fish and of seafood products from responsibly managed fisheries that have a minimal impact on the wider marine environment. To achieve this goal, we need to understand the entire journey of our fish and seafood products through the supply chain. To improve traceability, the ALDI SÜD Group joined the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) in November 2020. By signing this new declaration, ALDI is advocating for a strong European legal framework.
The EU Fisheries Control Regulation is currently being negotiated between the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. A progressive EU fisheries Control Regulation, could serve as a key pillar of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. Two aspects are especially important: ensuring the legality of fishing activities at sea and the legality of all fish and seafood products entering the supply chain, both fresh and processed.
ALDI is calling for a strengthened and digitalised approach to traceability. This digital transition will take time and small suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises in particular will need support and funding from the European Marine, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
