Retailer Snapshot

Environmental Sustainability Commitment. In 2015, Loblaw met its sustainable seafood commitment to source all of its seafood from fisheries certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), farms certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or products certified by an equivalent standard, “acceptable sources with conditions, or sources making meaningful progress toward sustainability.” Loblaw’s commitment is supported by an effective traceability policy. As of 2021, this commitment applies to 19 of its 23 store banners. Since meeting its sustainability commitment, Loblaw confirms with SeaChoice annually that all of its procurement continues to be in line with its commitment. Loblaw also continues to look for opportunities to expand its commitment scope, such as offering pet food that is MSC certified. 

Social Responsibility Commitment . Loblaw’s commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, expectations for seafood suppliers, a clear and effective traceability policy and a timeline for meeting the commitment.

Scope of Commitment. See below for information on which types of products are included in the scope of Loblaw’s sustainable seafood policy.

Grocery store brands: Owned and controlled by Loblaw
Seafood company brands: Owned by companies that supply many retailers
No brand: Fresh and frozen seafood packaged without branding

WHAT CAN CONSUMERS DO TO HELP?

Take action!

Loblaw is well on its way towards best practice, but there is still important work to be done. Retailers listen closely to what YOU have to say. Leverage that power to drive important changes throughout the supply chain!

Select a topic to ADVOCATE for Loblaw to improve.

Transparency

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Loblaw’s Facebook page.
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t include the scientific name on ANY products and only include the geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on SOME products. As your customer, I expect to see all of the information that I need to make an informed decision on pack. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t include the scientific name on ANY products and only include the geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on SOME products. As someone who shops at Loblaw’s stores, I expect to see all of the information that I need to make an informed decision on pack. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@loblawco, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you don’t include scientific name on ANY products and only include the geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on SOME products. As your customer, I expect to see this information on pack! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below into an email directed to customer@loblaw.ca. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Loblaw’s seafood labelling practices.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@SeaChoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Lambert, Senior Manager of Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Loblaw and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t include the scientific name on any products and only include the geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on some products. As your customer, I expect to see all of the information that I need to make an informed purchase on pack. 

I call on Loblaw to include the scientific name, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method on all of your products.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Loblaw’s Customer Service line at 1-800-296-2332.
  2. Speak to the message above in your own words. 

Commitment

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Loblaw’s Facebook page.
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t include T&T Supermarket, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, No Frills third party seafood counters, Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharmaprix stores under your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I think your commitment should apply to ALL of your stores! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t include T&T Supermarket, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, No Frills third party seafood counters, Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharmaprix stores under their sustainable seafood commitment. As someone who shops at Loblaw’s stores, I think Loblaw’s commitment should apply to ALL of the stores they own! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@loblawco, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t include all of your store brands under your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I think your commitment should apply to ALL of your stores! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below into an email directed to customer@loblaw.ca. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Loblaw’s seafood labelling practices.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@SeaChoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Lambert, Senior Manager of Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Loblaw and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t include T&T Supermarket, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, No Frills third party seafood counters, Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharmaprix stores under your sustainable seafood commitment. As your customer, I call on Loblaw to make your commitment more meaningful by applying it to all of your store brands. 

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Loblaw’s Customer Service line at 1-800-296-2332.
  2. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Supporting Industry Improvements

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Loblaw’s Facebook page.
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you sell canned seafood that doesn’t meet the highest bars of sustainability. As your customer, I expect you to behave as a leader in this space and commit to exclusively sourcing the most sustainable canned seafood! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they sell canned seafood that doesn’t meet the highest bars of sustainability. As someone who shops at Loblaw’s stores, I expect them to behave as a leader in this space and commit to exclusively sourcing the most sustainable canned seafood! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@loblawco, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile, you sell canned seafood that doesn’t meet the highest bars of sustainability. As your customer, I expect you to behave as a leader in this space and commit to exclusively sourcing the most sustainable canned seafood! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below into an email directed to customer@loblaw.ca. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Loblaw’s seafood labelling practices.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@SeaChoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Lambert, Senior Manager of Sustainability

Hi there,I shop at Loblaw and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you sell canned seafood that doesn’t meet the highest bars of sustainability. As your customer, I expect you to behave as a leader in this space and commit to exclusively sourcing the most sustainable canned seafood!

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Loblaw’s Customer Service line at 1-800-296-2332.
  2. Speak to the message above in your own words. 

Another way to take action is to let retailers know that their efforts are noticed and that you want them to continue on the path towards best practice.

Select a topic to ACKNOWLEDGE Loblaw’s efforts.

Social Responsibility

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Loblaw’s Facebook page.
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, your suppliers are required to sign a comprehensive code of conduct outlining Loblaw’s commitment to social responsibility and are subject to audits. As your customer, I appreciate the role you are taking to reduce human rights violations in seafood supply chains! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, their suppliers are required to sign a comprehensive code of conduct outlining Loblaw’s commitment to social responsibility and are subject to audits. As someone who shops at Loblaw’s stores, I appreciate the role they are taking to reduce human rights violations in seafood supply chains! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@loblawco, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile, your suppliers sign a code of conduct outlining Loblaw’s commitment to social responsibility and are subject to audits. I appreciate that you are helping to reduce human rights violations in seafood supply chains! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below into an email directed to customer@loblaw.ca. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Loblaw’s seafood labelling practices.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@SeaChoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Lambert, Senior Manager of Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Loblaw and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I was very happy to learn that your suppliers are required to sign a comprehensive code of conduct outlining Loblaw’s commitment to social responsibility and are subject to audits. As your customer, I appreciate the role you are taking to reduce human rights violations in seafood supply chains.

Thanks for your continued efforts. I look forward to seeing what areas Loblaw improves upon in the next Seafood Progress update!

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Loblaw’s Customer Service line at 1-800-296-2332.
  2. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Commitment

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Loblaw’s Facebook page.
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, your sustainable seafood commitment applies to ALL of your seafood company brand and canned seafood products. As your customer, I really appreciate that your commitment is so comprehensive! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, their sustainable seafood commitment applies to ALL of their seafood company brand and canned seafood products. As someone who shops at Loblaw’s stores, I really appreciate that their commitment is comprehensive. @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@loblawco, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile your sustainable seafood commitment applies to ALL of your seafood company brand and canned seafood products. As your customer, I really appreciate that your commitment is so comprehensive! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below into an email directed to customer@loblaw.ca. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Loblaw’s seafood labelling practices.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@SeaChoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Lambert, Senior Manager of Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Loblaw and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I was very happy to learn that your sustainable seafood commitment applies to ALL of your seafood company brands and canned seafood products. As your customer, I really appreciate that your commitment is so comprehensive! 

Thanks for your continued efforts. I look forward to seeing Loblaw expand your commitments to include ALL your store brands!

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Loblaw’s Customer Service line at 1-800-296-2332.
  2. Speak to the message above in your own words. 
Education

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Loblaw’s Facebook page.
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, your staff members are regularly educated on your sustainable seafood policy and you work with suppliers as needed to find products that meet your standards. As your customer, I appreciate that you spread awareness of your sustainable seafood commitment throughout your supply chains! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own).
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post.

“According to Loblaw’s #SeafoodProgress profile, their staff members are regularly educated on their sustainable seafood policy and they work with suppliers as needed to find products that meet their standards. As someone who shops at Loblaw’s, I appreciate that they spread awareness of their sustainable seafood commitment throughout their supply chains! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/loblaw/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@loblawco, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you educate your staff and suppliers on the importance of your seafood commitments. As your customer, I appreciate that you spread awareness of your sustainable seafood commitment throughout your supply chains! #seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below into an email directed to customer@loblaw.ca. 
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Loblaw’s seafood labelling practices.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@SeaChoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Lambert, Senior Manager of Sustainability

Hi there,

I shop at Loblaw and recently reviewed your company profile on Seafood Progress. I was very happy to learn that your staff members are regularly educated on your sustainable seafood policy and you work with suppliers as needed to find products that meet your standards. As your customer, I appreciate that you spread awareness of your sustainable seafood commitment throughout your supply chains!

Thanks for your continued efforts. I can’t wait to see what Loblaw’s does next on sustainable seafood!

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Loblaw’s Customer Service line at 1-800-296-2332.
  2. Speak to the message above in your own words. 

See below for the remainder of Loblaw’s 2021 profile summary.

Other retailer information

Data Collection. Loblaw collects data on species’ scientific name, geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method for all seafood products sold.

Responsible Sourcing. Loblaw uses certification programs, including MSC and ASC, and ranking systems such as Seafood Watch, to inform its purchasing decisions. In addition to signing a company-wide Code of Conduct, suppliers must abide by commodity-specific procurement guidelines to ensure that all products they supply meet Loblaw’s commitment to the environment and social responsibility.

Transparency. Loblaw does not label any products with species’ scientific name and labels some products with species’ geographic origin, wild/farmed and gear type or farming method. Loblaw does not provide a list of products procured with region and gear type to the public. 

Education. Loblaw provides regular training for its seafood staff as per the MSC and ASC chain of custody requirements and provides some description of its sustainability policy for customers to see in store. Loblaw shares its sustainable seafood policy with its suppliers and vendors and engages them to ensure the products they supply meet Loblaw’s requirements. If needed, Loblaw will work with suppliers to find eco-certified sources for private brand products.

Supports Improvements. Loblaw prioritizes the sourcing of products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability and only sources farmed shrimp and prawns that are ASC or BAP 2+ star certified. Loblaw preferentially sources ASC certified salmon for its private label products and if this is unavailable then it will source BAP 2+ star or organic certified products. Loblaw preferentially sources skipjack tuna from fisheries making progress toward certification and only sources canned tuna from International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF) member suppliers. In August of 2020, Loblaw signed the NGO Tuna Forum’s global advocacy letter that addressed the core elements of long-term tuna stock sustainability. Finally, Loblaw is a Steering Committee member for the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI, run by the Consumer Goods Forum) and a partner of the Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative (GSSI). 

Note: In the process of developing Loblaw’s 2021 profile, SeaChoice corresponded with Jennifer Lambert, Senior Manager of Sustainability at Loblaw Companies Limited.

Step 1: Does the retailer have a comprehensive commitment on sustainable seafood?

Overall Step Score

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In 2009, Loblaw committed to procuring all of the seafood sold in its stores from sustainable sources by 2013 (for wild-caught seafood, meaning it is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council or an equivalent standard, and for farmed seafood, meaning it is certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council or an equivalent standard). All seafood is procured in line with Loblaw’s environmental commitments and is supported by either third-party certified traceability (for eco-certified products) or Loblaw’s traceability policy (for non-certified products; personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% No publicly available environmental sustainability commitment or policy
  • 20% General commitment to environmentally sustainable seafood without clear objectives, traceability policy or timelines
  • 40% Commitment to environmental sustainability that includes clear objectives for sustainable procurement, but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 60% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards (such as Seafood Watch or Ocean Wise rankings, eco-certifications, etc.), but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 80% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards and a clear and effective traceability policy, but no timeline
  • 100% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards, a clear and effective traceability policy, and a timeline for meeting the commitment (unless the commitment has already been met).
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw’s social responsibility policy is laid out in their Ethical Sourcing policy and Supplier Code of Conduct which sets out minimum standards that suppliers must meet. The Code addresses compliance with applicable laws, policies and governing terms; ethical conduct and behavior; employment standards; quality; health and safety; environmental responsibility and animal welfare. All suppliers must sign this Code and be willing to submit to social responsibility audits at source by an independent third party. Loblaw has a traceability policy in place to support this commitment.

  • 0% No publicly available social responsibility commitment or policy
  • 20% General commitment to socially responsible seafood without clear objectives, traceability policy or timelines
  • 40% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives for socially responsible procurement (for example by referring to credible international standards such as ILO, UN Declaration, etc.), but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 60% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives and actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, but no traceability policy or timelines.
  • 80% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, and a clear and effective traceability policy, but no timeline
  • 100% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, a clear and effective traceability policy, and a timeline for meeting the commitment (unless the commitment has already been met).
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw’s sustainable seafood policy includes sixteen of its twenty-one banners. It does not include T&T Supermarkets, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, No Frills third party seafood counters, Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharmaprix stores (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% Retailer does not include any banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 25% Retailer includes 25% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 50% Retailer includes 50% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 75% Retailer includes 75% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 100% Retailer includes 100% of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw’s commitment includes all of its shelf stable and national brand products.

  • 0% Retailer's commitment covers neither all of their shelf stable or national brand. products
  • 50% Retailer's commitment covers all of their shelf stable or national brand products
  • 100% Retailer's commitment covers all of their shelf stable AND national brand products
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 2: Is the retailer collecting data to support their commitment?

Overall Step Score

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

What information is the retailer collecting to monitor the environmental and social sustainability of their seafood products?

The step score is based on the average of Step 2 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw collects data on species’ scientific names for all seafood products sold (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw collects data on geographic origin for all seafood products sold (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw collects data on whether all seafood products sold are wild or farmed (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw collects data on gear type or farming method for all seafood products sold (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 3: Is the retailer making responsible sourcing decisions?

Overall Step Score

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Are the retailer’s procurement decisions supporting their environmental and social sustainability commitments?

The step score is based on the average of Step 3 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that KPI 3.3 was changed in 2019 from “Retailer works with suppliers to address potential human rights and labour abuses, and support sustainable livelihoods for producers” to more specific indicators around retailers’ agreements with their suppliers/vendors to uphold their environmental and social commitments.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw conducts all sustainability assessments for potential products using in-house expertise and the expertise of its NGO partner, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Loblaw uses certifications programs, including MSC and ASC, and ranking systems such as Seafood Watch, to inform its purchasing decisions.

  • 0% No sustainability criteria used to inform purchasing decisions (or no information available)
  • 100% Sustainabilty criteria used to inform purchasing decisions
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

After Loblaw met its target in 2013, the commitments laid out at that time have been incorporated in all subsequent purchasing decisions and all seafood is now procured in line with Loblaw’s environmental and social commitments. Loblaw continues to meet its commitment of procuring all seafood from sustainable sources (i.e. certified by MSC and ASC) and is meeting these standards in categories outside of its commitment scope, such as offering pet food made with MSC certified ingredients (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% Retailer has not reported in last three years how much of their seafood sold meets their sustainability commitment (or no information available)
  • 25% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 50% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 75% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 100% percent of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

All suppliers are required to sign a company-wide Code of Conduct and abide by commodity-specific procurement guidelines to ensure that all products they supply meet Loblaw’s environmental commitment (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021). Suppliers must agree that Loblaw may verify compliance of its suppliers with the Code of conduct, either through supplier self-evaluation or through an audit (either performed by Loblaw or an independent third party). Loblaw’s Code of Conduct for suppliers can be accessed here and its Ethical sourcing page can be found here.

  • 0% Suppliers are not required to sign a code of conduct (or no information)
  • 25% Some suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 50% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 75% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 100% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment and the retailer actively verifies that this commitment is being upheld.
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Suppliers to Loblaw must sign a Code of Conduct that sets out minimum standards which suppliers must meet. This includes the requirement that suppliers must at all times comply with local laws and regulations (unless the provisions in the Code of Conduct provide a greater level of protection for workers, in which case these provisions must be met). Suppliers must agree that Loblaw may verify compliance of its suppliers with the Code of conduct, either through supplier self-evaluation or through an audit (either performed by Loblaw or an independent third party). Loblaw’s Code of Conduct for suppliers can be accessed here and its Ethical sourcing page can be found here.

  • 0% Suppliers are not required to sign a code of conduct (or no information)
  • 25% Some suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 50% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 75% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 100% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's social responsibility commitment and the retailer actively verifies that this commitment is being upheld.
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 4: Is the retailer transparent about their commitment?

Overall Step Score

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Is the retailer making information regarding the environmental and social performance of their seafood products publicly available and are they reporting on progress against their sustainable seafood commitment?

The step score is based on the average of Step 4 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In addition to the legally-required common name, some of Loblaw’s private label (e.g. own-brand) fresh and frozen seafood products are labelled with country of harvest and whether the product is wild or farmed, and some products (e.g. pole and line canned tuna) are labelled with gear type or farming method (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • Species Latin name (the what)
  • Country of origin (the where)
  • Wild or farmed (the how part 1)
  • Gear type or farming methods (the how part 2)
  • 0% Retailer does not label products with the information (or no information)
  • 50% Retailer labels some products with the information
  • 100% Retailer labels all products with the information
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw’s private label and fresh-frozen products include the MSC, ASC and BAP eco-labels, as appropriate. In the last year, Loblaw has also increased the number of stores with MSC/ASC Chain of Custody certification, so that more eco-certified products that are packaged in store can be labelled with the MSC or ASC logos (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% Retailer does not label products with an ecolabel as appropriate (or no information)
  • 100% Retailer labels products with an ecolabel as appropriate OR all products fit under a standard and is communicated as such
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw does not disclose this information.

  • 0% No list of products procured with region and gear type has been made available (or no information)
  • 50% Some seafood products with region and gear type has been made available
  • 100% All seafood products with region and gear type has been made available
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw met its commitment to source 100% of the seafood sold in its stores from sustainable sources in 2015, and no longer publishes reports on how much if its seafood meets its criteria. However, Loblaw does confirm to SeaChoice annually that all of its procurement continues to be in line with its commitment.

  • 0% No public information on how the retailer is doing to meet its commitment
  • 50% Retailer has at one point in the past reported publicly how much of its seafood sold meets its commitment
  • 100% Retailer regularly reports publicly how much of its seafood sold meets its commitment (by volume/value, at least every two years)
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 5: Does the retailer educate staff, customers and/or vendors about the importance of their commitment to sustainable seafood?

Overall Step Score

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Is the retailer educating their employees, customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders about their sustainable seafood commitment, environmental and social issues in seafood, and the importance of traceability?

The step score is based on the average of Step 5 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that KPI 5.3 changed in 2019 from “Suppliers are required to sign a Code of Conduct to uphold the retailer’s sustainable seafood policy” (now covered by KPIs 3.3 and 3.4) to an indicator of what actions retailers have taken to educate their suppliers/vendors about their sustainable seafood commitment.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Regular training is conducted for Loblaw’s seafood staff as per the MSC and ASC chain of custody requirements (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% Training programs not conducted for seafood staff (or no information)
  • 50% Training programs sometimes conducted or for only some seafood staff
  • 75% Training programs conducted for all seafood staff, but infrequently (less than every two years)
  • 100% Training programs regularly (at least every two years) conducted for all seafood staff
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

There is a summary of Loblaw’s seafood policy in some stores, but not all. However, details of the program are online and customers can call customer service to find out more detailed information about specific products (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • 0% There is no description of the sustainable seafood program in store (or no information)
  • 50% This is some description of the sustainable seafood program in store
  • 100% There is a comprehensive description of the sustainable seafood program in store
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw shares their sustainable seafood policy with their suppliers and vendors and engages them to ensure the products they supply meets Loblaw’s requirements. If needed, Loblaw will work with suppliers to find eco-certified sources for private brand products.

  • 0% The retailer has taken no actions OR no information available
  • 25% The retailer sends its suppliers or vendors a copy of its sustainable seafood commitment or policy
  • 50% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy and sometimes engages with its suppliers to help ensure the products they supply meet the retailer's expectations.
  • 75% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy and regularly engages with its suppliers to help ensure the products they supply meet the retailer's expectations.
  • 100% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy, has a clear strategy to engage with its suppliers and provides direct support (e.g. training, resources) to help ensure all seafood product are procured in line with its policies.
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 6: Does the retailer support improvements in fisheries and aquaculture?

Overall Step Score

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Does the retailer sell ‘Priority Seafood’ products (seafood that has high volume of sales in Canadian retail stores and that is generally not recommended by the Ocean Wise Seafood Program), and if so, do they support improvement and how?

The step score is based on the average of Step 6 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that this Step was changed significantly in 2019 to introduce two additional ‘Support Improvement’ actions for each of the Priority Seafood products. This means that if a retailer was engaged in the same actions in 2019 as in 2018, and no more, their score will appear to have decreased). Additionally, KPIs 6.4 and 6.5 on other SeaChoice priority seafood products were generalized into a new KPI that allows retailers to showcase any other actions they are taking to support improvement of specific seafood products (besides shrimp, farmed salmon and skipjack), or to support improvements in seafood sustainability in general.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw worked closely with the ASC and BAP certification programs on standard development and supply chain expansion. It aims to source its farmed salmon from closed containment or organic certified open water net pens. Loblaw preferentially sources ASC certified salmon for its private label products, and if this is unavailable then it will source BAP 2 star plus or organic certified products. All suppliers are required to meet Loblaw’s general social responsibility commitments and traceability requirements (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • Only sells farmed salmon products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by ASC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for salmon farming management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve salmon aquaculture practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve salmon farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not ASC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially procures farmed salmon from sources that are ASC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw worked with the ASC and BAP certification standards on development and are now working on supply chain expansion. It preferentially sources ASC certified shrimp and prawns (which are also recommended by Ocean Wise) when available but note that currently there is a limited supply. When ASC certified products are not available, Loblaw sources shrimp and prawns that are at least BAP 2-star certified. All suppliers are required to meet Loblaw’s general social responsibility commitments and traceability requirements (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021).

  • Only sells farmed shrimp and prawn products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by ASC or BAP, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for shrimp and prawn farming management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve shrimp and prawn farming practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve shrimp and prawn farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not ASC or BAP certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially procures shrimp and prawns from sources that are ASC or BAP certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

While Loblaw prefers to source MSC certified skipjack tuna, availability and cost are common barriers. To try to address this, Loblaw has been working with suppliers to try and decrease the price point and increase availability. All suppliers are required to meet Loblaw’s general social responsibility commitments and traceability requirements (personal communication, J. Lambert, 05/20/2021). In August of 2020, Loblaw signed the NGO Tuna forum’s global advocacy letter that addressed the core elements of long-term tuna stock sustainability.

  • Only sells skipjack tuna products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by MSC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for skipjack fishing methods and management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve skipjack fishery management practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve skipjack fishing practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not MSC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially sources from more sustainable sources that are MSC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Loblaw
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Loblaw is a Steering Committee member for the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI, run by the Consumer Goods Forum) and a partner of the Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative (GSSI).

  • Only sells versions of this product that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by MSC/ASC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for harvest or farming method and management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve fishing or aquaculture practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve fishing or farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not MSC/ASC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially sources from more sustainable sources that are MSC/ASC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities
  • Scoring Rubric
← Back to Seafood Progress

Seafood Progress Reports

Sustainable Seafood Policy

Seafood Sourcing Statement

Location

Across Canada

Store Brands

  • Atlantic Superstore
  • Dominion Stores
  • Extra Foods
  • Loblaw Great Food
  • Loblaws
  • Loblaws CityMarket
  • Maxi & Cie
  • Pharmaprix
  • Provigo
  • Provigo Le Marché
  • Real Canadian Superstore
  • Real Canadian Wholesale Club
  • Shoppers Drug Mart
  • T&T Supermarket
  • Zehrs
  • Zehrs Great Food
  • Fortinos
  • Freshmart
  • No Frills (included except for third-party operated fresh seafood counters)
  • SaveEasy
  • Valu-mart
  • Your Independent Grocer

Banners in red are excluded from this retailer’s sustainable seafood policy.

SeaChoice is a sustainable seafood partnership of the following three conservation groups: