Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to suspend mackerel sourcing over sustainability concerns. The supermarket, which has stores in Solihull and Birmingham, is taking a decisive stand against overfishing to safeguard the long-term health and sustainability of our oceans.
Suspension of Mackerel Sales
Sourcing of fresh, chilled and frozen mackerel was suspended at the end of April, with tinned mackerel following shortly after. Speaking at the Waitrose Food System Transformed Conference on 26 February, Jake Pickering, Head of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries at Waitrose, said: “By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments, acting to tackle overfishing and protect the long-term health of our oceans and this crucial fish.”
“Our customers trust us to source responsibly, and we are closely monitoring the fishery. We look forward to bringing mackerel back to our shelves once it meets our high sourcing standards,” Pickering added.
Alternative Seafood Options
Dr Joanne Lunn, Head of Health & Nutrition at Waitrose, recommends alternatives: “Whether it's sardines or herring from our new smoked fish range, we are bringing the same high quality and great taste our customers look for. These products offer a powerful nutritional profile and health benefits that mirror closely those of mackerel. They are natural sources of omega-3 which helps to maintain normal functioning of the heart, brain and vision, making it effortless to incorporate functional, nutrient-dense foods into your daily routine.”
Sustainable Seafood Commitment
Waitrose will maintain its long-standing relationship with its mackerel suppliers and continue to support the UK’s thriving coastal communities. Its new supply of herring, seabass, sardines and trout will continue to be sourced through current supplier partnerships. Leading the way in sustainable tinned seafood, Waitrose has also announced plans to become the first UK retailer to sell 100% MSC certified tinned sardines, across seven different products.
Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, says: “Responsible fishing is not a standalone issue for us - it sits within our wider Ethics and Sustainability commitments, including our net zero ambitions, zero deforestation goals, biodiversity protection and our work to set science based targets for nature. We believe sustainable food production must balance climate action, nature protection and responsible fish sourcing is fundamental to protecting our oceans. We will continue to work closely with suppliers and industry partners to support the recovery and responsible management of fish stocks.”
