Waitrose Announces Groundbreaking Decision to Suspend Mackerel Sales
Waitrose is set to make UK supermarket history by becoming the first major retailer to stop selling mackerel across all its stores. The suspension of fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel will take effect from April 29, 2026, marking a significant move driven by environmental sustainability concerns.
Sustainability Concerns Prompt Unprecedented Action
The decision stems from Waitrose's commitment to ethical sourcing and protecting marine ecosystems. Jake Pickering, Head of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries at Waitrose, emphasized the company's dedication to tackling overfishing and ensuring the long-term health of ocean populations.
"By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments," Pickering stated. "We are acting to tackle overfishing and protect the long-term health of our oceans and this crucial fish."
Pickering further explained that customers trust Waitrose to source responsibly, and the supermarket is closely monitoring fishery conditions. "We look forward to bringing mackerel back to our shelves once it meets our high sourcing standards," he added.
Implementation Details and Customer Guidance
The suspension applies specifically to fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel products. However, remaining tinned mackerel inventory will continue to be available in stores until supplies are completely sold out.
Waitrose will actively guide customers toward alternative fish species that meet their stringent sustainability criteria. This move represents a proactive approach to consumer education about responsible seafood consumption.
The supermarket, which operates multiple branches across Solihull and Birmingham, is positioning itself as an industry leader in sustainable retail practices through this groundbreaking decision.
Broader Retail Context and Industry Developments
This announcement coincides with significant restructuring within the retail technology sector. On the same day, Ocado revealed plans to cut approximately 1,000 jobs as part of a cost-reduction strategy aiming to save £150 million.
The job cuts will affect about 5% of Ocado's global workforce, with approximately two-thirds of the reductions occurring in the UK where the company is headquartered in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Technology roles account for roughly half of the positions being eliminated, with support staff making up the remainder.
Tim Steiner, Chief Executive of Ocado Group, noted that the company is "benefiting from significant productivity enhancements from AI" which helps write and check software code, enabling the group to "get more done with less people." Steiner also acknowledged that "the market for large automated distribution centres in the US is smaller than we thought it would be."
These parallel developments highlight the evolving landscape of UK retail, where environmental responsibility and technological efficiency are becoming increasingly central to business strategies.
