Shaw’s Expands Sustainable Seafood Program

Company celebrates one-year anniversary of its continuing commitment to sustainability by adding several new species, including swordfish, and hosting special customer events throughout September

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shaw’s Supermarkets marked the one-year anniversary of its major commitment to seafood sustainability with the addition of several new species in the fresh case. Shaw’s now offers 18 products in its fresh case certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the world's leading certification and eco-labeling program for sustainable seafood, or verified though the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), a nonprofit marine science center.

“This month, we celebrate the continued success and expansion of our sustainable seafood program”

Since announcing the initiative last September, Shaw’s has continued to work closely with the MSC and GMRI, as well as North Coast Seafood - its single seafood supplier - to grow its sustainable seafood sourcing program. The initial MSC-certified product offerings introduced in September of 2011 included Wild Sockeye Salmon, Wild King Salmon, Wild Coho Salmon, Wild Alaskan Halibut, Pacific Frozen Sea Cod, Canadian Frozen Sea Flounder, Icelandic Fresh Haddock and Canadian Fresh Haddock. The Gulf of Maine Responsibly Harvested products included Lobster, Northern Shrimp, Cod, Haddock, Sea Scallops, and Pollock.

New to the list this year, Shaw’s now provides the following fresh seafood items within its sustainable seafood program, including:

• Fresh Swordfish Steaks
• Fresh Perch Fillets
• Fresh Cod Fillets
• Fresh Sockeye Salmon Fillets
• Frozen at Sea Haddock Fillets
• Frozen at Sea New England Style Haddock Fillets

“This month, we celebrate the continued success and expansion of our sustainable seafood program,” said Mike Stigers, president, Shaw’s. “Not only is it crucial to source seafood from fisheries committed to sustaining the health of the seafood supply, but it also provides our customers with the knowledge they are helping to further seafood sustainability as well. Shaw’s seafood shoppers can be assured that they are buying high-quality seafood from viable sources.”

“We congratulate Shaw’s Supermarkets for its commitment to seafood sustainability and appreciate the positive impact Shaw’s is having on preservation of valuable ocean resources,” said Kerry Coughlin, MSC regional director, Americas. “The MSC program works by providing a means to harness market forces and work collaboratively with partners to either confirm sustainability or promote positive improvements in global fisheries. Shaw’s and its customers are contributing in an important way to the health of the world’s oceans and the livelihoods that rely on commercial fishing. “

In celebration of the program expansion, anniversary events will be hosted at various Shaw’s stores. Anniversary cake will be served at all Shaw’s locations on Friday, September 7 at 4:00 p.m. Select stores will conduct seafood demonstrations and will hold seafood cooking classes each Friday in September from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Additionally, from Friday, September 7 to Thursday, September 13, all fresh fish customers will be rewarded with Anniversary Cards that feature the Shaw’s sustainability claim and include two $1.00-off coupons for future purchases.

As part of its sustainability initiatives, Shaw’s provides experts in all of its stores to help answer consumer questions and continue implementing Shaw’s sustainability commitment. Together, Shaw’s seafood experts have collectively gone through 4,500 hours of training on seafood sustainability to prepare for the program.

For more information about Shaw’s commitment to seafood sustainability, please visit: www.shaws.com/seafood.

Shaw’s Zero Waste Program
At Shaw’s, commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at seafood. Thirteen Shaw’s locations recently hit the zero waste landmark by diverting more than 90 percent of store waste from local landfills – a major environmental milestone. Shaw’s continues to expand its zero waste efforts to additional stores.

For more information on Shaw’s sustainability efforts, please visit www.shaws.com/sustainability.

About Shaw’s Supermarkets
Shaw’s, Osco and Star Market are part of the nationwide SUPERVALU® INC. (NYSE: SVU) family of grocery stores. Shaw’s is one of the oldest continuously operated supermarkets in the United States with its roots dating to 1860. Throughout five New England states, there are 169 store locations employing approximately 21,000 associates. For more information about Shaw’s, visit the all-new web site at: www.shaws.com.