Energy

Is A ‘Great Deal’ On A Grocery Store Salmon, Really That Great?


Worldwide, more than 25% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the production of our food. But seafood has a dramatically lower carbon footprint producing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 4% of the total emissions of global food production. Yet according to a study from the Food Marketing Institute only 56% of American consumers eat seafood twice a month. The pandemic, however, seems to be doing its fair bit to help shift mindsets. Grocery retailers have reported a significant increase in seafood sales as consumers are cooking at home more due to COVID-19 shelter-in-place and dining restrictions according to a poll of leading retailers commissioned by the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA)
GAA

But customers remain in the dark when it comes to seafood. The Food Marketing Institute study reveals that customers are frustrated by not knowing enough about seafood. 48% of seafood consumers say there is not enough information available to them, from how to cook seafood to how to judge quality and freshness, a frustration which is extended even to non-seafood consumers. 

On A Mission To Educate Seafood Consumers

Scout’s mission is to change this. The North American startup that sells sustainably sourced canned seafood, is committed to protecting marine ecosystems by educating consumers around seafood’s untapped diversity while encouraging them to shift eating habits to include more than just salmon and tuna in their meals. 

“We created our launch products with species that were still familiar to consumers but underloved in a can, such as lobster and mussels, which are a miracle protein source and water cleaner,” says Adam Bent founder of Scout. “Tuna is a gateway fish, and it’s what consumers love. After they taste and trust our tuna, they will be more likely to consume diverse and underloved seafood species that support a more regenerative and biodiverse future for our oceans and waterways,” he explains.

Scout works with a network of small-scale fisheries creating a short and traceable supply chain and is now known as the first canned seafood brand to source 100% of supply off the shores of Canada and the U.S. “We wanted to be everything that the status quo brands have failed to do. Our fishermen and processors are paid fairly and we take people and planet into consideration with every decision we make,” says Adam. “The incumbent brands in our space still source from global supply chains with human rights and environmental violations, and they don’t do anything to engage consumers in climate action or connect what they do back to ocean health,” he points out.

Scout’s products use zero plastic and are packaged in BPA-free aluminum cans and boxes made from recycled card stock with all packaging being 100% recyclable. They can be tracked using the MSC chain of custody code and can be seen on the shelves of independent natural organic grocers and bakeries to strategic retailers like Wholefoods, and Eataly. The company raised this September $1 million through venture and debt financing with specialist sustainable food investor Almanac Insights, who has previously backed Good Catch Tuna and Sweetgreen, leading the round.

Tips To A Responsible Seafood Consumer

Here are some ways consumers can cut through the noise, avoid confusion around seafood products and choose sustainably-sourced seafood. Always read the label and buy locally. 

Take your time to understand the sourcing region and the catch method. “Seafood can be confusing, so we would also encourage consumers to purchase seafood from their local fish market where the staff can help guide their purchase,” Adam says.

Is it from a certified fishery? ” MSC certification provides consumers with confidence in their purchase. Consumers need to understand that tuna should not cost $1-$2 dollars, those products are artificially low cost because of the labour and environmental abuses taking place in the global seafood supply chain” Adam points out.

Mix up your seafood. “Add some more experimental options like clams, seaweed, or a new canned species and find alternatives to superstar species,” says Adam.

Decrease your consumption of imported seafood. “Favour seafood closer to home, even though it costs a bit more, it’s the true cost of responsible seafood. When you see a giant slab of fatty salmon at Costco for a “great deal” try and understand why something has a lower dollar value. What was that species fed, am I eating something good for my health, has this species been genetically modified to grow faster and larger?” Adam says.

A good start is to read the label and buy locally and certified.



READ NEWS SOURCE

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.