Woolworths is the first retailer in South Africa to sell only pole-and-line-caught canned tuna. Even better, all their tuna products, such as their yellowfin and albacore, are only caught “one-by-one,” the collective term incorporating pole-and-line, handline, and troll-line fishing methods. This way of fishing is highly selective, environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and supports local economies.
This World Tuna Day (2 May), Woolies is reaffirming its commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability. Together with Rahim Hoosen, Head of Trade Long Life Woolworths, we dive into Woolworth’s Fishing for the Future Program as part of their Good Business Journey; Rahim re-emphasis the collective efforts required by international markets to commit to sourcing tuna in a way that respects our oceans and marine life for a better tomorrow.
In 2008, Woolworths launched its Fishing for the Future programme to help restore marine ecosystems and ensure all seafood is responsibly sourced — for better food choices, thriving communities, and healthy oceans. This comprehensive sustainability approach considers resource efficiency, ecosystem health, climate change, and social justice issues. They are committed to sourcing all their seafood from sustainable fisheries and responsible farming operations. It’s not just tuna: Currently, Woolies sources 42 species from 32 countries and obtains seafood from some of the world’s leading and most innovative fisheries and aquaculture companies. By sourcing tuna, Cape bream, silverfish, yellowtail, and other species from small-scale fishers, they support small-scale fishers’ access to marine resources and markets. Woolies responsible seafood procurement policies aim to improve workers’ lives in their supply chains and positively impact the communities they source from.
In honour of World Tuna Day, Rahim was a premiere guest at ‘The Expresso Show’, one of South Africa’s most successful and popular breakfast television shows and discussed the lengths Woolies goes to to lead the industry towards positive change.
“Our Fishing for the Future program is deeply rooted in three fundamental pillars: Responsible Sourcing, Proactive Transparency, and Responsible Consumption. These pillars represent our unwavering determination to ensure that only sustainable seafood graces our shelves. Our relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in every aspect of our operations, from meticulous policies to stringent quality testing aimed at delivering unparalleled flavour while preserving our oceans’ vitality.
Responsible consumption is at the heart of our endeavour, wherein consumers are empowered to make better, more informed choices for a better tomorrow. As market leaders, we recognise our pivotal role in spearheading this movement towards positive environmental and social impacts. Through our program, we pledge to source all our seafood responsibly, not merely tuna, fostering healthier oceans, thriving communities, and superior culinary experiences.
Our vision at Woolies transcends mere profitability; we aspire to be among the world’s most responsible retailers. We firmly believe that doing good business and fostering positive change are not mutually exclusive. Our commitment to the Good Business Journey is anchored across our business, with a steadfast focus on people, communities, and the planet.
Our partnership with IPNLF goes beyond mere procurement; it embodies our shared belief in making a difference. From safeguarding our oceans to supporting local communities, we are united in our quest to restore balance to nature. Many of the vessels we work with are family-owned, representing their primary livelihood. As responsible retailers, we recognise the critical role we play in championing change and setting new standards in sustainability.
Together, we are charting a course for a brighter future and pioneering a paradigm shift in the retail landscape—one where prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand.”
— Rahim Hoosen, 2 May 2024