Consumer assurance: market-based quality schemes,certification,organic labels,ecolabelling,retailer specifications

摘要

In response to a strong call for responsibly supplied fish, the European marketplace now has a number of ecolabels, some globally recognized and others specific to the retailer or country. This paper gives an overview of the current labels being applied to European fish and fish products, explores their efficacy and necessity, and considers what the label "market" might look like in the future. The majority of these labels apply to wild-caught fish. What labels are being applied to farmed fish? How meaningful are they? Furthermore, the author has sought input from a cross section of leading European retailers and processors on what their requirements are, and their "top tip" for suppliers of farmed fish in the future. The challenges for suppliers to the European market are considered, and the catalyst, strength and authenticity of the sustainable fisheries movement in the European industry are addressed. Most activity has centered on wild-caught, fresh fish, but there is increasing energy now questioning the farmed sector. What is driving this and what might it mean in the future? Finding ways to match responsible(economically, socially, environmentally and ethically sustainable), traceable production with high quality and good value are the demands of the European industry-but are the requirements and the commitment enough to enable the management, investment and possible change that might be necessary?