Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
to become a more informed buyer but also to discover new sources and new prod-
ucts I can feel good about featuring. And that's something I know my customers
appreciate as well', said Cindy Walter of Passionfish restaurant. Rob Mayo of Car-
olina Classics Catfish adds, 'Sourcing Seafood is a fantastic resource, especially for
independent companies like ours. We work hard to be environmentally responsible,
and our efforts set us apart from others in the industry. We've received new busi-
ness specifically because of our listing in the sourcebook'. Such a strong reception
reflects the growing awareness of chefs, retailers and wholesalers that sustainable
seafood can be good for business, as well as good for the ocean.
Each year, Seafood Choices Alliance hosts a variety of gatherings beyond the
Seafood Summit that convene industry leaders to both foster increased dialogue
and raise corporate issue awareness. Through those efforts, the Alliance has de-
veloped a track record of mobilising and catalysing industry leaders through di-
alogue. This work involves bringing together leaders from different sectors and
diverse geographies for candid conversations to highlight a new issue or emerg-
ing trends, explore opportunities for collaboration across traditional divides or
demonstrate the case that sustainable seafood is good for business. For example,
as a convener of Sustainable Seafood Roundtables with Walt Disney World since
2005, the Alliance has been able to engage major buyers from Wal-Mart, Unilever,
Darden, Ahold and Sysco to explore the challenges and opportunities of 'scaling
up' sustainable operations within those companies. As evidenced in those forums,
such dialogue can spark fruitful new partnerships and motivate some key play-
ers into action. As a result of the 2005 meeting, Wal-Mart solidified its sustainable
seafood purchasing policy announced in February 2006 (http://www.walmartstores.
com/GlobalWMStoresWeb/navigate.do?catg=665).
These gatherings also provide a key opportunity to leverage the progress of major
EU buyers with their US counterparts, and vice versa. As an unbiased convener,
the Alliance will continue to host numerous such dialogues in the US and Europe
each year which will bring new players to the table and raise the bar for those
already there. Sometimes these discussions will involve major retail buyers, while
at other times it may be more strategic to convene discussions between others (e.g.
foodservice distributors, restaurant chains, wholesalers and suppliers) at different
points in the supply chain.
While activities such as the Seafood Summit,
Sourcing Seafood,
and the Al-
liance's role as an 'honest broker' facilitator continue to attract robust participation
from members and significant attention from the media, the Alliance has evolved
its tactics to keep pace with an ever-changing market. By serving as consultant to
companies as they chart their course towards more responsible procurement prac-
tices, highlighting innovative actors and emerging trends at regional restaurant and
retail promotions, and showcasing sustainable seafood suppliers in the directory,
the Alliance is increasing the role that key players across the supply chain are able
to play in the sustainable seafood movement.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search