Introducing Fish for Life

With a combined history of more than 250 years in seafood, it’s entirely natural that Young’s and Findus should support sustainable fisheries. Of course, we know this is good for our industry but - more importantly - we also believe strongly that we have an ethical imperative to do so. We must all support sustainable practice if we are to ensure that fish - both wild and farmed - can continue as a key source of human food. This is particularly important when UN scientists tell us that the world will need 70% more food by 2050.

As a fish processor, our business is a key link between fishermen and the consumer. This puts us in a unique position to make a positive difference to sustainability and influence best practice by insisting our suppliers meet our Fish for Life standards. We are also well placed to support wider industry initiatives and science – and to communicate key sustainability issues through our business relationships and brand marketing.

Our business is a strong supporter of the major sustainability certification schemes including the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, Global Gap and GAA for farmed fish and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild caught. Indeed, we are also committed to drive for all wild fish in our retail brands by 2012.

However, Fish for Life is different because for us it’s more than just a certification scheme. It’s a programme that represents our deep commitment to actively contribute to long term improvement in the management of the world’s oceans and fisheries – such as by funding research, engaging with industry and lobbying governments to implement better legislation. You can find out more about some of these projects in our case study section.

We are proud of Fish for Life, which was started by Young’s but now also applies to all the businesses in the wider Findus Group. We look forward to a time when the principles which it represents are endorsed by everyone in our industry.

Stephen Taylor

Category director, Seafood
Young’s Seafood & Findus