Food retailers and wholesalers take action to support sustainable operations through sector or company initiatives, reducing resource use and the environmental impacts of our operations. We innovate on packaging, help consumers and suppliers reduce food waste and phase out chemicals.
Since 2010, Sonae has developed action guidelines, as part of its Environmental Policy, dedicated to the preservation of marine ecosystems, species, and fish stocks. Within the Fishing Sustainability Policy good practices, MC communicates to its customers the source and risk associated with each fish species via the Traffic Light System (TLS). This tool makes it possible to assess purchases according to the level of sustainability of fisheries. In 2024, most fish sold came from aquaculture or more sustainable fishing methods identified through TLS. Species in the red category — considered endangered — accounted for only 1.5% of total purchases, reflecting Sonae’s ongoing commitment to promoting responsible seafood sourcing.
To ensure that Jerónimo Martins’ businesses do not contribute to the overexploitation of fish stocks, the Group annually assesses the conservation status of over 200 species sold through our perishables and private brand products. Risk levels are defined in accordance with the IUCN Red List and the degree of stock exploitation.
The Group adopts different strategies depending on whether species are classified as “vulnerable”, “endangered” or “critically endangered”. For example, the European eel – classified as “critically endangered” – is not sold by any of the Group’s companies. Although from aquaculture, production systems of this species rely on the capture of juveniles (glass eels) from natural habitats, which continues pressure wild populations.The Group adopts different strategies depending on whether species are classified as “vulnerable”, “endangered” or “”critically endangered””. One example is that of the European eel, classified as “”critically endangered””. We do not sell this species because, although from aquaculture, production systems depend on the collection of “”juveniles”” (glass eels) from natural environments, continuing to put pressure on wild populations. “
