Since 1899, we have been guided by the motto ‘Pro toto quid contribuamus’ (‘Let us work for the greater good’). It calls on everyone involved in the company to make a contribution to the greater good. By this we mean that all employees take responsibility for operational and social issues relating to the company, even beyond the confines of NORDSEE itself.
Responsible Sourcing
The aim is to source fish from suppliers that meet specified requirements based on precautionary fishing practices.
As a member of the Federal Association of the German Fish Industry and Fish Wholesalers (Bundesverband der deutschen Fischindustrie und des Fischgroßhandels e. V.), the ‘Sustainable Fisheries’ initiative, founded in 1996, has drawn up purchasing agreements. 82.5 per cent of NORDSEE fish comes from wild catches and 17.5 per cent from aquaculture.
Purchasing agreements for fish and raw materials
As the German fishing industry is heavily reliant on the purchase of fish and raw materials, the initiative has drawn up purchasing agreements. Through voluntary purchasing agreements, NORDSEE Seafood suppliers undertake not to support illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing and to promote sustainable fisheries. Furthermore, suppliers certify that the fish they supply originate from areas for which total allowable catches have been set. We also support the call for more effective controls at sea and in ports. As part of this, we are constantly working on measures to improve traceability and transparency throughout the entire supply chain. We guarantee the traceability of our fish in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, from the restaurant right back to the supplier and the fishing ground. Furthermore, we support measures to reduce discards within the framework of EU legislation.
Our relationships with our key suppliers have been in place for decades and are based on precisely defined quality requirements. In addition, some time ago we developed binding rules in the form of guiding principles, a code of conduct for suppliers and service providers, and procurement guidelines. These sets of guidelines set out requirements for working with our suppliers and cover, amongst other things, the careful handling of raw materials and marine resources, as well as compliance with internal standards.
NORDSEE does not sell endangered fish species
One of the measures we have taken is to voluntarily refrain from selling such species. NORDSEE has been doing this for years and supports measures that contribute to the protection and recovery of fish stocks. Addendum regarding the ‘shark’ category: As an exception, ‘Schillerlocke’ made from spiny dogfish caught in MSC-certified fisheries is available.
All other shark species have not been sold since October 2005 and are included on our internal blacklist.
