yearThe Year In Review
It is in its natural habitat that sea bream grows. The Atlantic Ocean is home to one of the most popular fish species in Portugal. In this privileged setting, we are not only raising the fish to be delivered fresh to the Group’s stores. We are also giving a sustainable response to the growing demand of our customers, without compromising the future of marine stocks.
Global fish consumption has doubled since the 1960s and the consequences were immediately felt, with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation warning about unsustainable exploitation of fisheries resources about fishing beyond biologically sustainable catch limits.
Fish sold by the Group annually
Fish is a very important part of the Jerónimo Martins Group’s business, with more than 150 thousand tonnes of fish sold per year. This means we must be able to meet the expectations of our customers, while fulfilling our pledge to planet balance.
The sustainable fishing strategy the Group follows is based on issues such as analysing the level of stock exploitation and the impact our business has on the ecosystems. Closely monitoring the concerns of the scientific community, we always implement solutions that preserve biodiversity, seeking species whose catch is certified and obeying the rules that impose clear limits on more vulnerable species. Aquaculture is one of the most sustainable options, providing access to high-quality food without endangering the viability of wild populations.
We are also always ready to go back to our roots. And we encourage the use of traditional fishing methods, creating lasting relationships with local partners, even if the more rational choice for an international Group would be to work with large-scale fisheries. By deciding to support an artisanal fishing cooperative, with just a few dozen fishermen, we are not only guaranteeing high-quality fish (albeit for a small group of stores), we are also making a positive impact on the local economy and preserving traditional fishing methods.
We know there is still a lot to be done. And that’s why we decided to launch our own aquaculture projects. We chose the Atlantic waters to start producing sea bass and sea bream in 2016. It’s an investment that brings fresh fish to our customers’ tables every day. And we’re just getting started.
Get to know the main indicators that demonstrate the Group’s performance over the last year.
Get to know our 2019 initiatives in the Sustainability area.
Read the message of Pedro Soares dos Santos, Chairman of the Jerónimo Martins Group.
For more detailed information, you can download the Group's Annual Report, in full or by chapter.