JCCU launches the First Private Brand Products Manufactured in Japan with Alaska RFM Certified Eco-Label
2023.05.29
JCCU launches CO-OP Sockeye salmon roe bowl and CO-OP Salted sockeye salmon fillet with the eco-label of Alaska's Responsible Fishery Management (RFM) certification program in May 2023 as new products in the "CO-OP Sustainable" brand's "Protect Marine Resources" series.
Both the CO-OP Sockeye salmon roe bowl and the CO-OP Salted sockeye salmon fillet are certified by the MSC* and Alaska's RFM**.
These are the first private brand products manufactured in Japan with the Alaska RFM certified eco-label.
CO-OP Sockeye salmon roe bowl with Alaska RFM logo
*MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification is a certification system for sustainable and environmentally friendly fisheries and the management of marine products caught in such fisheries so as not to deplete marine resources.
**What is Alaska RFM Certification?
Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification is a certification program developed in Alaska, for fisheries that harvest wild-captured seafood resources. It indicates that the certified seafood was caught in a sustainable fishery in Alaska under responsible fisheries management.
Starting in 2023, JCCU will affix the Alaska RFM certified eco-label to fish roe, salmon and trout products made from ingredients caught in sustainable fisheries in Alaska.
(This applies to contract manufacturers that have obtained RFM CoC certification.)
Mark Fina, Chairman of the Board of Directors (scheme owner of the Certified Seafood Collaborative (CSC) /RFM certification program) comments:
Alaska salmon and trout fishery © Alaska Seafood Marketing Association
"I am very excited to see the RFM certification program adopted by the "CO-OP Sustainable" brand's "Protect Marine Resources" series and the launch of RFM labeled products by the CO-OP. I hope that co-op members will confidently choose and enjoy the sustainable and delicious Alaska seafood products."
Annual supply volume of marine eco-labeled products by co-op members reaches 10 billion yen.
In FY2022, the estimated amount of annual supply of eco-labeled marine products reached 10 billion yen. Among the co-op products in the fishery sector, the supply volume composition ratio of eco-labeled products increased from 12.8% in FY2021 to 22.7% in FY2022.
JCCU has set sustainable procurement goals for 2030 as "2030 Goals for CO・OP Brand Products" based on "Basic Policy for Responsible Procurement of Co-op Products".
The goal is to achieve at least 50% of the supply of "products made mainly from marine products" (including products that do not fall under the category of marine products) with the marine eco-label by 2030, reaching 15.9% in FY2022.
