Shrimpy Subject, Big Impact

Unless you’re from the Northeast, Wegmans might not be a household word. But if you’re in food—regardless of where you live—it should be.

The East Coast chain has long shown up on the progressive end of the scale, often adopting higher standards for its offered foods than federal agencies and fellow ethically leaning retailers. Not long ago, it took the lead in its stated goal to work with salmon farmers (and require suppliers) to shake some of the bogeys out of that aquaculture system. Now the chain is letting another feisty cat out of the bag by drawing attention to the problematic aspect s of shrimp farming and calling for similarly strict sourcing guidelines. 

Anyone who follows this ingredient-supply system knows that aquaculture has its share of uphill battles in front of it in order to align itself with what will likely become the universal environmental criteria of the near future. However, all indications point to the fact that in light of a steadily increasing worldwide population, we will increasingly rely on farmed seafood for sustenance. By stepping into the forefront of the fray, Wegmans will likely come out ahead of the game and continue to solidify its forward-thinking, environmentally and economically sustainable slot in the retail world.

My only complaint is that the chain has yet to expand into the Midwest. Danny: Trust me. We’re ready for you.