Fair Trade Shrimp

Origins:

Giant Eagle’s Nature’s Basket brand is committed to offering sustainable products that are affordable, responsibly sourced, and trustworthy. The brand continually explores ways to improve sustainable practices, support local communities, and protect the planet. Acknowledging historical labor challenges in the seafood industry, particularly with shrimp, Giant Eagle sought to adopt best practices for its Nature’s Basket product line within the scope of its regional operations, aiming to elevate product standards while remaining mindful of available resources.

Contribution:

Since 2023, Giant Eagle has worked closely with Fair Trade and its shrimp vendors to extend Fair Trade certification across the entire Nature’s Basket shrimp assortment. Given the complexity of coordinating multiple farms and processors across various locations, the process was challenging and time intensive. Ultimately, this initiative makes it easier for customers to recognize and support sustainable practices, reinforcing Giant Eagle’s dedication to ethical and transparent sourcing.

Objectives:

This certification reflects the broader vision and standards set for the Nature’s Basket brand, ensuring the product aligns with brand and company values. Partnering with a trusted external organization also reinforces Giant Eagle’s commitment to doing what is right, guided by an understanding of cultural nuances and the surrounding geopolitical context.

Impact:

Sustainability is not just a value—it’s a responsibility we share with our customers, who have consistently shown strong interest in responsibly sourced seafood. At the core of our approach is a commitment to protecting both the fragile ecology that sustains global fisheries and the human rights of the people who make this industry possible. Our Nature’s Basket shrimp program—one of our brand’s top 10 best-selling items—embodies this commitment. By prioritizing ethical sourcing and ecological stewardship, we are building a more resilient and transparent supply chain that supports long-term seafood availability while uplifting the communities behind the catch. This program has become more than a product—it’s a platform for storytelling, education, and engagement. We use it to connect with our customers and share how their choices directly support fair labor practices and sustainable fishing methods. Through this work, we are not only safeguarding the future of seafood but also helping to drive positive change across the industry.

Quote:

“We’re always thinking about Nature's Basket as the place where we want to invest in better, more elevated sustainable practices while also thinking about how we can help strengthen our communities and protect our planet. We hope that other retailers feel inspired by the investment we have made and hope they see it as an opportunity they should explore.”

– Cara Mercil, director, sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Giant Eagle

Support Statement:

"Giant Eagle has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to bringing Fair Trade Certified products to their customers for years. Its Nature's Basket shrimp achievement is a particularly noteworthy milestone. This commitment improves the lives of fishers and their communities, protects the environment, and empowers their shoppers to purchase with purpose."

– Josh Nelson, seafood business development manager, Fair Trade USA