I Love Poké becomes Italy's first ever MSC-certified food chain
The Challenge
Showing a strong commitment to sustainability, I Love Poké decided to obtain the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification, one of the most recognised certifications worldwide for responsibly sourced seafood. The certification process required:
- Implementing a rigorous traceability system across 100+ stores throughout Italy.
- Training of 300+ employees on sustainability criteria and responsible management.
- Adaptation of company processes to MSC guidelines.
The Solution
A strategic approach:
- Identifying all people involved: We identified all key figures across the supply chain, from purchasing to serving, and split them up into groups according to their role and the training they needed.
- Implementing traceability and GAP analysis: We reviewed the existing traceability and supplier selection procedures to assess their level of compliance with the certification requirements.
- Compliance control: We developed methods to ensure that, after introducing the new procedures and earning the certification, the organisation as a whole would keep following the agreed practices.
Techniques Implemented
- Specialised training: interactive workshops for staff on sustainability, MSC criteria, and the adopted procedures to strengthen workforce knowledge.
- Traceability and other specific procedures: processes to monitor the origin and handling of certified seafood products, correctly communicating sustainable fishing information to consumers in line with MSC standards, and segregating certified products from non-certified ones.
- Specific audit: implementation of a dedicated section within hygiene audits to check compliance with MSC procedures.
The Impact of Our Work
MSC
Certification obtained.
First in Italy
I Love Poké becomes Italy's first ever MSC-certified food chain
Sustainable tuna
Purchase of MSC certified tuna to protect the oceans.
The Results
- MSC certification achieved: I Love Poké has become the first restaurant chain in Italy to obtain this prestigious certification.
- Greater sustainability: ensured through the purchase of MSC-certified tuna caught using more sustainable practices.
- Market recognition: positioned as a leader in food sustainability, strengthening consumer trust.
