Have you ever wondered where the tuna in your can of Rio Mare comes from?
Well, wonder no more! Thanks to their advanced traceability system, you can now access real-time information about the origin of the fish used in any can of Rio Mare tuna produced since 2018.
From the fishing zone and method used to the name of the vessel that caught it, each can has its own unique biography.
As the leading tuna brand in Europe and the first tuna producer in Italy, Rio Mare is committed to sustainable fishing practices and safeguarding tuna stocks and ocean biodiversity.
So, let’s dive deeper into where exactly Rio Mare tuna is caught and how they ensure its quality and sustainability.
Where Is Rio Mare Tuna Caught?
Rio Mare sources its tuna from various fishing zones around the world, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. The specific fishing zone and method used for each can of tuna is listed on its identity card, which can be accessed through their traceability system.
Rio Mare is dedicated to sustainable fishing practices and works closely with its suppliers to ensure that they adhere to strict standards. The company has received the ISO 22005 certification for its advanced tracking system, which monitors and reviews all its suppliers globally through procurement data.
This includes diversification of fishing methods used, the tuna species and fishing areas. Rio Mare also focuses on integrating existing markets and growing organically within its existing businesses.
The Traceability System: How Rio Mare Tracks Its Tuna
Rio Mare’s traceability system is a key aspect of the company’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Each can of tuna is assigned an identity card, which contains information about the tuna’s journey from the time it was caught to the moment it was processed and canned.
By using an advanced process that leverages digital mapping, data retention, and real-time access, Rio Mare is able to monitor and review all its suppliers globally through procurement data. This allows the company to reconstruct the history of each package and ensure that every can of tuna that reaches consumers has a name, surname, and address.
Consumers can access this information online in real-time, including the origin of the raw material, the type of fishing vessel used, its nationality, the geographical area, the date on which fishing took place, the fishing technique used, the species of canned fish, and the date of canning.
Rio Mare’s traceability system has earned the company the ISO 22005 certification for its advanced tracking system. This recognition represents a significant achievement for Rio Mare as it is among the first tuna producers in Italy and in the world to receive this certification.
Through its traceability system, Rio Mare ensures that its tuna is sustainably sourced and meets strict standards. This commitment to sustainability is crucial in today’s world where consumers are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from and how it is produced.
The Fishing Zones: Where Rio Mare Tuna Comes From
Rio Mare sources its tuna from a variety of fishing zones, including the Solomon Islands and Indonesia. These areas are known for their high-quality pole-and-line and handline tuna, which are used in some of Rio Mare’s tuna product range.
In addition to these specific areas, Rio Mare also fishes in various oceans around the world. By diversifying their fishing methods and locations, Rio Mare is able to provide a flexible and strategic supply solution for their customers.
Rio Mare’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices extends to the fishing zones they work with. They invest in fishing and processing bases that provide important socio-economic benefits to coastal communities and Pacific island countries. Best-in-class employment practices are in place, ensuring staff have wages and benefits that help their families and community maintain a healthy standard of living.
Sustainable Fishing Practices: Rio Mare’s Commitment To The Environment
Rio Mare is committed to sustainable fishing practices and recognizes the importance of safeguarding tuna stocks, the oceans, and their biodiversity. The company has been actively involved in sustainable fishing since 2016, partnering with WWF Italy and WWF International to develop sustainable fishing supply chains and promote actions to fight illegal fishing and reduce bycatch.
Rio Mare is also a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), a global non-profit organization committed to the sustainability of tuna stocks, reduction of bycatch, and health of the marine ecosystem. The ISSF develops and dictates conservation measures that member companies must comply with, including traceability of boats, presence of observers onboard, compulsory training for crews on proper fishing techniques, and fighting illegal fishing and reducing bycatch.
To reduce accidental fishing of vulnerable species such as small sharks or turtles, Rio Mare has worked in collaboration with the Spanish technology center AZTI to develop and test a pioneering device called “hopper” on its fishing vessels. This device allows for rapid identification of accidentally caught species in nets and their immediate release into the sea, ensuring greater safety on board and less stress for the animals.
Rio Mare also adheres to the Dolphin Safe program, certifying that its tuna is caught without killing or endangering dolphins. This certification has helped reduce the mortality rate of dolphins around the world by over 95%, saving more than 100,000 specimens each year.
In addition to these commitments, Rio Mare aims to source 100% of its tuna from MSC certified fisheries or Robust Fishery Improvement Projects (Robust FIPs) by 2024. It also aims to source 100% of other species (Salmon, Mackerel, and Sardines) from MSC/ASC certified fisheries or Robust Fishery/Aquaculture Improvement Projects (Robust FIPs/AIPs) by 2024. Rio Mare supports the funding of protected marine areas and finances projects to combat ocean pollution through recovery of fishing gear, FADs or plastic.
Rio Mare’s progress on all these commitments will be externally audited by an independent third-party certification body/auditor on an annual basis. The company also fully involves its suppliers in this improvement process through specific requests in its buyers’ agreement and monitoring progresses.
Quality Control: Ensuring Freshness And Flavor In Every Can
Rio Mare takes pride in its commitment to providing high-quality tuna products that are always fresh and flavorful. To achieve this, the company employs rigorous quality control measures at every stage of the production process.
Firstly, Rio Mare sources its tuna from trusted suppliers who use sustainable fishing practices. The company works closely with its suppliers to ensure that the tuna is caught using methods that minimize harm to other marine life and that the fish are of optimal size and quality.
Once the tuna is caught, it is immediately processed and canned in Italy using traditional methods. The fish is cooked just once and then packed in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which helps to preserve its flavor and texture.
Rio Mare also uses a traceability system that allows consumers to track the origin of their tuna can. This system ensures that each can of tuna is fully traceable from the fishing zone to the final product, providing transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
To further ensure freshness and flavor, Rio Mare employs advanced quality control systems that monitor each can of tuna for defects or abnormalities. This includes visual inspection, weight control, and sensory evaluation to ensure that every can meets the company’s high standards.
The Future Of Rio Mare Tuna: Plans For Further Sustainability Initiatives
Rio Mare is committed to continuously improving its sustainability initiatives and reducing its environmental impact. The company has set a goal to source 50% of its tuna using selective fishing methods, such as pole and line, handline, and purse seiners without FADs, by 2020. This is a significant increase from their current level and demonstrates their commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
In addition to reducing the use of destructive fishing methods, Rio Mare plans to impose even tighter restrictions on its own vessels. This will include a ban on the use of FAD supply vessels and a reduction in the use of FADs on their vessels.
Rio Mare’s sustainability initiatives also extend to their packaging. The company has committed to reducing plastic packaging by 30% by 2025 and using 100% recyclable materials in their packaging.
Furthermore, Rio Mare is dedicated to transparency in their sourcing and supply chain. They have implemented an advanced tracking system that allows consumers to access information about the specific fishing zone and method used for each can of tuna. This ensures that consumers can make informed decisions about the sustainability of the products they purchase.
