Taking Stock: Ranking supermarkets on seafood sustainability (2010 Edition):
Metro's efforts recognized

MONTREAL, June 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Metro has earned recognition for its seafood supply efforts in the 2010 Supermarket Ranking published by Greenpeace. Metro's improved performance, from the 8th to the 5th position, comes on the heels of its responsible fisheries policy unveiled on May 20.

"Metro acknowledges that sustainable fisheries and the preservation of natural resources are vital for future generations. The adoption of a sustainable fisheries policy is consistent with our corporate responsibility approach," declared Robert Sawyer, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Metro Inc. "This initiative is proof that we want to go beyond the role of distributor and become an actor in sustainable development."

Starting in September 2010, Metro will stop selling a number of threatened species and will change its product labelling. Metro will train store employees to prepare them to answer customers' questions regarding sustainable fisheries products. Metro will also rely on labelling and practical advice to inform its customers and raise their awareness.

Objective analysis

Greeted as "a big step in the right direction" and "innovative" by Greenpeace, Metro's policy will be implemented in the coming months. To ensure its decisions are based on objective analysis of fished species, Metro has developed a balanced policy that first takes into account official scientific opinions, but also the points of view of all stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and suppliers.

    
    Metro's sustainable fisheries policy is available at:
    http://www.metro.ca/corpo/environnement/peche-durable-politique.en.html.
    

About Metro Inc.

With annual sales of over $11 billion and over 65,000 employees, Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Québec and Ontario, where it operates a network of more than 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, GP, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.

For further information: Marie-Claude Bacon, Director, Corporate Affairs, Metro Inc., [phone], [email protected]