The ALDI SOUTH Group is joining the Global Marine Commodities 2 (GMC2) initiative, led by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), to support the development of sustainable small pelagic (sardines, chub mackerel, sardinella) fisheries in Northwest Africa, helping protect shared fish stocks and enable more responsible choices for customers.
GMC2 is a fisheries improvement initiative that brings together governments, industry, retailers, and international organisations, including the Global Roundtable on Marine Ingredients (GRMI), to improve the long-term sustainability and governance of small pelagic fisheries in Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal.
At a time of increasing pressure on small pelagic stocks, driven by rising global demand, further amplified by recent consumer trends and deficient fisheries management, the GMC2 initiative provides a timely platform that aims to strengthen regional cooperation on key issues such as stock management and data collection, including knowledge sharing between countries. The project also seeks to improve governance, and address environmental and social risks, such as the inclusion of women, in small pelagic value chains in Northwest Africa.
Building on our existing long-term relationship with the region and previous efforts in the Moroccan Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), ALDI’s participation in GMC2 expands our approach to a regional level in order to address systemic challenges in the supply of sardines and mackerel from the region. Through the initiative, ALDI intends to move beyond its role as a buyer to work towards aligning market incentives and support more effective, science-based fisheries management.
As a first mover and the first retail partner of the GMC2 initiative, ALDI plans to engage other key industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and create unified market signals, such as encouraging the responsible use of marine resources. Our actions also support a shift towards greater use of fish for direct human consumption, while promoting the maximisation of byproducts and trimmings for the marine ingredients sector to ensure full resource efficiency.
Our participation in GMC2 also extends to addressing transparency and human rights challenges in the supply chain, such as labour conditions and rising inequalities. ALDI promotes a risk-based approach aimed at strengthening traceability, clear supplier expectations, and practical measures to help address and prevent human rights risks, while advancing a “Food First” approach that prioritises access to affordable fish for local communities and supports more inclusive value chains.
Why this matters
Helping drive systems change
The GMC2 initiative goes beyond individual sourcing improvements to address the root causes of overfishing and supply instability at a regional level.
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Addressing sardine shortages
Growing global demand, amplified by social media trends, has increased pressure on sardine stocks. ALDI is committed to promoting responsible purchasing and supporting sustainable stock management.
Supporting people and communities
GMC2 aims to address potential human rights, labour, and gender discrimination risks in Northwest African fisheries by improving visibility and strengthening preventive systems, done by enhancing supply chain transparency and risk mapping.
Ensuring long-term supply security
By investing in initiatives aimed at creating greater governance, transparency, and collaboration, ALDI aims to strengthen resilience in a key product category for both customers and fishing communities.
