Through a comprehensive approach, Profand has implemented initiatives that address social, environmental and economic challenges in the fishing industry, with a firm commitment to transparency and compliance with international standards. We interviewed Antonio Álvarez, Director of Sustainability, who on this occasion talks about how our company is leading the way towards a more sustainable and ethical supply chain.
Antonio, how would you describe Profand's approach to sustainability and human rights in the supply chain?
At Profand, we are committed to long-term sustainability. For a number of years now, we have been taking a holistic approach to addressing the social, environmental and economic challenges facing our industry. We strongly believe in a more sustainable and ethical seafood supply chain, and we work tirelessly to ensure that all workers, both our employees and those of our suppliers, operate under legal working conditions and safe working environments. This is reflected in our Profand 4 Future strategy, which is aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
We work tirelessly to ensure that all workers, both our employees and those of our suppliers, operate under legal working conditions and safe working environments.
Our strategy rests on three main pillars. First, there are the Grievance Procedures, which provide an avenue for workers to report any issues, confidentially and securely. Secondly, the Due Diligence Process, which allows us to assess risks, especially in human and labor rights, throughout our supply chain. And finally, the Human Rights Policy, which is rigorous and applies to both our internal operations and our supply chain.
In addition, we support key international frameworks such as the International Bill of Human Rights and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We are also a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and are aligned with its ten principles.
How does Profand ensure that these high standards are met along the entire value chain?
Since 2021, we have been a member of Sedex, which has allowed us to orient our strategy according to the recommendations of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) code. We have implemented a robust system of internal and external audits, using recognized international certifications such as SMETA, BAP and Global GAP for offices, factories and fleets. By 2023, 81% of our workforce had already been audited under these certifications and by 2024, more than 90% will be.
A recent example is STAVIS, which renewed its certification under the BAP Seafood Processing Standard in March this year, and Shoreside, which will soon be audited under SMETA, while the U.S. and Argentine fleets are already in the process of certification under the Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard (RFVS).
"We have implemented a robust system of internal and external audits, using recognized international certifications such as SMETA, BAP and Global GAP for offices, factories and fleets. By 2023, 81% of our workforce had already been audited under these certifications and by 2024, more than 90% will be."
What actions are taken when problems are detected in audits?
When we identify nonconformities in audits, we develop a specific corrective action plan, which includes an investigation to determine why the nonconformity occurred, measures to resolve the current nonconformity quickly, and steps to prevent the problem from recurring. In addition, we perform ongoing follow-up to ensure compliance.
How do you ensure that suppliers also maintain these standards throughout the supply chain?
At Profand, we have an internal purchasing traceability system that records key data on every seafood purchase from more than 5,000 suppliers.
In addition, we are developing a human rights and illegal fishing risk assessment tool (IUU), which combines our ERP data with global databases and indices such as the Global Slavery Index, ILO 188, Fishsource, the Petrossian list and EU flags, in collaboration with a spin-off from the University of Vigo.
Together, we are building an algorithm that ranks the risk level of each seafood supplier under GDST standards, backed by AI and blockchain technologies
"We are poised not only to meet the highest standards of environmental and social performance, but to transform the sector and unlock its potential to benefit both people and planet."
What is the future vision for Profand in terms of human rights and sustainability?
At Profand, because of our size, our level of vertical integration, our global presence, our maturity in terms of internal capabilities, systems and processes, and our vision, we believe we are prepared not only to meet the highest standards of environmental and social performance, but to transform the sector and unlock its potential to benefit both people and planet.
We understand our responsibility to operate in a sustainable manner, taking care of our resources and respecting human rights in each of our activities. Our approach goes beyond complying with the minimum: we strive for excellence in sustainability, setting ambitious goals and ensuring that we meet them.
We are proud to contribute to the well-being of the oceans and the communities that depend on them, as we set the course for a more sustainable and transformative future in the fishing industry.