Sourcing Vision
Flavor is key: If we wouldn’t use it in our own kitchens or serve it to our own families, we assume our customers wouldn’t either.
We support local food economies: We strive to support local fishers and food systems whenever possible. Additionally, we prioritize sourcing from sustainable, well-managed fisheries and working directly with independent fishers, their local processors, and partners—regardless of location.
We encourage ecological sustainability: We source seafood exclusively from sustainable fisheries, ensuring the least environmentally detrimental harvesting methods. Our sourcing decisions consider fishery health, target species, bycatch, catch method, and labor practices in both harvesting and processing. For aquaculture, we evaluate every aspect of environmental impact, including feed sources, farming and processing conditions, waste management, and labor practices.
We aim to inspire: Whether through exceptional freshness, flavor, or unique species, we are passionate about sharing high-quality seafood with our customers. We feature hyper-local, incredibly fresh seafood whenever available, while maintaining a year-round selection of the best fresh and frozen options for both taste and sustainability.
Our community includes everyone in the supply chain: In an industry plagued by fraud, environmental issues, and labor abuses, we uphold the highest standards of transparency and traceability. We prioritize working directly with independent fishers whenever possible, ensuring that most of our products can be traced back to a specific vessel, captain, and their trusted local processors and partners.
We keep our customers safe and healthy: The seafood we source is safely raised, harvested, processed, and packed. We require all partners to handle our seafood according to strict safety standards.
We cultivate long-term partnerships: At the core of our sourcing strategy are the relationships we build with producer partners. Whenever possible, we strengthen these partnerships by diversifying our product offerings, planning growth together, and maintaining a market approach that prioritizes sustainability and mutual success over a race to the bottom.
Transparency
All fresh and frozen seafood producers must be fully transparent, disclosing the fishery, vessel(s), and catch method. Canned seafood producers must also identify the fishery and catch method. These guidelines apply to sushi, canned seafood, and any product containing more than 5% fish or seafood by weight or volume.
Supplier Standards
All seafood suppliers must meet the following criteria:
- The fishery must be MSC Certified, rated Green or Yellow by Seafood Watch (or equivalent), or evaluated on a case-by-case basis for sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Other certifications will be reviewed as needed.
- Seafood must be harvested using the most sustainable, least environmentally damaging methods, considering bycatch, habitat destruction, and carbon footprint.
- Suppliers must provide proof of social accountability through Fair Trade certification, other recognized certifications, or by acknowledging the Good Eggs labor affidavit.
- All shrimp must be wild-caught.
- All shrimp must be domestically harvested and processed or Fair Trade certified.
- All value-added seafood products must be free from ingredients on Good Eggs' unallowable ingredients list.
Handling & Processing Standards
- The use of carbon monoxide or any other gas for modified atmosphere packaging or color preservation is strictly prohibited.
- Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is not allowed in post-processing for any purpose, including thaw drip prevention.
- Seafood may be vacuum-packed using air removal and sealing methods to preserve freshness.
Farmed Fish & Seafood Guidelines
- We only sell freshwater finfish that are primarily domestically raised and processed.
- All shellfish (except shrimp, which must be wild-caught) must have a Seafood Watch Green rating.
These guidelines apply to sushi, canned seafood, and any product containing more than 5% fish or seafood by weight or volume.
Additional resourcing and certifications:
• Wild-caught seafood
• Farmed shellfish
• Farmed mussels
Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices
• Farmed catfish (2 stars or above)
• Farmed mussels
• Farmed shrimp (2 stars or above)
• Farmed tilapia (2 stars or above)
Aquaculture Stewardship Council
• Farmed bivalves
• Farmed catfish
• Farmed salmon
• Farmed shrimp
• Farmed carp
• Farmed freshwater fish • Farmed mussels
• Farmed shrimp
For more information from Seafood Watch, visit: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/seafood-recommendations/eco certification