Marine Products Procurement Policy

Sojitz Group is engaged in the production, procurement, processing, and sale of marine products not only in Japan but in the U.S., Asia, and other regions around the globe. In recent years, Sojitz has expanded its supply chain with a focus on the retail sector, a business area closer to end consumers, through entry into the sushi takeout chain business and its sushi restaurant operation joint venture in the U.S. In order to ensure the sustainable and responsible procurement of marine products in these businesses, Sojitz established its Marine Products Procurement Policy in December 2024 for Sojitz Corporation and Sojitz Group companies in the marine products industry.*

Marine Products Procurement Policy

In accordance with the Sojitz Group CSR Action Guidelines for Supply Chains, Sojitz Corporation and Sojitz Group companies in the marine products industry (hereinafter collectively “Sojitz Group”) are committed to ensuring the responsible procurement of marine products with business partners through adherence with the following policy.

  • Sojitz Group strives to procure marine products from suppliers that strictly adhere to all relevant domestic and international laws and regulations throughout their business activities.
  • Sojitz Group requires all stakeholders in its supply chains to comply with the following: 1) Prioritize labor health and safety at worksites such as wild fisheries and fish farming facilities, 2) Respect workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining, and 3) Prohibit any forced labor, child labor, discrimination, harassment, and inhumane treatment of workers.
  • Sojitz Group strives to eliminate any Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing from its supply chains and ensure the traceability of all marine products.
  • Sojitz Group endorses regulations set by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) regarding the at-sea transfer of marine products (transshipment).
  • Sojitz Group works with its suppliers to promote fishing standards established under certification programs recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) and strives to promote these standards throughout the entire marine products industry.
  • Sojitz Group supports the activities of suppliers seeking certification under programs recognized by the GSSI.
  • Sojitz Group cooperates as necessary with RFMOs and other local authorities to ensure thorough implementation of this policy.
  • Sojitz Group is committed to preventing the depletion of marine resources, protecting the environment, and preserving biodiversity.
  • Sojitz Group identifies present risks and concerns through ongoing dialogue with stakeholders in order to take preemptive action and swiftly address any issues that arise. Sojitz Group strives to share information with stakeholders regarding industry issues, such as human rights violations and IUU fishing, and collaborates with partners on potential strategies and solutions.
  • Through collaboration between Sojitz Group companies and stakeholders, we aim to combine our skills and expertise to explore new technologies and provide solutions to food-related social issues around the world.

Key Issues

Sojitz Group is involved internationally in the procurement, farming, processing, and sale of tuna species (Atlantic bluefin, Pacific bluefin, southern bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin, albacore, skipjack; hereinafter “tuna”). Sojitz recognizes its influence and the important role it plays in the realization of a sustainable supply chain for tuna, and the company proactively monitors the potential adverse impacts that tuna fishing can have on human rights and the environment. Sojitz strives to mitigate these adverse impacts throughout its business by setting concrete procurement targets and implementing initiatives to achieve those targets.

Targets for Sojitz’s Tuna Procurement Business

  • Sojitz Group will conduct risk assessments of its suppliers in line with this policy. (Beginning in FY2025)
  • Sojitz Group will conduct on-site due diligence with its suppliers in order to share information regarding risks and issues present in the supply chain and collaborate with suppliers on potential solutions. (Beginning in FY2026)
  • Major Sojitz Group companies in the marine products industry include:
    TRY Inc., The Marine Foods Corporation, Sojitz Foods Corporation, Dalian Global Food Corporation, Sojitz Tuna Farm Takashima Co., Ltd.