What is SmartFish?
SmartFish is a revolutionary project that generates a triple impact for artisanal fishermen, the oceans, and consumers by offering fish and seafood certified as sustainable. This unique initiative works exclusively with cooperatives of artisanal fishermen, ensuring that every catch meets strict international standards. The project is dedicated to encouraging fishing cooperatives to improve their fishing and processing practices, maintaining a shortened value chain that secures fair trade with fishermen while delivering the best quality products to the market. SmartFish is not just a brand—it is also the only marketer in Mexico that exclusively sells seafood from sustainable sources, a commitment that underscores the project’s robust foundation in sustainable pesca, sustentable production, and healthful alimentos.
Main Benefits of the Project
SmartFish brings a host of benefits that uplift communities, protect the environment, and provide consumers with high-quality products. Key figures and facts include:
- Selling fish and seafood certified as sustainable, ensuring that every product adheres to internationally recognized criteria.
- Encouraging fishing cooperatives to adopt improved fishing and processing practices, leading to a better quality of life for communities.
- Shortening the value chain, which not only maintains fair trade with artisanal fishermen but also allows them to earn up to 100% more compared to traditional market prices.
- Generating new jobs in local communities, primarily for women, thereby empowering social inclusion and generating economic growth.
- Operating under the SmartFood brand in its retail stores, where an extensive range of responsible food products is available, all aiming for a triple impact.
Sustainable Products and Responsible Practices
SmartFish’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its rigorous standards. Wild-caught fish or seafood, for example, is considered sustainable if it is certified by MSC, RFM, or FairTrade. In cases of aquaculture, certifications like BAP or ASC come into play. In addition, some products come from published fishery improvement programs (FIP) with a minimum rating of B, demonstrating continuous progress on annual targets. Occasionally, ratings by SeafoodWatch—green or yellow—offer additional assurance regarding sustainability. This adherence to high standards ensures that every product in the SmartFish (or now SmartFood) lineup meets ethical and environmental benchmarks that resonate with consumers who care deeply about sustainable fish and healthy alimentos.
Enhancing Community Wellbeing
At the heart of the SmartFish model lies a profound dedication to community empowerment. By partnering exclusively with legal and organized cooperatives, the project not only prioritizes responsible fishing and processing practices but also facilitates training in high-quality fishing and processing techniques in certified export plants. These efforts result in increased earnings for local fishermen, many of whom see a dramatic improvement in their market positions—earning up to double what was previously available. This approach, combined with a focus on gender inclusion through the generation of new jobs, particularly for women, transforms local economies and fosters greater social equity across communities.
A Shift Towards Responsible Trade
SmartFish works to reshape market dynamics by shortening the value chain. When intermediaries are minimized, every participant in the chain—from the fishermen to the final consumer—benefits. This more direct route between artisanal producers and the end user ensures transparency and fair pricing. Consumers enjoy a high-quality, sustainable product while artisanal fishermen and their communities earn a more substantial income, directly fuelling local growth. In these ways, the project promotes a healthier, more responsible trade system that champions sustainability, both in terms of environmental conservation and social justice.
Certifications and Future Visions
With a distinguished track record, SmartFish proudly carries the B Corporation certification, and its B Corp score sits at an impressive 98.8. This accreditation confirms the project’s commitment to balancing profit with purpose, ensuring that business success is measured by the well-being of people, societies, and nature. As the project evolves, the SmartFood brand continues to expand its scope and diversity of products, reinforcing its commitment to responsible production that generates a triple impact. This ongoing evolution is a clear signal of a bright, sustainable future in the food products industry where both consumers and producers share in the success.
Project Impact on SDGs
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water: Ensuring sustainable fishing practices that conserve marine ecosystems.
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Empowering artisanal fishermen to earn more and secure better livelihoods.
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Delivering sustainable and certified seafood to consumers.
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Promoting job creation particularly for women in fishing communities.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: Reducing environmental impact through sustainable practices in fishing and processing.
SmartFood Stores: Expansion and Future Vision
SmartFish, now also recognized in its retail side as SmartFood, represents a dynamic evolution in the world of sustainable fish and responsible alimentos. These stores provide consumers with an engaging and transparent platform where each product meets a rigorous standard of sustainability and ethical practices. With an ever-growing selection of offerings, SmartFood stores are redefining consumer experiences—fostering a sustainable relationship with nature and local communities. This innovative approach not only reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship but also signals a progressive shift in the marketplace that values social empowerment and economic fairness… The journey of SmartFish/SmartFood continues to inspire others to embrace a model where quality, social impact, and sustainability go hand in hand, paving the way for a future where every bite contributes to a healthier planet and more equitable society.
