What is Balfegó?
Balfegó is the only company in the world that maintains wild bluefin tuna with an environmental sustainability certification. Their mission? To capture, feed, study, and market bluefin tuna under a system that’s socially and environmentally responsible. It’s all about meeting customer expectations while ensuring the species thrives for generations to come. They’re pioneers in researching and marketing every part of the bluefin tuna, showcasing the incredible versatility of this gastronomic jewel. The bluefin tuna is caught in the western Mediterranean and then fed with blue fish, ensuring top quality and sustainability throughout the process.
Main Benefits of Balfegó’s Approach
Here are some key figures and facts that highlight what makes Balfegó stand out:
- Only company globally to extract tunas from the sea at their optimal fat point, on customer demand.
- Uses the Japanese Ikijime sacrifice technique, which guarantees no stress or suffering for the fish.
- Pioneering traceability system allowing customers to access full information about their tuna via QR code.
- Holds the AENOR environmental sustainability certification, recognized in 90 countries.
- Present in over 30 countries, employing more than 200 people directly and another 200 indirectly.
- Achieved a B Corp score of 100.8, reflecting strong commitment to social and environmental standards.
The Unique Feeding and Capture Process
Balfegó’s bluefin tuna are captured in the western Mediterranean, a region known for its rich marine biodiversity. After capture, the tuna are fed exclusively with blue fish, which helps maintain their natural diet and enhances the quality of the meat. This feeding process is carefully monitored to ensure the tuna reach their optimal fat point, which is when they’re at their best for flavor and texture. This approach is not just about quality—it’s about respecting the natural life cycle of the fish and the ecosystem they come from.
Innovative Traceability for Transparency
One of Balfegó’s standout features is its pioneering traceability system. Customers and end consumers can scan a QR code provided with each serving of tuna to access detailed information about the fish they’re enjoying. This transparency builds trust and connects people directly to the source of their food. It’s a game-changer in the fishing industry, where traceability is often limited or non-existent. This system ensures that every bluefin tuna’s journey from sea to plate is documented and accessible.
Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Since its inception, Balfegó has been deeply committed to sustainability and environmental respect. This dedication has earned the company the prestigious AENOR environmental sustainability certification, a mark of quality recognized in 90 countries worldwide. Their approach balances the needs of the environment, the species, and the market, ensuring that bluefin tuna populations remain healthy and viable. It’s a model of responsible fishing and aquaculture that others in the industry can look up to.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land (through ecosystem protection)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 13: Climate Action (via sustainable practices)
Looking Ahead: Balfegó’s Vision for the Future
Balfegó isn’t just aiming to be the best bluefin tuna company in the world—they want to be the best tuna company for the world. This means continuously improving their practices, pushing the boundaries of sustainability, and maintaining honesty and proximity in all their operations. Their presence in over 30 countries and their commitment to social and environmental responsibility show a company that’s not just about business, but about making a positive impact on the planet and the people who enjoy their product.
