FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 7 February 2026 in welfare is not only an ethical decision, but a strategic one. BEYOND THE LABEL: MAKING SOURCING DECISIONS SMARTER For decision-makers facing pressure to tighten ESG oversight, the Benchmark becomes more than a report; it becomes a lens. By cross-referencing current suppliers against the ALI Benchmark results, companies often discover unexpected gaps. A longtime supplier, though certified, may operate under a scheme that lacks enforceable thresholds on critical welfare indicators. Meanwhile, a smaller, previously overlooked producer may align more closely with emerging scientific consensus. This kind of insight reframes the sourcing conversation. It’s no longer about whether a product has a certification; it’s about what that certification implies for the animal’s experience, and for the company’s brand integrity. CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND GOVERNANCE What makes the ALI Benchmark particularly relevant is its responsiveness. Welfare science is advancing rapidly. Chronic stress, behavioral needs, and long-term health are better understood than ever. Certification schemes, however, often lag behind. They must balance audit feasibility and commercial viability, leading to conservative updates that underrepresent certain welfare drivers. Benchmarking doesn’t aim to shame or disrupt. Instead, it creates a collaborative space for certification bodies, producers, and upstream actors to align on science-driven improvements. It spotlights where progress is happening, and where inertia risks undermining welfare credibility. HOW TO USE A BENCHMARK REPORT For retailers and buyers, the Benchmark serves as a decision-support tool. It clarifies what certification means. A sourcing manager can now ask: Does this scheme set explicit stocking density thresholds? Does it mandate environmental enrichment? Does it provide a numerical limit for the amount of fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) allowed in aquafeed? How robust are the stunning/slaughter requirements? Now, imagine you are back in the office at your supermarket supply chain job. With the ALI Benchmark at hand, you can identify that Supplier A, while certified, scores low on welfare integration, whereas Supplier B, certified by a different scheme, meets stronger, science-aligned criteria. The Benchmark report becomes your map. Not just for switching suppliers, but for engaging current ones in a conversation about improvement. In a sector where certification often serves as a proxy for trust, benchmarking gives that trust a foundation. It makes the invisible visible. And for companies navigating the complexities of responsible sourcing, that visibility is no longer optional; it’s essential. Photo: Aquatic Life Institute (ALI)
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