Icewater Seafoods in Arnold’s Cove has decided not to buy cod from Russia given the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The company imports frozen-at-sea cod — head off and gutted — for further processing because of the minimal cod available from the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery.
The imported product, which comes primarily from Russia and Norway, keeps 225 local workers employed.
Icewater says it cancelled its last shipment from Russia, which was ordered the week before the invasion began. They have communicated the decision to customers in Europe and North America, as well as their employees.
The company says while the decision creates “daunting” operational challenges, it aligns with their values as a company.
Meanwhile, Icewater Seafoods says they’re looking at alternative supply options, while remaining focused on doing everything possible to keep its 225 employees on the job.