Holland & Barrett to become first major UK retailer to phase out krill sales to protect Antarctic wildlife and backs global campaign
30 October 2025
Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer, has today announced that it is the first major UK retailer to stop sourcing all krill products, having informed all suppliers of its commitment to fully exit the category by April 2026. This decision underscores Holland & Barrett’s ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing and to protecting the fragile ecosystems that sustain global wellness.
From January 2026, Holland & Barrett will only sell through its existing krill stock, with a complete exit from the category by April 2026. During this transition period, the company will actively support customers with education and guidance on sustainable krill alternatives that provide the same trusted benefits without impacting Antarctic marine life.
As part of this commitment, Holland & Barrett is proud to voice support for the work of Sea Shepherd calling for stronger protections for krill and Antarctic ecosystems. Through Holland & Barrett’s own investigations, in addition to the research and learnings from its discussions with Sea Shepherd, this commitment has been made to enable the business to take a step further towards its mission to accelerate positive environmental change.
“Our decision to exit krill products is part of our ongoing journey to become a more sustainable, nature-positive business that protects the ecosystems we all depend on” said Jessica Long, Sustainability & Impact Director at Holland & Barrett. “This move is part of our wider sustainability commitment - from sourcing and labelling products responsibly, to reducing waste, switching to renewables and improving energy efficiency across our stores, logistics and operations. By echoing support for Sea Shepherd’s vital work and helping customers choose more ocean-friendly alternatives, we’re taking another meaningful step towards a future where people and nature can thrive together - because true wellness doesn’t stop at the body; it starts at the source - and with the world we share. We hope our action inspires greater understanding and appreciation of the need to protect the fragile ecosystems that underpin global wellness.”
"For the past three years, our annual ship expeditions to the Antarctica have documented the growing conflict between whales and super trawlers as the two compete for krill, the primary food source for whales, penguins and seals," said Peter Hammarstedt, Campaign Director for Sea Shepherd Global. "We have been waiting a long time for a major retailer to take action and to do the right thing when it comes to Antarctic protection and the krill fishery. We welcome Holland & Barrett's decision to cease all krill product sales, and we call for other retailers to do the same."