In a move that it describes as "central to its social-responsibility policies", Lidl has pledged that by the end of 2016, all its bananas on sale in the UK will carry certification from either the Fairtrade Foundation or the Rainforest Alliance, TheGuardian.com reports.
These organisations develop supply-chain channels with growers in developing countries that guard against exploitation through basic price guarantees, and provide capital for local business-development schemes. Lidl’s Deluxe coffee already carries a 100-per-cent Rainforest Alliance certification.
"It is central to Lidl UK’s corporate social-responsibility policies that the business always acts in an environmentally friendly and socially conscious way," said Jon Covey, head of fresh-produce buying for Lidl UK.
"This move is yet another milestone in Lidl UK’s ambition to provide its customers with sustainably sourced produce. We are extremely pleased to make this commitment to sourcing our bananas."
Lidl is the second supermarket chain in the UK to make the commitment for bananas, after Asda.
Sales of products with Fairtrade Foundation-approved stickers fell for the first time for 20 years in 2015.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Peter Donnelly. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
