Lidl UK has committed to sourcing bananas solely from farms that are either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified.
The discount retailer is in the process of switching its sourcing of bananas across entirely to farms with these types of accreditation, and this will conclude during 2016.
Jon Covey, head of fresh produce buying at Lidl UK, said the move is central to Lidl UK’s corporate social responsibility policies, which - he said - ensure that the business always acts in an environmentally friendly, and socially conscious way.
He added: 'This move is yet another milestone in Lidl UK’s ambition to provide its customers with sustainably sourced produce, and follows last week (w/c 25 January)’s news that Lidl UK is one of the UK’s top retailers for MSC sustainable seafood.
“We are extremely pleased to make this commitment to sourcing our bananas from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, and see this as a positive step for all involved - from the producer to our customers.
'We fully recognise and respect the work of the Rainforest Alliance in promoting the wellbeing of workers and the conservation of natural resources. We are totally committed to ensuring fairness throughout our supply chains.”
By the end of 2016, the retailer’s banana supply will see 88 per cent come from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, with the remaining 12 per cent of supply coming from Fairtrade Foundation farms.
The Rainforest Alliance works with banana farms to help them conserve their natural resources and promote the wellbeing of workers and local communities. Banana farms that are Rainforest Alliance Certified undergo annual audits to ensure that they comply with rigorous social criteria designed to protect workers, families and nearby communities.
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