German supermarket giant Lidl is taking steps to buy all its bananas from 100% sustainable sources this year, in a move seeking to boost its environmental credentials.
Lidl will be switching to the more ethnical choice by the end of the year by taking supplies only from farms that are either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade Foundation certified.
Last year, sales of Fairtrade goods fell for the first time since the ethical trading scheme was founded 20 years ago as cash-strapped consumers tightened their belts, spending more at discount retailers such as Lidl and Aldi. Both stores have to date sold a limited range of Fairtrade products, but are under pressure to give the public wider choice.
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.
In November, Asda became the first UK supermarket to make a public commitment to sourcing Rainforest Alliance-certified bananas – for 93% of its supply – with the rest from Fairtrade.
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.
