German discounters Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd have both joined the World Banana Forum (WBF) - an initiative that promotes fair working conditions and sustainable production for bananas.
The WBF includes stakeholders from all areas of the industry, including producers, unions, importers, suppliers and distributors.
"We are one of the largest banana traders in the world. Therefore, it was important to us to be a sign in this area as well," said Rayk Mende, corporate responsibility director of the Aldi Nord Group.
"The World Banana Forum helps improve social conditions along the supply chain. In the WBF membership, we see a further commitment to our comprehensive sustainability principles."
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important issue for Aldi, and the two companies are also jointly supporting the Global Coffee Platform to improve workings conditions for coffee growers, and protect the environment in the cultivation process.
"Today and in the future, it is important to assume corporate responsibility," said Sven van den Boomen, CEO of international corporate responsibility at Aldi Süd.
"We are already actively engaged in the improvement of working conditions and environmental protection with numerous measures and projects."
Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd have collaborated on a number of sustainability initiatives in the past, including a plan to eliminate disposable bags from their stores in Germany.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
