“It is important for us that the products sold in our stores are organic and produced in the right conditions. That is why we have been cooperating with 'Rainforest Alliance' since 2011,” states Jan Bock, manager purchasing of Lidl Germany. “We are happy that we can expand the cooperation. This is our way to help people, with fair pay for their work, and contribute actively to our environment.
Sustainable products with the "Rainforest Alliance"- label
"Rainforest-Alliance" certified farms have to adhere to the SAN-Standard of sustainable agriculture; the standard includes environmental and social factors. The organization supports banana farmers to implement efficient cultivation methods and other measures such as efficient water use or composting. This way the farmers save money, which can be used to pay the workers fair wages. And to guaranty that the demanding standards are followed, the certified banana farms are audited every year.
Fairtrade products available at Lidl
"Rainforest Alliance" is not the only organization that cooperates with Lidl. In 2006 Lidl Germany was the first discount supermarket that sold certified Fairtrade products under their own brand label "Fairglobe". The Fairtrade label guarantees a minimum price for the producer and a Fairtrade surcharge. This can be used to finance, among others the sustainable production, environmental or social projects.