Netherlands: Supermarkets and trading companies commit to 100% sustainable fresh produce

Yesterday all major supermarkets, trading companies and NGOs in the Netherlands came together to sign a covenant targeting sustainable fresh fruits and vegetables to be sourced from Central and South America, Africa and Asia within eight years. By 2020, consumers can be confident that all fresh fruits and vegetables in Dutch supermarkets are sustainably produced. The covenant was signed by Superunie, C1000, Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, The Greenery, AgroFair, Eosta, FairFields, Jaguar the fresh company, Nature's Pride, Staay Food Group and Van Oers United. These parties are committed to having 30% of their volume sourced sustainably by 2014, rising to 50% in 2015 and 100% volume sourced sustainably in 2020. ICCO, Solidaridad, Productschap Tuinbouw and Frugi Venta are supporting the covenant with their sector expertise. The program is coordinated by The Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH).

Joost Oorthuizen, CEO of IDH: "What makes this covenant special is that it’s an agreement with the entire sector, representing more than 90% of the retail. Large and smaller parties from the sector are going to work on sustainability together."

Based on existing standards such as BSCI, Rainforest Alliance, ETI, Fairtrade (according to FLO and IMO – Fair for Life), sustainability is defined. IDH is now discussing with the covenant partners how the joint projects should be set up. Aims of projects include improving working conditions of seasonal workers and stimulating sustainable water use. IDH is primed to start its first projects in South-Africa and Colombia.

For more information:
Liselotte Veen
IDH
Tel: +31 030-230 5675
Mob: +31 06-812 60 500
veen@idhsustainabletrade.com
www.idhsustainabletrade.com