The Association of Banana Producers APROBAN, which is made up of independent banana producers and is a fundamental part of the economy and the creation of jobs n the Caribbean area, has categorically rejected how the German supermarket chain ALDI has unilaterally lowered the price at which they buy a box of bananas from producers.
National producers are committed to and comply with the environmental, social, economic, and sustainability requirements and demands of the European market, supermarket chains, and consumers. This requires they invest more and have a greater weight than the rest of the actors in the value chain. Thus, this unilateral decision impacts Costa Rican producers, who see their costs increase and the price they're being paid for their fruit decrease. In addition, these kinds of actions encourage and promote the growth of suppliers that have much lower salaries, social, and environmental standards than the ones in Costa Rica, which results in the export of poverty.
ALDI is not committed to assuming its part as far as the value chain is concerned; however, it does impose demands on banana producers. ALDI's position complicates the future of banana exports. This chain has the largest contract in Europe and is used by other retailers as a point of reference for the European market.
Bananas are the cheapest fruit available to consumers in the world. Further lowering the price paid to producers without decreasing the price consumers pay is a ruthless action to the detriment of Costa Rica and the supplier countries. It benefits retail chains that practice wild commerce and the most privileged parties.
These kinds of actions in times of crisis, like the one there is right now, only make things worse for many people who are on the brink of poverty. We respectfully oppose ALDI's decision, as it would harm banana production, the country's economy, and this activity's job creation capacity.
For more information:
APROBAN
Tel: +506 2234 9679
aprobancr@gmail.com