Aldi will be imposing stricter rules on its suppliers. That's regarding water usage in fruit and vegetable cultivation. The discounter wants water to be used more efficiently worldwide. Aldi is the first discounter to set such requirements for its growers.
"Aldi Belgium firmly backs local fruit and vegetables. In the 2020 Belgian fruit and vegetable season, about 80% of these stores' fruit and vegetables were of Belgian origin. However, not all fruit and vegetables are always available in Belgium. So, the discounter's forced to get certain products from southern countries. There, too, it sets high quality standards," says an Aldi spokesperson.
Around 70% of global freshwater usage can be traced to fruit and vegetable farming. From now on, Aldi Nord and Süd will set demands on their largest foreign fruit and vegetable growers. They want these growers to utilize water efficiently. Especially in regions where there's a scarcity. Aldi Belgium belongs to Aldi Nord.
It's vital to the planet that people use water wisely. Aldi wants to contribute to this.
70% turnover from water-efficient fresh produce
“By July 2022, certain growers must be able to guarantee more efficient water usage. These are not only those who cultivate our 15 most-sold fruit and vegetables. It includes those who grow products in areas where water is scarce," says Stefaan De Schepper, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Aldi Belgium. "We're the first discounter to take this important step towards more responsible global water utilization."
These 15 best-selling products include avocados from Peru, grapes, and bananas. These types of products often come from regions that little water. Using efficient water techniques is, therefore, necessary in an improved future world.
Aldi and its producers will define the water criteria. These fruit and vegetables will have to meet these while being produced. Aldi will also support the growers who must take these practical steps.
The regulations vary from monitoring water usage to optimizing irrigation plans. "More than 70% of these fruit and vegetables´ future turnover will come from water-efficient products. That's thanks to these methods," concludes De Schepper.
Source: Aldi