Company targets more ethical and sustainable fresh produce supply chains with introduction of new standards programme
The Netherlands’ largest retailer Albert Heijn has unveiled a new set of certification standards for the fresh fruit and vegetables it sources and sells.
Called Positive Produce for People and Planet, the programme was developed in collaboration with its international fruit and vegetable suppliers.
“With this, Albert Heijn is taking the next step towards a more ethical and sustainable fruit and vegetable chain with a positive impact on people and the environment,” said a spokesperson.
According to the group, the revised scheme is based on sustainable agricultural, social and environmental standards that go beyond standard certification requirements and conditions.
It also said that two important themes – people and environment – were central parts of the new guidelines and objectives.
“For the theme environment, this ties in with the objectives that we recently established in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund Netherlands,” it added.
In 2022, Albert Heijn and GlobalGAP owner FoodPlus launched AH Beter voor Natuur & Boer, a certification scheme designed to strengthen partnerships with fruit and vegetable producers in areas of social and environmental sustainability.
That add-on consisted of two modules, one that covered producers – transparency and worker well-being, for example – and another related to natural criteria like soil and water management, energy, fertilisation, and integrated pest management.
However, to avoid duplication and additional costs for suppliers, Beter voor Natuur & Boer was audited in combination with the Integrated Farm Assurance standard.
