As part of its sustainable development drive, French retailer Auchan has announced that it is launching the 'Mieux Vivre Environnement' banana with its partner in Côte d'Ivoire, Compagnie Fruitière.
Each stage of the production process, from cultivation to ripening, has been conceived to limit its impact on the environment, according to Auchan.
This partnership reportedly includes employee training, access to education for the employees' children and assistance in the construction of hospitals in the production region.
The use of in vitro plants that are healthy and protected from infestation minimises the need for phytosanitary products for the treatment of the soil, Auchan said.
In addition, treatment is used only when an infestation has been spotted, which has reportedly cut pesticide use threefold.
