Total Produce B.V., one of the largest fresh produce traders in Europe, has committed to having 100 per cent of its volume of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced sustainably by 2020.
The Sustainability Initiative Fruits and Vegetables (SIFAV) covenant was signed on 3 April at the IDH Headquarters in Utrecht, the Netherlands. IDH is the Sustainable Trade Initiative accelerating and upscaling sustainable trade by building impact-oriented coalitions of front running companies, civil society organisations, governments and other stakeholders.
At the signing ceremony, managing director Michel Jansen said: 'We are at the beginning of an exciting journey together with IDH.'
Large retailers such as ICA Sweden, Lidl, Albert Heijn, Jumbo Supermarkets and brands like Chiquita have also committed to the 100 per cent sustainability target, while ICCO, Solidaridad, and Frugi Venta support the covenant with their sector expertise.
“We are pleased to welcome one of the largest players in the sector in Europe to join the covenant,' explained Kebba Colley, senior programme manager for fruits and vegetables at IDH. 'It increases the sustainable purchasing power of the programme, which is a great incentive for producers to change their growing practices. Furthermore we believe this paves the way for many companies to follow in their footsteps.”
Total Produce has identified a market demand for sustainable products, according to Jansen.
“By signing this covenant we can, in collaboration with our partners, respond to the consumer demand for fair, sustainable and healthy products. Within the supply chain, Total Produce B.V. collaborates with purchasers on sustainable production and strives to meet the information needs of its customers.'
