Tesco has become the first top four retailer to sign the NFU’s Fruit & Veg Pledge in a move it said underlines its commitment to British agriculture.
The Fruit & Veg pledge puts the focus on long-term relationships between retailers and growers, as well as treating suppliers fairly, reducing food waste, and buying more British produce when available.
It builds on steps taken to redefine its relationship with suppliers over the last three years and beibng named the most improved retailer in the Groceries Code Adjudicator’s most recent annual survey, Tesco said.
Tesco chief product officer Jason Tarry said: “We’re proud to celebrate our partnerships with British farmers and growers by signing the NFU’s Fruit & Veg Pledge, which highlights both our commitment to British agriculture and healthy products.
“British farmers and growers produce fantastic quality food and we believe if we invest in them for the long-term, our customers will enjoy better quality, affordable food today and tomorrow.'
The news comes as Tesco today joined other major food businesses in pledging to support The Food Foundation’s Peas Please initiative that aims to increase veg consumption.
Under the campaign, Tesco has pledged to prioritise increasing the amount of vegetables when developing recipes and introducing new products, and ensure more vegetable options are included in evening meal deals.
Tarry said: “We want to help customers make healthier food choices every time they shop with us. By supporting The Food Foundation’s Peas Please initiative, we’re aiming to make it easier for more people to eat more vegetables by working together with our suppliers and focusing on our offer in store.”
Under the NFU’s Fruit & Veg Pledge, Tesco said it will:
· Treat all of its suppliers fairly, at all times and in accordance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.
· Build long-term relationships with growers that offer greater certainty and stability.
· Offer production programmes as far in advance as possible of the crop being required (ideally one year) with a commitment to purchase a proportion of the crop at a previously agreed price when it is ready to harvest.
· Offer greater price certainty to growers – either for a season, or on a specified volume of product, with no unexpected, unilaterally imposed changes.
· Pay all suppliers on time, in full and always consult with suppliers in advance of any changes to payment terms and conditions.
· Seek to plan promotional activity in advance with growers and seek to adopt a flexible, production led approach to the timing of promotions as much as possible to help manage supply and demand.
· Reduce wastage, eliminate costs and add more value to the supply chain by seeking out opportunities to utilise the whole crop and adopting realistic product specifications.
· Communicate directly with our grower suppliers.
· When in season, commit to increasing the proportion of British fruit and vegetables that are available for consumers to buy.
· Contribute to investment in horticultural research, development and product innovation that benefits consumers.
