Foodservice provider Compass Group has followed in the footsteps of Sainsbury’s and others, and pledged to provide only Fairtrade bananas to its distribution network throughout the UK.
In a move believed to be the first of its kind within the foodservice industry, Compass Group is working in partnership with its banana supplier JN Fox & Sons to provide its customers, who make an average of three million purchases a day, with solely Fairtrade bananas from May this year.
Currently sourcing Fairtrade bananas from the Dominican Republic, Compass Group plans to build on its relationship with its existing growers, as well as extend its network to new growers in different regions.
Christine Forder, fruit and vegetable buyer for Compass Group UK & Ireland, told freshinfo: “By May, we intend to source Fairtrade bananas from South America, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
“The main challenge of moving to entirely Fairtrade bananas is making sure we have a consistent supply, which is why we will be procuring from different regions. As can be seen from the devastating impact of hurricanes in the Caribbean last year, the weather can lead to the loss of an entire crop.
“By further developing these networks, we are contributing and protecting the sustainable environment of these communities.”
The shift to a complete Fairtrade banana supply means that Compass will be buying 1,565 tonnes of Fairtrade bananas a year. The company also sells Fairtrade options such as tea, coffee, juices, confectionery and wine, and 45 per cent of its bananas are already Fairtrade.
Mike Walden, purchasing director for the UK and Ireland, said: “Customers are becoming increasingly conscious of the provenance of their food, and want to know that it is ethically sourced. By extending our range to include more ethically sourced products, we are responding to the needs of our consumers and supporting farmers and communities.”
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