Sainsbury’s ceo Justin King has assured the aviation industry the supermarket does not support the labelling of airfreighted produce.
In a letter responding to the Rt Hon Brian Wilson, chairman of pro-aviation body FlyingMatters, King wrote: "We do not currently support the labelling of airfreighted produce as this does not offer customers a real choice, as there are often no alternatives available.”
Wilson had written to the supermarket explaining FlyingMatters’ stance on the Soil Association’s consultation over the potential phasing out of airfreight for organic produce, in favour of an alternative. “However, no viable alternative exists,” wrote Wilson. “The farmers and communities in the developing world who grow and process fresh produce for the UK market rely heavily on these trade routes, not merely for profits but for survival.”
King responded: “Sainsbury’s takes its environmental responsibility seriously but also recognises the significant positive economic impact of sourcing produce from Africa.
“We agree with your stance that the environmental benefit of phasing out airfreight for organic produce would be outweighed by the economic cost to farmers and the communities that they support…
“We also believe that customers should be free to make their own choices on what they wish to buy. Our produce is clearly labelled with the country of origin, which allows our customers to make an informed choice.”
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