Sainsbury’s has announced that 75 per cent of its rose bouquets will now come only from Fairtrade accredited suppliers.
The retailer is eventually aiming to move to 100 per cent during early 2006, completing 10-years worth of work with its growers in Kenya, and is pledging no price increases on each bouquet.
Paul Harris, buyer, said: “We have seen a great rise in the popularity of roses, with a 50 per cent increase in sales since 2003.”
He said Kenya provides an ideal climate to grow the flowers and the Fairtrade move would set an example to the rest of the sector.
“The initiative is bound to have a major impact upon the entire UK trade since it shows what can be achieved by a retailer with commitment to social responsibility.”
David Meller, Sainsbury’s socially responsible sourcing manager, said: “Applying the Fairtrade mark to our roses is confirmation that the welfare initiatives and standards we have worked hard to put in place are now being recognised.”
The retailer said the move would make it the largest retailer of Fairtrade flowers in the UK market.
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