Martin Dunnett, procurement director at Capespan in the UK, told freshinfo that the new standards are part of a scheuled re-audit process that began last September. "It is part of a natural process that was begun severeal months ago and we have until May to complete," said Dunnett. "We are working with ethical auditor Wieta, a company that is linked to trade union group Women in Farming."

The protocols could be rolled out to all of Tesco’s South African suppliers eventually to ensure that workers’ treatment and conditions are beyond reproach.

The process was instigated with Tesco by Capespan and Fruitways although Colorsfruit are now also on board.

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