Lidl to follow Asda's lead on sustainable bananas

Lidl has announced that it will only stock bananas that are certified by Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade Foundation by the end of 2016. In November, Asda became the first UK supermarket to commit to sourcing such bananas. Last year, sales of Fairtrade goods fell for the first time since the scheme was founded 20 years ago, as customers began spending more at discount stores, such as Lidl and Aldi, which at that time sold a limited range of Fairtrade products. Lidl’s move follows the company’s earlier decision to source 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee for its deluxe range and its plans to certify all coffee with either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade by 2017. In December, Lidl also became the first British retailer to stock Marine Stewardship Council-certified lobster.

German discount supermarket Lidl is seeking to boost its environmental credentials by announcing it is taking steps to buy all its bananas from 100% sustainable sources this year.



It is switching by the end of 2016 to taking supplies only from farms that are either Rainforest Alliance – or Fairtrade Foundation certified.

Last year, sales of Fairtrade goods fell for the first time since the ethical trading scheme was founded 20 years ago as cash-strapped consumers tightened their belts, spending more at discount retailers such as Lidl and Aldi. Both stores have to date sold a limited range of Fairtrade products, but are under pressure to give the public wider choice.

The Fairtrade Foundation aims to protect farmers in developing countries by promising them a minimum price and financial support for community projects.



In November, Asda became the first UK supermarket to make a public commitment to sourcing Rainforest Alliance-certified bananas – for 93% of its supply – with the rest from Fairtrade.

Jon Covey, head of fresh produce buying at Lidl UK, said: “It is central to Lidl UK’s corporate social responsibility policies that the business always acts in an environmentally friendly and socially conscious way. This move is yet another milestone in Lidl UK’s ambition to provide its customers with sustainably sourced produce. We are extremely pleased to make this commitment to sourcing our bananas.”

This move follows Lidl’s decision to source 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee for its deluxe range, with plans to certify the entire range of coffee products with either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade by 2017. It has been working with its supply partners with the aim of switching the majority of the retailer’s banana supply over to Rainforest Alliance- certified farms (88%) by the end of the year, with the remaining bananas coming from Fairtrade Foundation farms (12%).

In December, Lidl became the first British retailer to stock Marine Stewardship Council-certified lobster.