Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Lidl GB, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose have joined forces to commit to a living wage for banana workers in their international supply chains.
The nine major UK retailers are working collectively to close the living wage gap within their supply chains by the end of 2027.
Supported by sustainable trade body IDH, the coalition describes the initiative as a “unique opportunity for retailers to lead the way” and demonstrate to supply chain partners that “we are serious about doing our part to enable workers to earn a living wage”.
Similar agreements already exist in the Belgian, Dutch and German markets.
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All retailers who are part of the new coalition will be analysing individual company processes and procurement practices according to the IDH Roadmap on Living Wages, while also working with other retail initiatives, suppliers, producers and stakeholders to achieve their goals.
The coalition will also work in close collaboration with relevant standard organisations such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance to work towards living wages for workers.
“As the neutral global platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration on the banana sector, we welcome initiatives that promote living wages and sustainability,” said World Banana Forum’s Victor Prada.
One of the most commonly sold fruit, British consumers enjoy over 8 billion bananas each year, primarily sourced from Central American, South American and West African countries.
This figure accounts for just 4% of all global banana imports.
As such, the UK coalition is also calling upon retailers in other countries to join them in ensuring workers receive sufficient wages to afford a decent standard of living for their family.
