A gift from the heart
ICA was truly ‘saying it with flowers’ – showing Ahold’s commitment to Fair Trade through its gift of Fair Trade roses.
Although the company has worked with certified rose-growers for several years, it will now purchase roses for its own brand only from Kenyan farms that have been certified by the Milieuproject Sierteelt (MPS). MPS is a Dutch standard for environmental and working conditions, attesting that products have been produced in line with Fair Trade requirements.
Actively supporting Fair Trade
“Naturally we are very happy about this, not least of all because the whole idea with Fair Trade is that growers will receive adequate payment for their goods and can then develop their own operations,” explains Jessica Nilsson, Assortment Manager for flowers at ICA AB.
“The more Fair Trade roses that are sold, the better it is for both ICA and the rose-growers ”
ICA is very optimistic about how the Fair Trade rose will be accepted. “The more Fair Trade roses that are sold, the better it is for both ICA and the rose-growers,” says Nilsson. “There is even a premium which is paid back to the farm and its workers, in order to promote social and democratic development. By working with Fair Trade we are helping to combat discrimination and child labor.”
Doing the right thing
Part of Ahold’s mission is to do the right thing. This includes ensuring that the products we sell are produced in a socially responsible way which guarantees producers a fair price and respects the rights of workers. Our aim is to develop mutually fulfilling relationships with suppliers who share our core values.
ICA’s introduction of Fair Trade certified roses is another step towards offering as many of the available Fair Trade products on the market as possible. In addition to freshly cut roses, which are grown on certified Kenyan farms, ICA sells other socially responsible products under its own brand, including organic Fair Trade bananas and oranges. It’s all part of making it easy for customers to choose the best.