Dutch Supermarket Giant Albert Heijn Commits To Selling Only Certified 'Fair' Flowers

International development organization Hivos and Dutch supermarket giant Albert Heijn are joining forces to create a socially and environmentally sustainable flower sector: Albert Heijn has committed to selling only certified ‘fair’ flowers and will clearly label them to enable consumers to make conscious purchasing decisions.

The African roses sold at Albert Heijn are supplied by growers with certification labels such as Fairtrade and/or MPS-SQ. The roses are grown with respect for the environment and in compliance with social and labor standards for employees. In this way, the supermarket is setting an example of best practices for the sector. Hivos and Albert Heijn hope that the sticker campaign serves as a catalyst for other retailers and florists to follow Albert Heijn’s sustainability approach.

Erik-Jan Mares, the director of Merchandising and Sourcing Dry Groceries, Non-Food and New Business at Albert Heijn, says, "I am proud of this collaboration with Hivos, showing how Albert Heijn puts people and the environment at the center of our various production chains, this time by bringing extra attention to the working conditions of women in Africa. And of course, Mother's Day presents the ideal opportunity to tell this to our customers.”

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Florint.org