06 May 2008


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Asda pledges to source extra £30m from African farmers

Asda

supply chain

Asda chief executive Andy Bond will today pledge to source an additional £30m worth of fresh produce from African farmers over the next five years.

His pledge will be delivered at the Africa Millennium Goals Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
As part of its commitment, the retailer will increase the amount of Kenyan flowers it sources by 20% by the end of 2008.

It will also buy significantly more bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes, and avocadoes from African farms.

Bond is one of 80 industry leaders, including CEOs of leading global companies, senior ministers from the UK and leaders of global business associations, who are involved in the “call to action” to help develop trade in Africa.

Bond commented: "We are integrating Africa more and more into our business plans in order to increase trade with the continent. Our pledge of an extra £30m investment in fresh produce will help cement long-term relationships with African farmers and growers.

"We don't claim to have all the answers, but we believe signing the Millennium Development Pledge is an important step.

“Whilst the vast majority of our produce will always be sourced locally, as a major UK retailer we can help address poverty in Africa through the procurement of more of its goods.

“This in turn will provide much-needed jobs and opportunities for thousands of people across the continent."

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