Natural and organic food retailer Whole Foods Markets has announced the creation of the Whole Trade Guarantee, a buying programme that promises the company will meet certain ethical sourcing standards in its dealings with developing countries.

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Through the programme, Whole Foods said it will ensure high product quality, more money for producers, better wages and working conditions and environmentally friendly production. The retailer also said that it would donate 1% of sales to the Whole Planet Foundation, supporting the eradication of poverty.


“With our shoppers’ growing concern about ethical and responsible trade and with our company’s increasing scale and scope, the time is right for Whole Foods Market to help make more of an impact,” said Whole Foods Market’s co-founder and CEO John Mackey.


“We have a long track record concerning ethical business practices, equitable pay for Team Members and suppliers, safe working environments, and love and respect for all people and the Earth. We are extending that concern to the global community by bringing products from developing areas to the marketplace in a way that is a win for the producers and their families, for our shoppers, for the environment, and for the developing world communities where we do business.”

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