In addition to the introduction of PlanetProof at its Dutch growers, various Spanish suppliers were also assisted in the implementation of the On the way to PlanetProof scheme last year. For example, The Greenery is working on a year-round assortment of sustainably grown fruit and vegetables.
The Greenery, together with its growers and customers, is committed to making the fruit and vegetable chain even more sustainable. With the independent label On the Way to PlanetProof, growers meet the strict requirements of the sustainability scheme. Because the aim of our Dutch retail customers is to offer all fruit and vegetables, including import, under PlanetProof in the long term, this quality mark also offers added value for the Spanish product.
The Greenery has assisted a number of suppliers in Spain last year and many fruit, cabbage and leafy vegetables are now available certified. "While Dutch growers from The Greenery, whose product goes to Dutch retail, have already been PlanetProof certified before the start of the next harvest in 2020, Spanish growers have also been encouraged to make their products more sustainable through this certificate." says Albert Wielink, Quality Assurance System Manager. "For instance, in the summer Dutch and in the winter Spanish peppers can be delivered to the supermarkets under PlanetProof."
Ton Bouw, Senior Buyer Fruit Vegetable: “For years our Spanish suppliers have been on the way to more sustainable cultivation methods through the use of biological control, saving water and recycling raw materials. With PlanetProof, we go one better to re-think about, for instance, biodiversity and renewable energies. Compliance with this higher standard has cost a lot of effort and investment, but the determination and willingness experienced indicates that our suppliers are among the top in the Spanish sector and have focused on the future.”
In the coming years, The Greenery and its Southern European suppliers will continue to focus on the introduction of PlanetProof. The aim is to be able to offer half of the volume under PlanetProof by 2020.