ALDI SÜD GROUP
since 2008
Fairtrade
Fairtrade is the most recognised and trusted sustainability label – working to make trade fairer for the people who grow our food. Fairtrade International is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder association of 28 member organisations – three producer networks and 25 national Fairtrade organisations around the globe. It supports over 2 million farmers and workers through a unique pricing model, sets rigorous standards across the supply chain, and fosters strong producer communities through local and regional networks. Certification requires successful checks by independent auditors to ensure compliance with Fairtrade Standards. Over 37,000 products with the Fairtrade mark are sold globally.
Over the last decades, the ALDI SÜD Group has engaged in numerous projects and cooperations with Fairtrade. We use the Fairtrade certification scheme for multiple product groups, including coffee, cocoa products, bananas and other tropical fruits, flowers and plants, tea, cane sugar, juices and cotton.
In 2022, the ALDI SÜD Group adopted the Fairtrade production cost methodology for its new banana sourcing model. The open book costing model ensures that the banana prices we pay to our suppliers are fairer and more accurately reflect sustainable production costs. Changes to the cost factors underpinning the Fairtrade Minimum Price are considered in our sourcing. We have since extended our ethical sourcing model to additional product categories, including pineapples and avocados.
In 2024, the ALDI SÜD Group engaged in a new two-year Fairtrade project with the cooperative ECAMOM and chocolate manufacturer Storck, following a close collaboration starting in 2020. Our investment in this long-term partnership includes purchasing under Fairtrade conditions and additional investments into activities that directly benefit cocoa farmers. As a result, ECAMOM can plan and invest further due to better financial possibilities. Members receive training on key issues such as better farming practices, women's empowerment, child protection and sustainable land use.
Over the years of its partnership with Fairtrade in various ALDI markets, ALDI is one of the largest contributors to Fairtrade premium payers worldwide.
