Albert Heijn expands 'Better for' programs

Albert Heijn will make the pork production chain more sustainable and transparent. Together with pig farmers and meat processor Vion, the supermarket chain is starting a multi-year program; 'Better for Pig, Nature and Farmer'. The exclusive cooperation with a fixed group of 100 Dutch pig farmers is a strengthening of Albert Heijn's pork chain, which has already met the 1-star Beter Leven quality mark since 2011. In the fruit and vegetable chain, Albert Heijn, together with more than 200 regular growers in the Netherlands, is also continuing to build sustainable cultivation in a similar 'Better for' program. The long-term cooperation is central, in addition to purchase guarantees, fair prices and compensation for sustainability initiatives so that growers can confidently invest in sustainable business operations with care for a better climate and biodiversity.

Just like the now recognized 'Better for Cow, Nature and Farmer' program in the dairy chain, Albert Heijn is now also developing a program with pig farmers, namely 'Better for Pig, Nature and Farmer' and a 'Better for' program together with fruit and vegetable growers. Marit van Egmond, CEO Albert Heijn: "At Albert Heijn, we have been working with strategic partners, growers and farmers for years for our fresh range - from apples to Brussels sprouts, from dairy to pork. We know our growers and farmers often from generation to generation and we work with them through programs on our assortment and on the future. For years, we have been sourcing our products as close as possible and as far as necessary. That means the majority of our assortment comes from the Netherlands. We set the bar high when it comes to freshness, quality and sustainability. We pay the farmers and growers extra for the extra effort this requires. This offers them security and continuity so they can invest in their businesses and so everyone in the chain earns an honest living, now and in the future. Following the successful cooperation in the dairy chain, we are now taking the same step in the pork chain and in our fruit and vegetable chain. Better for our chains and for our customers."

'Better for' program now also within pork, and fruit and vegetable chains

Within the 'Better for' programs, sustainable cooperation with a healthy earnings model is the starting point for all parties involved. The mutual trust and the long-term cooperation from Albert Heijn make investments in the future of the companies possible. With the 200 permanent fruit and vegetable growers, the next step is taken in sustainable business operations with care for a better climate and biodiversity. By intensifying the cooperation with pig farmers Albert Heijn can tell customers exactly where the fresh pork comes from.

Jaap Kreuger, pig farmer and participant in the program: "With this cooperation we strengthen the direct connection with consumers in the Netherlands. We are happy with this program. It is ambitious, has a long-term agenda and offers us perspective.''

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