Forging fruitful relationships

Our approach…

In 2000, the countries which make up the UN set goals to help combat poverty and improve living conditions for people around the world by 2015. Since then, the government has asked UK companies to help deliver these goals, using their core business expertise. As CEO Andy Bond explains, the ASDA team was happy to help.

‘Businesses are an engine of growth and development. By increasing investment, creating jobs, and developing goods, technologies and innovations we have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of people in developing countries.’

Our people…

In answer to this call to action, we at ASDA will invest an extra £30 million in our trade partners across Africa, over the next five years. This will be achieved primarily by increasing the amount of fresh produce sourced on that continent.

For example, by the end of 2008 we will have increased our Kenyan flower imports by 20% volume. We predict this could lead to an additional 200 jobs on our two main supply farms alone. So whilst it’s not possible to forecast the long–term value of this – we know that with an average of seven people in a Kenyan family, one employee with a secure job in horticulture can make a real difference.

As the Commercial Manager for Exotic Farm Produce (EFP) – one of our main suppliers with links in Africa – Mark Evans has seen first–hand the benefits increased business opportunities can have for countries and communities on that continent.

‘Whether it’s from selling more volume of our current products, or by developing new ideas through our relationship with ASDA, the increased investment we have planned will no doubt lead to increased financial benefits for partner countries,’ says Mark.

Our future…

But as H. Lee Scott, CEO of our parent company Wal–Mart explains, this is all part of a bigger, international initiative:

‘Wal–Mart already sources in excess of $200 million worth of textiles from Africa, and we have a substantial wine business too. I will also be leading a wider global effort by Wal–Mart to see how our skills can be used to help strengthen business capability in parts of the continent that we know.’

So, by building stronger relationships with our African suppliers, we can help generate growth within those countries, and continue to ensure our customers enjoy goods produced in decent conditions and for a fair rate of pay.