Bidvest Fresh, which trades as Direct Seafoods, has become the first supplier of seafood to the catering trade in the UK to join the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).
The move is part of the company’s continued commitment to sustainability, quality and good working practices within the global seafood industry.
Stephen Oswald, chief executive officer, Bidvest Fresh, said: “As a leading company within our field, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure that we contribute to improving working conditions and workers’ rights throughout our supply chains. ETI membership and delivering positive change through a dynamic ethical trade programme is a very important step on this journey.”
As a ‘Foundation stage’ member of ETI, Bidvest Fresh will be expected to put in place all the policies, resources and strategies needed to begin to develop a credible ethical trading programme and to fully participate in ETI programmes and activities.
ETI is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that promote respect for workers’ rights around the world.
Its Base Code is based on the standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Some of its requirements include that living wages are paid, working hours are not excessive and working conditions are safe and hygienic.
