Retail DECODED
Previous edition: 10 May 2024
Share article
Get the full version straight to your inbox.
Exclusive access to our best-in-class data & intelligence
Subscribe now
Waitrose backs British farmers with sustainability programme
The retailer has committed to support more than 2,000 of its British farmers to move to nature-friendly farming practices.
UK supermarket chain Waitrose has unveiled its Farming for Nature programme to boost the long-term financial resilience of UK farms and combat the effects of climate change.
The retailer will work with farmers to produce food using regenerative agriculture practices to source meat, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables only from regenerative farms by 2035.
Farmers will be provided with plans to access affordable finance and provide resources to support their transition to regenerative and low-carbon farming.
Waitrose is also establishing a market for regeneratively produced food in its shops and online, alongside a permanent centre of excellence at its Leckford farm with practical tools, workshops, online resources and mentoring.
A further goal is the completion of a "state of nature" assessment by 2026 of all of Waitrose’s own brand UK farms to create land management plans.
This comes in response to demand from Waitrose customers as four in ten are reportedly worried about the impact that modern farming has on nature and wildlife.
Two new collaborations have also been announced between Waitrose and LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) on a new certification, and the University of Reading on a three-year knowledge transfer programme backed by a grant from the UK Research and Innovation.
Waitrose executive director James Bailey stated: “We want our customers to know that when they shop with us, they are voting with their purses and wallets for a food system that restores and works in harmony with the natural world.
“We have a duty to help our farmers make the move towards more nature-friendly growing, and we’re committed to playing our part in the revolution that our country’s food system requires.”
The retailer recently partnered with Tony’s Open Chain, an initiative launched by Tony’s Chocolonely to combat exploitation in the cocoa industry.
Latest news
Shopify Q1 beats estimates but Q2 forecast raises concerns
The company's tempered Q2 forecast has led to a drop in its stock price.
Kroger and UFCW 951 initiate negotiations for new contract
The new contract, which focuses on wage increases, will affect more than 1,000 Michigan grocery workers.
Frasers Group close to acquisition of Ted Baker's UK operations
If the deal is finalised, ABG will retain ownership of the company, but Frasers will manage its UK operations.
Explainer: Navigating the choppy waters of retail during a sales downturn
Amidst an unexpected sharp decline in April, UK retail experts discuss essential strategies for navigating the evolving market challenges.
Boohoo's loss widens in FY24 as revenue declines 17%
The retailer attributed the decline to its increased focus on profitability and the impact of challenging market conditions.
Poland's first permanentUNIQLO store to open in autumn 2024
The 1,300m² store will offer the complete range of LifeWear products for men, women, children and infants.
Cart.com to supportModCloth with omnichannel fulfilment capabilities
The retailer will use Cart.com's third-party logistics solutions to support its supply chain and order fulfilment.
In our previous edition
Retail Decoded
Colorado gets DOJ backing in antitrust lawsuit against Kroger-Albertsons merger
09 May 2024
Retail Decoded
UK retail sales drop 4% in April 2024 amid poor weather
08 May 2024
Retail Decoded
Converting unhappy shoppers into brand champions
07 May 2024
Newsletters in other sectors
Aerospace, Defence & Security
Automotive
Banking & Payments
Medical Devices
Travel and Tourism
Search companies, themes, reports, as well as actionable data & insights spanning 22 global industries
Access more premium companies when you subscribe to Explorer