2nd November 2009, Banana Link

An independent retailer has decided to take a stand against the banana price wars that have afflicted the UK banana market since September. The savage price cuts were initiated by Asda/WalMart and Aldi. Many growers and plantation workers fear that, despite reassurances from the retailers, the retail price wars will have dire consequences for prices and wages at the beginning of the banana chain.

For the month of November, Andrew Thornton, who has the franchise for two Budgen stores in North London, is running a "Play Fair, Trade Fair" campaign. He will donate all his banana profits for the month to workers' organisations in Costa Rica that want to get involved in Fairtrade. He is fed up with the big retailers who, by playing the price game, are damaging livelihoods in the producing countries. He is calling on other retailers to follow his lead.

To find out more:

- visit the Thorntons Budgens website

- read the Independent article 'Local grocer in banana war on supermarkets'

The campaigning organisation CtrlAltShift have also just released a 'mock-Asda advert' targeting the latest Asda led banana price wars. To view the mock advert on you tube click here