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Over 30,000 children and adults in ten African countries have enjoyed education over the last ten years through Albert Heijn. Together with suppliers, investments were made in new schools, resource centers and tutoring and curriculum programs. For example, through the sale of fresh fruit salads from Ghana, 29 schools were built or improved in this country.
This is one of the activities of the AH Foundation, with which Albert Heijn, together with African suppliers, invests in the local community. That not only turns out well for the employees of suppliers and their families, but also for customers of Albert Heijn. Due to the close cooperation that has existed for many years, they can be sure that there are always delicious and high quality vegetables, fruit, and flowers from Africa on the shelves.
This intensive relationship was proven last year when there was a shortage of citrus fruits from Africa. The African producers continued to deliver. They cherish their good relationship with Albert Heijn. In addition to citrus fruits, Albert Heijn buys avocados, grapes, green beans and tropical fruit from Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal and Tanzania.
"We buy vegetables, fruits and flowers from all over the world. As close as we can and further away, if needed. Africa is one of the continents where we buy many products. There it means that the more our suppliers are selling to Albert Heijn, the more money is available for social projects for employees and their local community," according to Foundation initiator Gé Happe, purchaser of vegetables and fruit at Albert Heijn. A percentage of each batch bought in Africa goes to the AH Foundation, intended for housing and educational and medical projects for the local community of the employees of that supplier. The supplier also contributes, but less. The ratio is currently twenty to eighty percent.
Most of the thirty Albert Heijn suppliers from Africa participate in the AH Foundation. The combined amount now managed by the Foundation amounts to 2 million euros per year.
Wim Hart, CFO ICCO: "The cooperation with Albert Heijn was under discussion in our circle 10 years ago: a development organization that collaborates with the business community. However, together we have met the challenge in our fight against poverty. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the collaboration has turned out successful for the local African population, ICCO and Albert Heijn."
Source: Albert Heijn