By Ray Smuts
Tesco, the top British supermarket chain, is tough on quality standards but two Cape fruit producers have proved they can match the best by being awarded the group's sought-after Nature's Choice accreditation.
What must be even more satisfying to the recipients, Monteith Trust and Kromvlei Estates, both of the Elgin/Grabouw region, is that this is the first time the accreditation has been awarded to producers outside the United Kingdom.
The aim of Nature's Choice accreditation is to ensure products are of a high quality to satisfy international clients and to verify that producers apply responsible practices with regard to sustainable production, the environment and treatment of employees.
Andries Erwee, owner of Monteith Trust, says growers do not strive toward this kind of international accreditation only to satisfy clients. We honestly believe that it is the best way to farm with fruit.
A further eight South African producers of apples, table grapes and pears are currently in the process of accreditation and will soon be added to the list of of producers who meet the requirements of Nature's Choice.
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