Fresh blow to Del Monte as more UK stores boycott products
Business
By
Brian Ngugi
| Jun 30, 2024
Del Monte Kenya has suffered a fresh blow after two British supermarkets announced they have stopped sourcing for tinned pineapples from its plantation in Thika due to ongoing human rights abuse accusations.
This is in relation to killings allegedly committed by security guards at the expansive farm targeting those stealing pineapples, which were documented last year by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and British newspaper The Guardian.
The European retailers, Morrisons and Iceland, join four other major supermarkets - Tesco, Asda, Sainbury's and Waitrose - in stopping selling pineapple products from Del Monte.
According to the expose by TBIJ and The Guardian, the violence has allegedly continued on the farm over the last year with four men found dead at a river near the farm in December.
In another incident, bystanders were allegedly struck by stray bullets during conflicts between police and local youth, according to recent findings by the TBIJ.
READ MORE
Curriculum delivery is a marathon, not a sprint
Recipe for rigging: Battle looms over plan to scrap IEBC's livestreaming of election results
Why Ruto rejected Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Kenya shines at Zone Individual Chess Championship in Ethiopia
Police-linked brutality victims in court, claim opaque compensation process
Safe but scared...: Tales of Mathare floods survivors
Inside huge cash withdrawals from affordable housing kitty
Prof Mutua should face MPs for grilling on victims payouts
Government should address issues raised by young people without resorting to intimidation
Subaru driver in a dramatic high-speed chase after alleged hit-and-run in Nairobi
Morrison's action followed criticism for continuing to stock featuring products from the farm.
"We are moving tinned pineapple sourcing out of Kenya until Del Monte's human rights improvement plan has been fully implemented," Morrison's, the fifth largest supermarket chain in the United Kingdom, was quoted by The Mirror as saying on Friday.
A spokesperson for Iceland, which has over 900 stores across the UK, said: "We can confirm that Iceland does not stock products from the farms in question."
Aine Clarke, of the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, a non-profit committed to advancing human rights in business, said: "It is crucial for companies to demonstrate that they have engaged in a dialogue with any stakeholders reportedly affected by allegations of abuse."
In March, De Monte announced the sacking of 214 guards at the farm and replaced them with others from G4S Kenya.
Mandatory Sh6.5 million visitor insurance rule sparks tourism fears
Foreign visitors travelling to Kenya will now be required to obtain mandatory travel health insurance with a minimum benefit limit of $50,000.Kenya seeks deeper US investment in tourism, conservation
Kenya is seeking deeper cooperation with the United States in tourism and wildlife conservation as both countries explore new partnerships to support sustainable development.Wachinga's court fight reopens Kenya Re's history of boardroom wrangles
The Kenya Re CEO claims a plan has been hatched to unceremoniously kick him out of office, reigniting the never-ending boardroom wars that have dogged the State-owned reinsurer.Uganda takes control of Kenya Pipeline as Museveni secures veto power, two board seats
Uganda has gained board seats and veto powers at KPC, raising concerns over Kenya's control of its strategic fuel transport infrastructure.Excitement as government announces opening of new tourism college at the Coast
Coast tourism players welcome the September opening of Ronald Ngala Utalii College, saying it will boost hospitality skills and workforce training.MOST READ
Mandatory Sh6.5 million visitor insurance rule sparks tourism fears
FINANCIAL STANDARD