REWE Group Joins "Cotton made in Africa" as First Food Trading Company

Cologne, 07.07.09

Demand alliance aims to improve the living conditions of cotton farmers


As the first food trading company in Europe, REWE Group joins the "Cotton made in Africa" initiative organised by the Aid by Trade Foundation. In cooperation with partners from industry and politics as well as non-governmental organisations, around 150,000 small African farmers will be trained in using efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation methods. The aim is to improve the quality of the cotton and to increase its yields. Moreover, the set-up of a demand alliance in the industrialised countries will help ensure long-lasting sales of cotton products. In a first step, farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso, Zambia and Mozambique will be offered this help for self-help to manage themselves to lastingly overcome the poverty circle.

Within the framework of its participation, REWE Group plans from 2010 to offer in its more than 5,700 REWE and PENNY stores at least 15 per cent of the textiles bearing the characteristic red "Cotton made in Africa" logo.

"With its participation in the demand alliance "Cotton made in Africa", REWE Group underlines its claim of being among the leaders in the European sustainability movement. In our understanding, the quality of our products is not limited to mere product quality. Our comprehensive quality demands also extend to the cultivation and living conditions in the countries of production", said Manfred Esser, REWE Group Management Board member in charge of strategic purchasing.

The Aid by Trade Foundation was founded in 2005 by the Hamburg-based entrepreneur and CEO of Otto Group, Dr. Michael Otto. In order to provide for safeguarding the opportunities of future generations by conserving vital resources, the Foundation - together with partners from industry, politics, science and NGOs - wants to contribute its share to the fight against poverty. The support of the regional and sustainable cultivation of agricultural and forestry products is aimed at improving the cooperation in development work activities in Africa. At the moment, 23 international companies participate in the "Cotton made in Africa" initiative.

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REWE GROUP-Corporate Communications
Tel.: 0221 - 149-1050
E-Mail: presse(at)rewe-group.com

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