British International Development minister Gareth Thomas announced a new venture called “Procurement for Development Forum” in the hope to encourage top retailers to purchase products made by developing countries. “Buying from developing countries makes clear business sense – not only are you sourcing quality products that compete on price but you are also meeting the increasing consumer thirst to buy ethically,” remarked Thomas. “Industry buyers have a powerful choice – to make what they buy work for or against the developing world. Retailers are increasingly playing their part in making their product choices count – a million fruit and vegetable growers in Africa are already providing UK shoppers with quality competitive goods – but we can go further,” he added. (Press release: Government challenges big business to buy African/Department for International Development)
