More UK stores boycott Del Monte amid human rights concerns

KENYA – Del Monte Kenya is facing a new setback as additional British supermarkets cease sourcing tinned pineapples from its Thika plantation due to ongoing human rights abuse accusations.

Morrisons and Iceland have joined Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose in boycotting Del Monte’s pineapple products.

This decision follows allegations of violence by security guards targeting individuals accused of stealing pineapples. Reports of these abuses were highlighted last year by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and The Guardian.

The allegations include killings on the expansive farm, with four men found dead near a river adjacent to the farm in December.

There have also been incidents where bystanders were reportedly struck by stray bullets during conflicts between police and local youth. These findings have raised significant concerns about the practices at the Del Monte plantation.

Morrison’s, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket chain, faced criticism for continuing to stock products from the farm.

In response, the company announced, “We are moving tinned pineapple sourcing out of Kenya until Del Monte’s human rights improvement plan has been fully implemented.” Iceland, which operates over 900 stores across the UK, confirmed it does not stock products from the affected farms.

Aine Clarke from the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, a non-profit organization focused on promoting human rights in business, emphasized the importance of corporate accountability.

“It is crucial for companies to demonstrate that they have engaged in a dialogue with any stakeholders reportedly affected by allegations of abuse,” Clarke stated.

In response to the allegations and subsequent retailer actions, Del Monte announced in March the dismissal of 214 guards from the farm, replacing them with personnel from G4S Kenya. This move aims to address the concerns raised and improve the human rights situation on the plantation.

As the boycott by major UK supermarkets continues, Del Monte faces mounting pressure to implement comprehensive changes and restore its reputation.

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