Having the moral courage to act responsibly, sustainably and ethically in business is at the heart of Atlante’s commercial offering; that’s why we’re proud to be members of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) Italian Produce Working Group (WG).

The WG members consist of major UK retailers and a number of major retailing suppliers whose operations are rooted in the Italian produce sector, including the industrial tomato supply chain.

The WG’s long term vision is to use the collective leverage of members to improve the human rights impacts of their Italian supply chains by strengthening members’ due diligence processes, engaging local stakeholders, establishing or promoting existing worker voice mechanisms and supporting directly, or through local partners (unions, authorities, NGO’s) local growers to adopt robust labour practices.

The Italian agricultural supply chain is still a high-risk sector. In the last ten years, the media has put a spotlight on modern slavery which in turn is putting the reputation of the country, Italian operators and its economy at risk. Atlante firmly believes that to drive change, a shared, consistent, collaborative approach by all stakeholders and interested parties is needed. All of the WG members can contribute by finding solutions and or supporting the existing strategies and tools designed by the local Government to deal with human trafficking gangs and the other bad practices commonly recorded in supply chains.

Atlante Executive Ethical Manager, Gian Stefano Cecca says,

"As Atlante, we are committed to ensuring that best practice is understood and implemented at every step of our supply chain process from field to fork. Modern slavery across supply chains is incredibly detrimental to both people and traders. Our membership of the ETI reflects our commitment to enhancing the livelihood of our people and communities. Improving the awareness of workers’ rights and implementing best practice throughout the entire supply chain is critical if we are to assure consumers that their purchases are produced ethically and sustainably”.

Participating in the WG, Atlante will work with the WG members to develop resources and grow its working relationships with suppliers, farmers and Trade Unions to strengthen due diligence at every step of the production process. This includes the setting up of a pilot scheme to better capture and address the grievances of workers through initiatives such as an externally promoted hotline. By providing a clear channel of communication for workers they will be empowered to raise awareness of any problems directly to the social stakeholders, such as unions, lawyers and social consultants, enabling swift action and resolution.

The ETI Italian produce working group has been in development for a number of years. The first conversations between Atlante and the ETI Country Coordinator took place in 2020. Now the group has become a reality and consists of 15 members. The number continues to grow which will increase the influence and leverage powers of the group.

As a service platform for retailers, Atlante invests in developing resources and know-how tools for our partners, and we monitor, audit and investigate as needed, whatever issue or risk that could be linked to our supply chain. In 2020, Atlante pioneered an initiative to raise awareness around Modern Slavery with their tomato supply chain through a series of online presentations. Just before the beginning of a new crop, Atlante delivered a webinar to every operator of its tomato supply chain, employing three legal consultants to talk its farmers through compliance and the Italian legal framework for the engagement of a seasonal workforce. This was delivered both virtually and distributed by pen drive across Atlante’s Italian-based supply chain. In 2021, Atlante organized another information campaign to highlight common violations that can occur around the issue of working hours. This covered the legalities of working over time and the health and safety implications that employers must consider.

In 2022, thanks to Atlante’s involvement in the WG, we will continue to educate and monitor our suppliers to ensure that a clear and consistent message about compliance and the legal framework for employment is understood and implemented. The results of our initiatives are always monitored using data analytics, external ethical auditors and consultants and in consultation with collaborating agencies such as Trade Unions and the Italian Government.

Atlante Executive Ethical Manager, Gian Stefano Cecca says,

“Common breaches of the legal framework can have catastrophic consequences on the health and wellbeing of workers. Every part of the supply chain has a duty of care to ensure that the health and safety of staff is recognised and given the importance that it requires both ethically and by law.” 

Find out more about the Ethical Trading Initiative via: www.ethicaltrade.org