SuperValu removes Israeli carrots from shelves
Despite removing Israeli carrots from stores, SuperValu says it has not acquiesced to trade union Mandate's request for retailers to boycott Israeli produce
Print8 August 2014
SuperValu has confirmed it ordered all stores in the Republic of Ireland to remove Israeli carrots from its shelves, saying that the Chatenay variety must not be sold.
However the group has denied imposing a ban against Israeli goods in its shops.
In a statement, the retailer said: “SuperValu is not involved in a boycott of Israeli produce and ultimately consumers will make their own purchasing decisions.
“We understand that this is an emotive issue. However, we have a policy of not taking a position on international affairs.”
The supermarket chain is one of more than 20 retailers that have been written to by trade union Mandate, asking them to boycott Israeli produce.
Despite removing the Chatenay carrots, a spokesman said the company wanted to be 100% clear that there was no ban on the sourcing and sale of products from Israel.
Supervalu said its company policy is to source as much Irish produce as possible, and if not from domestic suppliers, then from as close to home as possible.
“75% of products in our stores are produced and sourced locally in our communities. However, due to the unpredictable climate in Ireland, there are occasions when we are required to source products from further afield in order to meet customer demand,” the company statement said.
“We prioritise supply from the UK and Europe when Irish product is not available. Very occasionally we source some products from Palestine and Israel when we cannot get sufficient supply from our main markets.
“We currently have sufficient stock from our usual supply market, with no goods ordered from Palestine and Israel at this time.”
Mandate is also promoting a petition on change.org, asking consumers to support a campaign for retailers to boycott Israeli goods.
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