appellando and the Foros de Comercio Etico (Ethical Trading Forums Association ETFA) have signed a collaboration agreement for Spain.

appellando retail partners can actively participate in the national forums of ETFA to address and potentially resolve social and environmental issues identified as systemic in the sector. In return, appellando retailers recognize producers participating in Canal Foros, the grievance mechanism of ETFA, next to the appellando Operational Grievance Mechanism Service NetAsesor, when they request a participation in an external helpline service.

“We aim to avoid duplication and confusion,” stated Kristian Moeller, Managing Director of appellando, “This collaboration offers Spanish producers of fruit and vegetables a choice of two options to join an external helpline that assists in resolving conflicts with their workers before such issues escalate and reach their customers.”

German retail customers are required to act upon receiving substantiated evidence of unresolved complaints on human rights violations and environmental issues within their supply chain.

The collaboration with ETFA is agreed upon for a 12-months trial phase starting December 1st, 2024. Both organizations aspire to learn from each other and enhance their systems to increase effectiveness and efficiency.