Controversial berry firm Kiantama seeks Fair Trade certification

Kiantama, a Finnish berry company that has faced controversy, announced it has begun the process for Fair Trade certification. This initiative, detailed in a report by the NGO Finnwatch, aims to ensure that criteria related to the working conditions, rights, and livelihoods of berry pickers are met. The certification for natural berries is developed by Fair Trade Finland.

Finnwatch considers Kiantama's move significant, especially as the company states the certification will extend to its subcontractor chain. Kiantama was among several berry companies, including Arctic International, Kaskein Marja, Marja Bothnia Berries, and Polarica, implicated in a suspected cartel uncovered in May. The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) revealed the cartel operated for ten years, coordinating prices for domestic wild berries like lingonberries, blueberries, and cloudberries, potentially reducing compensation for pickers.

The ethical debate in the berry sector often focuses on companies, but large buyers also play a crucial role. Major retailers like S-Group and Kesko have now committed to purchasing Fair Trade-certified berries, a step not yet taken by Lidl Finland. These retailers, along with Lidl and Valio, have also committed to the Employer Pays Principle (EPP), meaning the company bringing pickers to Finland covers all recruitment costs, including travel. S-Group, Lidl Finland, and Valio aim for 30% EPP implementation this season.

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Finnwatch considers Kiantama's announcement of launching the certification process significant.