Living Wage and sustainability debated in Berlin

The Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains Initiative (SASI) organized in Berlin a public session during Fruit Logistica 2026 around Living Wage, titled “Achievements, challenges and looking ahead with responsive supply chain”. The panel counted with the participation of Aldi South produce sustainability manager Felix Strauss, Corbana Costa Rica delegate Omar Sanchez, Dole chief marketing and sustainability officer Xavier Roussel, BananaLink international coordinator Alistair Smith, Uniban Colombia sustainability director Carolina Jaramillo, SintrainAgro general secretary Adela Torres Valoy.

Who pays the price

Who pays the price for a higher responsive purchase price was the main question of debate, as Living Wage started to be applied within the banana sector. Feliz Strauss stated “We basically assume the added price, we integrate it on the cost of the supply chain”. All parties agreed there is still a long way of collaborative efforts to be made to achieve Living Wage and sustainable banana supply chains.

Key takeaways, “yes we can”

Xavier Roussel underlined the high quality dialogue within stake-holders, which gives a lot of confidence to take the Living wage journey until the end. Carolina Jaramillo declared “We cannot get worthy salaries with unworthy prices, it is now time for action”. Felix Strauss concluded that we also have to address other challenges like environment, with collaborative action.

For more information about LivingWage with European retail chains and the banana sector, you can write here.