Food Sourcing Policy

Fruits & Vegetables

At Harrods, we have a responsibility to source produce that is grown in a sustainable way. We are committed to purchasing from suppliers that implement sound social, ethical and environmental practices at each stage of the supply chain. All our fruit and vegetables are sourced in line with seasonality and graded as either class I or extra class, indicating optimum quality.

Growing and Harvesting

The manner in which fruit and vegetables are grown and harvested is paramount to their eventual quality and taste. To ensure the produce we sell is of an excellent standard, we require suppliers to comply with a set of guidelines.  

Farming Standards

Accreditation from specific farm assurance schemes is preferred, but not mandatory. High farming standards must be demonstrated and verified via the Harrods Farm Surveillance Programme.

Pesticides

Non-chemical controls against pests should be considered first and any pesticide use minimised where possible. Pesticide and fertiliser use must be regulated, recorded and comply with Retained EU regulation 1107/2009. Additionally, produce must be sent for residue testing at an accredited laboratory at least once per season to ensure MRLs (maximum residue limits) are not exceeded, as outlined in retained EU regulation 396/2005.

Genetic Modification

No genetically modified produce is permitted.

Supply and Delivery

To provide our customers with the very best offering, we source fruit and vegetables from a variety of locations.

Exotic and speciality produce is sourced globally to ensure optimum quality. Fruit and vegetables appropriate for the UK climate such as salads, root vegetables and other seasonal produce will be sourced from the UK wherever possible to minimise environmental impact and allow for maximum freshness, due to the shorter timespan between harvest and delivery.

To ensure ethical standards are adhered to, Harrods requires all strategic primary suppliers to be accredited by Sedex or an equivalent supply chain management scheme.

Statement of Commitment

In order to source fruit and vegetables responsibly, Harrods will take the following actions:

1. Farming and harvesting practices will be monitored through the farm surveillance programme.

2. In order to continue sustainability once in-store, produce which is no longer at optimum freshness but still of acceptable quality, can be used in the juice bar or kitchens to reduce unnecessary food waste.

3. Minimal plastic packaging will be used; with the exception of Harrods own-label packed berries, herbs and salads, allergens (celery) and products which require packaging for protection from damage (physalis, tenderstem broccoli), all products will be sold loose.

4. This policy will be clearly communicated to all suppliers.

5. Any PDO claims are traced every 6 months as a minimum.

This policy will be reviewed annually.