Joint Alignment on the Process of Voluntary Contributions
Within the “Better Together” collaboration coordinated by GIZ and IDH, European retailers together with other stakeholders aligned on relevant aspects of implementing voluntary contributions (VC). This alignment aims to reduce the burden on suppliers and producers and to enhance efficiency.
As part of their commitments to promote living wages in the banana sector, retailers from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium identified voluntary contributions (VC) as the preferred tool to help reducing living wage gaps in the short-term. Voluntary contributions are additional payments made by retailers to help close the living wage gap. However, different approaches to calculating and paying VCs have created confusion and additional work for suppliers and producers. To address this, retailers agreed to align on key aspects of the VC implementation, summarized under 18 open questions.
A Structured Process to Reach Alignment
To reach alignment on these open questions, a structured and participatory process was established. Coordinated by GIZ and IDH under the “Better together” collaboration representatives from retailers, suppliers, producers, and standard setting organisations were invited to share their views and engage in the alignment process. An alignment rule was introduced, stating that a solution option would be considered as agreed on by stakeholders if at least 70% of the participants voted for the same option.
As a first step, a pre-survey was conducted. First alignment was found for 4 questions where the alignment rule was met. For the remaining questions, a joint online workshop took place where participants discussed their different views, clarified expectations, and explored possible solutions together. These discussions led to clear recommendations for some questions. Following the joint meeting, a final survey was carried out to reassess participants’ preferred approaches. 25 representatives submitted their responses with a balanced participation of retailers, suppliers and producers.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Based on the final survey, alignment was reached on 13 questions. The aligned solution options are captured in a summary document, while a comprehensive implementation guideline will be developed next year. The participating retailers are recommended to fully apply the aligned solutions starting in 2026.
Overview of Aligned Questions
