A group of South African fruit growers are coming to the UK for the first time as part of a training and skills programme developed by the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum and funded by Sainsbury's and the UK's Department for International Development (DFID).

For a week, starting from Sunday 19th April the 11 growers will get behind the scenes of the Sainsbury's supply chain leading to the point where their products are available to customers on the supermarket shelf.

Delivered by the National Training Institute, the NQF-certificated Top of the Class programme has involved over 170 people from five fruit growing regions across South Africa. The aim is to develop work and life skills so workers that are involved in the production of grapes, stone fruits, avocadoes, citrus and apples have greater access to career development and a better awareness of how to deal with personal and social issues. During the programme they received classroom coaching, workplace mentoring and presentation skills.

Their trip to the UK will be a packed week where they will experience the UK side of the supply chain from 'port to store' including: port and depot, seeing where the fruit is packed, tours of our stores and meetseveral people including Sainsbury's buyers, product technologists and members of the Department for International Development.

Judith Batchelar, Director of Sainsbury's Brand, said: "We source our products from 70 countries around the world so it's an honour to be part of this unique programme to bring some of our South African workers closer to the supply chain they play such a key part in.

In partnership with DFID, the training means we're supporting over 170 workers to have more skills whilst ensuring our customers have the best quality fresh products today and in the years ahead."

South Africa is an important sourcing country for Sainsbury's, supplying fresh produce and wine throughout the year for our customers in the UK. Although there have been significant developments in improved working conditions and investments in training for the sector over recent years, Sainsbury's was pleased to partner with the Department for International Development's Trade in Global Value Chains Initiative to roll-out a targeted programme to workers across our fresh fruit supply base.

During the visit, participants will be creating short films and taking photos, so everyone will be able to share their experience after their return to South Africa.

Sainsbury's has a heritage of supporting initiatives abroad including the Fair Development Fund, in partnership with Comic Relief. It is a unique partnership that combines Comic Relief's expertise in awarding grants with Sainsbury's 145 years of experience and knowledge in farming and food to help producers in developing countries thrive.  This means that farmers and workers have a better chance of building a sustainable income and brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.

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