Euro Fruits top management has embarked upon the detailed study of the ETI Base Code and its implementation aspects. 2004 has been the year of learning and internal understanding development on the concept.

Euro Fruits was introduced to the ETI UK Base Code by one of our importers during the 2004 season. Immediately thereafter, Euro Fruits conducted study of the concept and standards, practices, procedures related to the concept embodied in the UK Base Code.

We approached the Ethical Trade Organization in the UK and were introduced to International Resources for Fairer Trade (IRFT), an India based Non-Governmental Organization.

We also refereed to various pilot studies in global produce industry with respect to ETI Code implementation.

The full version Report on ETI Biennial Conference 2003 titled “Key Challenges in Ethical Trade” was indeed helpful in expanding our understanding of the “robust business case” for ethical trade and “incremental rather than checklist approach to Code implementation”. The Report also introduced us to the work done of the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA), South Africa.

During the visit to South Africa in August 2004, our directors had the opportunity of meeting the CEO of WIETA, Ms. Nicky Taylor and discuss the practical implementation and documentation aspects. We also received the Advisory Manual compiled by WIETA. Euro Fruits is now regularly keeping track of activities at WIETA.

In this context we studied Social Accountability 8000 standard published by Social Accountability International. USA as well as various ILO Conventions, Recommendations etc.

We appointed International Resources for Fairer Trade for conducting the study of Euro Fruits' present practices with respect to specific clauses of the UK Base Code. The Report is on record.

IRFT is scheduled to conduct Gap Assessment audit during harvest/ export operatins in Season 2005. Further compliance steps would be taken based on the findings/ recommendations of the audit.

Euro Fruits plans to take lead in conducting a pilot project on ETI related practices in Indian export oriented table grapes industry during 2005.