As investigations continue on the sale of ALDI products at Morris Hedstrom supermarkets in Fiji, ALDI Stores in Australia has today confirmed to Fijivillage that it does not condone the distribution and sale of its exclusive products in Fiji.

In a statement, ALDI Stores said they are aware that products close to or past their use by date from several Australian retailers including ALDI, are being distributed to and sold in MH supermarkets in Fiji.

ALDI stated that some of these products may be of quality not fit for consumption.

It said bulk buying from ALDI stores is not allowed and all staff are instructed to notify a manager if they believe a bulk sale is suspicious or for export.

ALDI further stated that the sale of its exclusive brands is for personal consumption only.

It said ALDI products is manufactured by their suppliers exclusively for sale in ALDI stores in Australia and ALDI does not permit its suppliers to sell or ship it elsewhere.

It said it has been confirmed that the suppliers abide by this policy.

ALDI said its own investigations have concluded that the likely source is MH buyers consolidating small purchases across Australian grocery retail outlets which are then exported to Fiji.

ALDI Stores said while it is not illegal to export grocery items to Fiji, it encourages the Fiji government to put measures in place to prevent the distribution and retail of unacceptable goods in Fiji supermarkets and to enforce the relevant food safety laws.

Following the ALDI Stores statement stressing that it does not condone the distribution and sale of its exclusive products in Fiji, Carpenters Fiji Limited which runs MH Fiji supermarkets has responded to queries sent by Fijivillage.

Carpenters Fiji Limited Group chief operating officer Freddie Keshwan confirmed that ALDI products were imported into Fiji because of huge demand from MH customers for wider range of quality items at cheaper prices.

Keshwan said they have since been made aware of ALDI's supply chain policy on exclusivity of certain branded products for sale only in ALDI stores, which will be respected.

He said MH has agreed with ALDI Australia to sell off the small quantity of remaining stock and cease any further importation of ALDI products into Fiji.

However, Keshwan strongly refuted any claims of alleged dumping of Australian ALDI brand products in the country.

He said the ALDI products were sourced from a wholesaler in Australia who in turn purchased the stock directly from ALDI outlets.

Keshwan said MH is totally committed to providing quality products and service to its large base of customers.

He also said that they will fully cooperate with any investigation in order to allay the concerns of the relevant government agencies and the public at large.

ALDI brands include baby products, cereals, biscuits, canned food, coffee, tea and many other food items.