Woolworths "constantly reviewing soil quality"

Woolworths Holdings is "constantly reviewing" the soil quality of its organic cotton harvest in South Africa, it has been reported.

The retail chain, which has franchises throughout Africa and the Middle East, announced today that the first ever clothing made from locally-grown organic cotton will be available in stores this summer, according to Supermarket & Retail magazine.

Darren Todd, Woolworths Group head of sourcing and technology, said that the company had already learnt important lessons about inter-planting and insect management and is steadily building a solid foundation to increase organic cotton production in the country.

"A number of aspects make this project extremely exciting," he stated.

"We are constantly reviewing soil quality improvement, crop yields and fibre quality."

Mr Todd added that the firm is pleased to have established a way of taking fibre from farmer to customer with the help of its supply chain partners, as well as being the first to produce cotton organically on a commercial scale in South Africa.

Written by Claire Manning