Celebrate Fairtrade Month with Equifruit Bananas
October is Fairtrade Month, the perfect time to celebrate a partnership that’s been making a big difference for banana farmers and Canadian shoppers alike. For over a decade, IGA and Equifruit have worked together to bring Quebecers the best-tasting, ethically sourced organic bananas on the market. What started as a small program in 2014 has grown into a produce aisle success story, thanks to the loyalty of IGA customers, who care where their food comes from and how it’s produced.
Who is Equifruit?
Founded in 2006 in Quebec, Equifruit is North America’s leading Fairtrade banana importer and marketer. A proudly women-owned and B Corp certified brand, Equifruit was created to right the wrongs of the traditional banana trade, an industry with a poor track record on labour practices and environmental damage.
Equifruit organic bananas come from Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Every Equifruit banana is 100% Fairtrade-certified by Fairtrade International, the world’s most trusted ethical food certification.
A fair price for real impact
With the Fairtrade Standards, banana producers are paid a fair price for their fruit, respecting the Minimum Price set independently by Fairtrade International. This price factors in the local costs of sustainable production and means that farmers can count on a stable income. Fairtrade also supports safer working conditions for producers, environmentally friendly farming practices, gender equality and no forced or child labor.
What’s more, for every case of bananas sold, Equifruit pays a Fairtrade Premium of $1 US directly to growers, on top of the selling price. It’s up to the banana farmers how they want to invest this money in environmental, economic, and community projects.
The dream team for positive impact: IGA and Equifruit
To date, IGA has helped Sobeys generate over $1.14 million US in Fairtrade Premium, thanks to ethically minded shoppers who choose Equifruit Fairtrade bananas, week after week. Loyal customers are helping to transform the livelihoods of farmers, one banana at a time.
“We’re so proud of our long-standing partnership with IGA”, says Jennie Coleman, President and Co-owner of Equifruit. “Together, we’ve built a banana program that not only delivers delicious fruit to loyal customers across Quebec but also delivers real change for farming communities. Every bunch of Equifruit bananas in an IGA basket is a vote for fairness.”
What is Fairtrade Month?
October is Fairtrade Month all around the world, a global celebration that shines a spotlight on ethical shopping and conscious consumer choices. Fairtrade Month is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting brands that value fairness, transparency, and sustainability.
This Fairtrade Month, when you spot Equifruit Fairtrade bananas in IGA’s produce aisle, remember, you’re not just buying organic bananas. You’re contributing to a real positive difference for banana farmers and their communities.
Learn more about Equifruit and their sustainability efforts on their website.