Every year Equal Exchange dedicates the month of March to raising awareness about the fair trade banana supply chain. All month long Equal Exchange invites retailers and consumers to explore how their alternative trade model is creating a seat at the trading table for small scale farmers around the world.
Photo credit: Equal Exchange Bananas
This March, Equal Exchange is highlighting the story and perspective of the people behind the Equal Exchange banana, from small farm to table. Consumers can learn more about the people of the value chain, through the lens of Mariana Cobos and Tom Yachtis. Mariana Cobos is an organic banana farmer who overcame many obstacles before joining AsoGuabo banana cooperative in Ecuador 10 years ago. Her success together with the cooperative has led her to share this passion with her son. She is now teaching him how to manage organic banana production on his own farm. On the other end of the supply chain is Tom Yachtis, who has spent the past 30 years “figuring out the puzzle” of banana ripening. He is the mastermind behind the yellow bananas available to Equal Exchange’s East Coast customers each week.
Retailers and distributors across the US will be sharing Mariana and Tom’s story with consumers throughout March. The Equal Exchange banana team will be visiting accounts, educating produce store staff and making sure the banana suit gets out as much as possible.
Photo credit: Equal Exchange Bananas
Contact:
Jessica Jones-Hughes
Equal Exchange
Tel: (774) 776-7361