As of yesterday, the Dutch online supermarket Crisp only carries specific organic bananas. These are fair trade and have a hidden cost premium which addresses the banana chain's hidden costs. They purchase these bananas from Asoguabo, a cooperative of ten banana farms in Ecuador. Crisp buys directly from them, not via a wholesaler.
It also imports the bananas in a CO2-neutral manner. Once in the Netherlands, they are further ripened in a banana ripening facility until they are at their best. The online supermarket is thus introducing a product that uncompromisingly scores in the most important areas - responsible, tasty, and better priced.
Each bunch has a €0.20 hidden cost premium. Consumers can thus be sure that these bananas come from a controlled chain with fair conditions.
A lopsided banana chain
Bananas may be crooked, but the prices growers get should not be. With their combination of organic, fair trade, and compensation for hidden costs, Crisp bananas set a new sustainability standard. The families who cultivate the bananas have access to organic fertilizer and clean soil. That price also covers any health care costs for the growers and monitors the ban on child labor. Plus, it encourages local projects such as clean water initiatives and improving working conditions.
These bananas are sold in bunches of five pieces and cost €2.19. This fair price includes a living wage for the growers and the hidden €0.20 cost premium per bunch.
Tasty food from a tasteful chain
Most other retailers offer different varieties, not Crisp. Its new banana is the only one in the range. "The National Institute of Public Health and the Environment's Food Survey shows that bananas are the most eaten fruit, after apples. Yet, it's a product that's traditional chain is known to be abusive," says Biorella Hooi, fruit and vegetable category manager at Crisp.
"We don't want to depend on disrupted chains and know exactly where our bananas originate. For us, it makes sense to take responsibility at product level; it aligns with our mission to make better food directly available. Because we control the chain, we keep a grip on it, and the bananas' perfect ripening. In short: the very best chain and the very best taste," she concludes.
For more information: info@crisp.nl and www.crisp.nl