Whole Foods Market has announced that it is offering, for a limited time, Haitian Francis mangoes, with the organic and Fairtrade-certified fruit available under the natural food grocer's Whole Trade Programme.
The Whole Trade guarantee ensures that the fruit is ethically grown and sourced, with sales driving meaningful finances into the struggling Haitian economy, which was severely impacted by a devastating earthquake in January 2010.
According to the US retailer, it is the sole buyer of certified organic and Fairtrade mangoes from small Haitian growers, with the fruit available during the variety's short six-to-eight week season.
'The variety's juicy, richly-flavoured flesh and sweet aromatic scent excites all the senses for a truly tropical flavour experience our shoppers wait for all year,' said Michael Besancon, senior global vice-president of purchasing, distribution and marketing.
'The bright flavour and low-fibre texture of the Francis mango from Haiti is simply unmatched,' he explained. 'Best of all, with the Whole Trade Guarantee, shoppers can buy with confidence, knowing that their purchases help put money back into the pockets of the hard-working farmers who produce this exceptional fruit.'
The estimated selling period for the Haitian mangoes runs throughout May and into June, with the fruit available across all Whole Foods Market stores in the US.
'Despite the troubles and poverty gripping Haiti, the population and especially the mango growers still have hope,' noted Ben Schmerler, producer services manager for Fair Trade USA. 'By celebrating this Haitian gem and investing our efforts and faith in the growers, together we can help Haitian people rebuild their future.'
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