Leading fresh produce markerter Giumarra has announced that its Mexican-based grower Gilberto Salazar has been certified to sell Fairtrade watermelons and grapes.

Giumarra has worked with the Salazar family for more than 20 years to market their watermelons and grapes, which are grown in Sonora. The Salazar family has had a social responsibility programme in place since 2009, providing employees and their families with free child care, weekly medical checks, housing, meals, education, and transportation to and from elementary and secondary school.

'We are extremely proud to work with the Salazar family because of the long-standing community programmes they have in place,' says John Corsaro, executive vice-president of the Giumarra Companies. 'Fairtrade will allow us to further benefit the community in which the farm operates, while partnering us with like-minded customers who want to pursue this cause.”

Giumarra customers who now purchase watermelons or grapes grown on the Salazar ranch have the option to buy fruit bearing the Fairtrade label. The product is sold at a premium, with the additional funds going to a worker council fund for the employees of the farm, and the funds support community development programmes such as micro-lending, education, or housing projects.

'Fairtrade USA has experienced great growth, especially in produce. We are excited to be a part of this and definitely hope to expand the programme to include some of our other products and growers,' explained Erika Salazar, East Coast business development manager for Giumarra.

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