Canadian group Oppy has announced that it has earned Fair for Life Fair Trade Certification, something it hopes will create new opportunities for the marketer and its growers and customers.
The Fair for Life-Social & Fair Trade certification programme is facilitated by the Institute for Marketecology in Weinfelden, Switzerland, and joins Fair Trade and Rain Forest Alliance Certification among Oppy’s associated social and environmentally focused campaigns.
“Fair for Life examines the entire supply chain, assuring that certified products are handled exclusively by companies that demonstrate ethical working conditions from farm to final delivery,” said Jason Fung, director of category development for Oppy. “It’s another opportunity for us to support producers and service providers who share our values while offering our customers meaningful differentiation.”
Oppy’s Fair for Life certification makes it one of very few North American produce companies licensed to bring Fair for Life labeled products to market. Oppy plans to deliver Fair for Life grapes from Peru next autumn, and is actively seeking to grow its Fair for Life programme via new partnerships.
“This certification helps develop our business, but more importantly it helps develop the grower communities that our products come from,” Fung said. “We’re interested in – and intentional about – creating an avenue for more socially responsible fresh produce to reach the market. We’re eager to explore the possibilities, as we believe there are not only economic implications, but also authentic opportunities to improve the quality of life in our growing areas.”
“We are excited to expand on the good work that we have done with our grower partners over the years,” said John Anderson, Oppy chairman, president and CEO. “We also aspire to attract new partners who share our sustainable thinking and conduct by offering them a unique new channel to the marketplace.”
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