Earth Source Trading has announced in a company press release the introduction of Fairtrade avocados from Mexico to complement the company’s existing organic Mexican avocado range in the US.
“We’re excited about expanding the Fairtrade options in the US and we think Fairtrade is the right thing to do,” said Ken Mobley, general manager of Earth Source Trading.
The company is the first to introduce Fairtrade avocados to the US market, according to Paul Rice, CEO of TransFair USA – the certifier of the fruit.
“Earth Source Trading has shown admirable leadership in ethical sourcing,” explained Mr Rice. “Sales of these avocados will have a substantial impact on the lives of the hard-working farmers in Mexico. The increased revenues and Fairtrade premium will fund community-elected development projects such as scholarships, infrastructure improvements and environmental
stewardship.”
Earth Source Trading is sourcing the avocados from a cooperative of small Mexican growers, both organic and conventional. In September 2008, several members of the company visited the growers, their farms and packing facilities, as well as the exporter Fairtrasa, which has packed and exported Fairtrade and organic avocados for several years to Europe.
“We believe we’ve created a winning partnership to market the growers’ products in the
United States,” said buying manager Eric Gingrich. “While Earth Source Trading focuses
on sales and expanding the Fairtrade concept here in the US, Latin American growers are receiving higher returns, and Fairtrasa is able to focus on recruiting the right growers and ensuring professional packing and food safety.”
Earth Source Trading will source the fruit from October to April.
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