Wal-Mart-owned clubstore operator Sam’s Club has announced in a press release it is expanding the number of outlets stocking Fairtrade bananas from 60 to more than 100 in celebration of Fairtrade Month this October as well as increased member demand.

In October 2007, Sam's Club became the first mass-market retailer and membership warehouse club to offer Fairtrade-certified bananas.

Member purchases of the product since 2007 have generated more than US$615,000 in community development funds, the retailer said.

Each box of Fairtrade bananas purchased by Sam’s Club members contributes US$1 that goes directly to farmworkers who decide upon, manage and directly benefit from community development projects.

TransFair USA, a non-profit dedicated to the development of Fairtrade-certified products helps manage the funds and works with the local growers.

In addition to life-changing social programs funded through the US$1/box premium, Sam’s Club payment of a fair, above-market price to farmers allows them to pay for environmental improvements required by Fair Trade standards.

Sam’s Club said purchases of Fairtrade bananas from its stores have allowed farmers in Colombia to eliminate over 422,000 gallons of herbicide preparations each year, protect rivers with natural barriers, and eliminate the most toxic pesticides.

In support of Fairtrade month and to celebrate its expanded Fairtrade banana program, Sam’s Club also offered free samples of Fairtrade-certified bananas on Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October.

Fairtrade bananas are now available in some Sam’s Club locations in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin and Utah.

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