AgroFair UK is broadening its fair-trade produce offer as it markets the first arrivals of Oké mangoes in the UK this week. 'This is a really exciting development for AgroFair UK,' said the company's sales and marketing manager Jan Castle. 'Oké mangoes will join our Oké bananas in UK stores.' The mangoes, from Ecuador will be available from Co-op stoes nation-wide and AgroFair UK is hoping to get other supermarkets on board shortly. Select Asda stores already stock Oké bananas.

Tommy Atkins and Kent will be marketed bearing the Oké brand sticker and will be sold under Co-op Fair Trade label. The Ecuadorian crop, from El Jardin En La Frontera plantation in the El Oro region of the country, will be available until next month when supplies are expected to switch to product from Burkina Faso and Mexico.

The fruit from all three sources has fair-trade status granted by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation. 'This is great news for Ecuadorian mango workers and a memorable step in the development of new fair-trade fresh fruit,' said the organisation's Fenny Eshuis.

The Co-op has been a pioneer in the retailing of lines produced according to fair-trade criteria for ethical commerce along the supply chain. 'As the country's leading fair-trade retailer, we are pleased to be working in partnership with AgroFair to offer another high quality, fair-trade product to UK consumers,' said Terry Hudghton, head of Co-op brand and corporate marketing.

AgroFair is already looking into the supply of fair-trade pineapples, citrus and other tropical lines into the UK.

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