Whole Food Market has paid over US$2.5m to community development projects as a result of purchasing Fairtrade fresh produce and flowers, according to a new report by the Progressive Grocer.
According to the report, the money contributed includes more than US$1m in banana premiums and over US$300,000 in pineapple premiums, financial aid that helps fund projects in communities that grow the produce.
In fact, Whole Foods purchased more than half of all Fairtrade certified bananas, flowers, pineapples and mangoes sold in the US, making it the top retailer across those categories last year.
'By purchasing Whole Trade Guarantee produce, our shoppers are not only getting high-quality products, but their purchases help make a difference in the lives of the people who grow their food,' said John Walker, global produce coordinator at Whole Foods. 'Our team travels to the many countries where we source Whole Trade Guarantee produce, and we've seen first hand the impact these premiums have thanks to our shoppers' purchases.'
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