Fairtrade fruit pioneer AgroFair has announced that what is believed to be the world’s first Fairtrade grapefruit will be available in selected Co-op stores by the end of July.

The fruit comes from Lisbon Estates Fairtrade citrus growers in South Africa - the sister farm to Zebediela Estates, which grows oranges and lemons for the Fairtrade market, imported via AgroFair.

John Bowes, AgroFair UK’s md, said: “Fairtrade grapefruit is a very welcome addition to our range - alongside our year-round supply of bananas, mangoes, pineapples, oranges and soft citrus, as well as Fairtrade lemons and fruit purees.” The grapefruit will be available from May to August and AgroFair is in the process of working with other producer groups to extend the season.

Debbie Robinson, director of food retail marketing at The Co-operative Group, said: “The Co-op has the widest available range of Fairtrade products, covering many categories, and the Fairtrade grapefruits will add to our growing range of Fairtrade fruits.”

The Fairtrade premium is likely to fund a crèche for workers’ children, subsidise an HIV prevention campaign and finance a doctor to attend their local clinic twice a week.

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