Last updated on September 13th, 2022
The Los Angeles-based Giumarra Companies, in partnership with Fair Trade USA, announces an educational Ask Us Anything: Fair Trade webinar to take place during Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit virtual event.
“October is Fair Trade Month, and we can think of no better time to share the importance of fair trade’s impact with produce audiences than during PMA’s first-ever virtual Fresh 
Summit,” said Kellee Harris, western region business director and fair trade liaison for the Giumarra Companies. “With insights from the Fresh Summit platform, we know many buyers are interested in sustainability topics. A commitment to a fair-trade program is one of the ways we can ensure a healthy future for both our people and our planet, showing consumers that our industry can make a difference by making every purchase matter.”
Harris noted that the virtual setting presents a unique opportunity to educate and engage with retailers who want to learn more about fair trade and its positive impacts on produce sales, worker welfare and environmental stewardship. Fair Trade Standards for agricultural production encompass rigorous requirements to safeguard fairness and transparency for every person in the supply chain, while also supporting biodiversity and sustainable production.
The Ask Us Anything: Fair Trade webinar will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. PDT/2 p.m. EDT. Attendees are encouraged to sign up in advance via the following link: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rh8pdpKrRgemA30gvP4oyw. The webinar will be recorded and available after the event on both the Giumarra Companies’ and Fair Trade USA’s Fresh Summit Marketplace pages.
During the session, a representative from Fair Trade USA will present a brief overview of the fair-trade program and its impacts, focusing on the produce industry. Giumarra will then present a category-specific case study outlining the measurable impacts of its fair-trade program in Mexico. The third segment of the Ask Us Anything: Fair Trade webinar will open the platform to attendee questions regarding fair trade.
Fair Trade USA reports that overall, the Fair Trade Certified produce available on shelves is growing year-over-year, with the first half of 2020 seeing sales volumes 19 percent higher than the same period in 2019.
“We have worked with Giumarra for many years, and their commitment to the fair-trade program has had tremendous impact for thousands of farm workers, families and communities,” said Jesse Appelman, head of fresh goods at Fair Trade USA. “We’re excited for this opportunity to celebrate their program as an example of the impact that Fair Trade Certification can bring to produce supply chains across the industry.”
Giumarra recently added Fair Trade Certified avocados to its product offering. The avocados are grown in the state of Michoacán in Mexico by the Genel family of Rancho Agua Blanca. For the fall and winter seasons, Giumarra also offers Fair Trade Certified seedless watermelon, hard squash and bell peppers. Additionally, Giumarra offers Fair Trade Certified seedless watermelon, bell peppers and grapes from Mexico each spring.
The Giumarra Companies is an international network of fresh produce growers, distributors and marketers.
