Since 2009 Fairtrasa has worked with various Greek growers and companies and imports products from the country as well. They have plans to make their ties with Greece even stronger and to open a branch. An example of a collaboration with Greece can be seen in Bio Agros, a growers group that mainly produces kiwis.
Fairtrasa
Fairtrasa is a socially responsible company with a mission to support small growers, who are living in poverty, to help them achieve a dignified existence. Fairtrasa works using a specific step model. Pete Abma from Fairtrasa Holland explains: "Many growers do not have access to export, so we talk to them, support them and ensure that products from various producers are collected and packaged. The process aims to make growers independent and to allow them to focus on growing high quality products."
Fairtrasa's kiwi stand from Bio Agro during the Greek 'Freskon' fair. Peter Abma (right) speaks to Stavros Elhefteriou and Kostas Papadopoulos.
Time and research
He said that they work closely with Greek producers and that they have built a trusting relationship. "The contacts in Greece have been there for a long time, but if you want to truly collaborate, in the best way possible, you have to be present in the country. Of course that is a serious decision. It takes years of research and time before we settle in a country. In addition, you have to have products that fit into the assortment. We are currently looking for more producers and we are reaching a great range of products. Another challenge that comes along with these sort of 'projects' is that it is harder to convince customers. We have a lot of demand for a year-round product and for long term programs, so you cannot achieve all those things with the harvest from one grower."
For the growers
Peter explains that at Fairtrasa they start first and foremost with the grower, and only after that is done do they look at the commercial side. "If it says Fairtrasa on a box of fruit buyers know that it came from a place where the growers were treated fairly and received the proper amount for their work." Peter expects more news soon about the progress made in Greece. "We are going to continue making new contacts. Fantastic fruit is grown here and we really want to help market it."
For more information:
Peter Abma
Fairtrasa Holland BV
ABC Westland 212
2685 DC Poeldijk - Nederland
T: +31 174 291 601
[email protected]
www.fairtrasa.com
For more information:
Peter Abma
Fairtrasa Holland BV
ABC Westland 212
2685 DC Poeldijk - Nederland
T: +31 174 291 601
[email protected]
www.fairtrasa.com