This year, Coliman Bananas celebrates its 46th anniversary. Back in 1978, the company was established with the goal of ensuring a reliable supply chain of bananas from start to finish. Over the years, the company has evolved, and now aims to be one of the leading organic banana traders with the highest social and environmental awareness in the world. "We deeply value social and environmental responsibility," says Jorge Ángel Aguilar Gallegos, CEO of Coliman Bananas. "This goes beyond certification and represents our commitment the community we are part of and the environment that surrounds us."
Export business
Coliman's bananas are grown in their own Mexican farms in the states of Colima and Chiapas, supplying both domestic and international markets. To supplement their own production and ensure exceptional quality, Coliman collaborates with leading producers worldwide. Over the years, these strategic partnerships have fueled the company's export growth, making exports the most important part of its business. A significant portion of their production reaches Japan and China, but bananas also reach the US, Canada, and various countries in Europe. Reflecting their commitment to sustainability in their export business, Coliman complemented their conventional banana offerings with organic bananas over a decade ago. "Our commitment to the environment and community is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity to lead change in our industry."
Adapting to sustain
"In a market where environment and social practices are increasingly important, we have demonstrated our ability to adapt and thrive," Aguilar Gallegos said. As a result, the company is expecting a strong performance in 2024. "We will continue to invest in environmental and social initiatives that position us not only to meet regulatory expectations, but also respond to changing consumer demands."
One of these social initiatives is Education. To promote healthy eating habits among children in primary education, the company is collaborating with schools and community centers to teach the importance of a healthy diet. More than 2,500 children have already been able to take advantage of this program. Employee health is also highly valued with employees receiving healthcare. In addition, prevention services are available. Throughout 2023, 1,500 employees and their families participated in this program. These are just a few initiatives.
Don Jorge Aguilar Heredia, founder of Coliman Bananas, institutionalized hundreds of programs for the benefit of his employees, who are mainly farm workers and their families. Through the sale of organic bananas under the Fairtrade model, he promoted the construction of the Fairtrade Socio-Cultural Complex "Jorge Aguilar Heredia" in Tecomán, providing quality facilities for cultural and sports activities for farm workers and their families, demonstrating his interest in community welfare. As a tribute to his legacy, the Don Jorge Aguilar Heredia Foundation was created to ensure his commitment to social and community development benefits future generations.
The focus on sustainability has been a pillar of stability and sustained growth during the company's 46-year history. On its anniversary, Coliman Bananas reaffirms its commitment to innovation and social responsibility, looking to the future with confidence and determination.
For more information:
Audee Rios
Coliman Bananas
[email protected]
www.colimanbananas.com