AgroAmerica was founded in 1958 in Guatemala and at the outset of the operation the company encompassed one small banana plantation. Now, the company has plantations not just in Guatemala, but also in Ecuador and Peru which cover more than 18,000 acres in total.
Year-round fruit supplied to retail partners
Throughout the years, the company expanded its operations not only within Guatemala but also to surrounding countries, as a part of their strategy to be able to supply the product consistently, year-round. Robert Adams, the company’s President, explains: “We diversify our risk in order to be able to supply our retail partners with year-round fruit. All of our bananas are grown on our own farms which allows us to carefully control the quality of the fruit that we send to our retail partners.”
The company’s farms are all Rainforest Certified and Global G.A.P. and operate with a strong focus on environmental standards. Adams says: “In 2014, we introduced our new banana company ONE Banana – the Better Banana Company. The goal is to grow bananas that are not only good for the consumer but also for the world. We want to make a difference, one banana at a time.”
ONE Banana has developed by selling under its own brand as well as retailers’ private labels in the United States and around the world, including United States, Germany, UK, Japan, China, Poland and Chile.
ONE Banana aimed at making a difference
The goal of the new company is not just to product high quality product, but to also work to make a positive change in the world. Adams explains: “We truly believe that One Banana makes a difference; one person, one action, one decision at a time. We are on a mission to grow the highest quality and delicious bananas in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.”
“We are One different banana company because of our philosophy and corporate culture that urges us to make a change, not because we have to, but because we want to,” Adams adds. The company has created programs that address social aspects such as health and wellness, family nutrition, reduction of infant mortality, education, decent work values, financial savings and credit, and infrastructure development.
Besides a dedication to social improvements, the company also implements rigorous environmental standards around conservation. “Our Tier 1 SCS Sustainably Grown Certification signifies to the public that our company is acting consistently with our mission and vision,” Adams says.
Organic Production
The company has since a few years also begun cultivating organic bananas. Adams shares: We grow organic ONE Bananas that meet the strict guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) organic foods program. Our bananas are grown on our own 100% organic farm in Peru and are carefully selected to meet these high standards. We are committed to providing the highest quality and sustainably sourced bananas.”
2020 community development programs
In the new year, the company’s focus on making a difference has only become stronger, and they are working with two community development programs focused on children and youth. Both programs require the active participation of social actors: business, community, and government promoting intersectoral alliances and the support and organization of government, teachers, community leaders, and parents.
“We gladly announce the wonderful preliminary results of two of our community development programs focused on children and youth. The "One banana a day changes your life” nutrition program and the "Digital Gap Reduction" educational program, which were carried out through the year and benefited more than 8,000 children in rural Guatemala,” says Adams.
He concludes: “As the days go by, and 2020 starts strongly, we reflect on our actions towards making a difference with our environmentally and socially responsible practices that aim to potentiate progress in the countries where we operate.”
For more information: 
Javier Aguirre
Corporate Director
Tel: +502 2420 9600
Email: [email protected]
www.onebananas.com