MONTREAL, June 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Equifruit, North America’s leading Fairtrade-certified banana importer, has released its first-ever Impact Report, celebrating two decades of 100% Fairtrade sourcing and positive change for banana farmers and workers.
The report outlines how Equifruit addresses systemic issues in the banana industry, including advocating against gender-based violence and pushing for fairer prices for growers. Its release marks a key moment in what the company calls The Year of the Banana Badass, a year-long celebration of the community driving change in the banana aisle.
A Legacy of Fairness
Since its founding in 2006, Equifruit has generated over US$5.8 million in Fairtrade Premium, paid directly to banana farming communities in Central and South America. Farmers and workers invest these funds in projects such as improved housing, soil health programs, community healthcare, and climate resilience initiatives.
2025 Milestones
The report highlights several achievements for the company in 2025:
- Coast-to-coast distribution across Canada
- Fourth consecutive year on the Globe and Mail Top Growing Companies list, ranked #174 with 195% growth
- ECIP Leadership Circle recognition for ethical labor practices
- Multiple industry awards, including Progressive Grocer Impact Awards, the Shelby Report Sustainability Award, and WXN’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women Award for Jennie Coleman
A Triple Threat in the Produce Aisle
Equifruit stands out with a unique combination: 100% Fairtrade since day one, certified B Corp, and certified Women-Owned by WEConnect International. Co-owners Jennie Coleman and Kim Chackal lead the company in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“The banana industry doesn’t change by accident,” the report states. “It changes when people decide to say enough is enough to bad banana business practices.”
Equifruit President and Co-owner Jennie Coleman said: “When Equifruit was founded, no one imagined what it would become. This report tells the story of our growth, and how we became the company that we are today. A banana supply chain built on relentless price pressure is a fragile one. Fairtrade helps us build a stronger system and after twenty years, the results speak for themselves.”
The full Equifruit Impact Report is available online.
About Equifruit
Established in 2006, Equifruit is North America’s leading Fairtrade-certified banana importer and marketer. The company is a certified B Corp and proudly women-owned, aiming to make fair pay for banana farmers as engaging as pop culture.
Press Contact: Georgia Crump, georgia.crump@equifruit.com, 1-833-511-3247, www.equifruit.com
