A Hu trip of a lifetime
The future is fair
On our trip, our team learned quite a lot, but one of the core takeaways was just how positive an impact Fairtrade can have on the farmers that take part in Fairtrade. Through the use of the Fairtrade Premiums, we saw examples of cooperatives working to strengthen social bonds across villages through the building of shared community spaces, investing in health & wellbeing through creating private spaces for expecting mothers, and fortifying their businesses through collective seedling nurseries and solar drying facilities.
We saw firsthand how Fairtrade’s approach aims to empower famers and workers in support of more secure livelihoods. As a values-driven brand, we remain committed to sourcing simple and responsible ingredients in partnership with Fairtrade.
Meet the farmer
Aminata Sannoh (pictured center below) is a leader in her community of Tomaju village, in the Malegohun Chiefdom in Eastern Sierra Leone. As a local chief, and a member of Munafa cocoa cooperative, she represents local women and advocates for their access to land for cocoa farming.
Like many women cocoa farmers in Sierra Leone, Aminata has persevered through some structural barriers that can make it difficult for women to purchase land. Her first personal plot was given to her by her father.
The prices farmers earn for their cocoa crops have vastly improved compared to what her parents received, says Sannoh. She partially attributes this to Fairtrade’s impact in the region. Training and material support provided by Fairtrade or purchased through the cooperative using Fairtrade Premium funds have improved production volume and quality.
Fairtrade month
We are shoppers, grocers, brands and farmers. We come together in the choices we make so that the people who grow our food get a fairer deal for their work. Together, we’re making equitable the new normal — because fairness should never be optional.
This October, Hu joins Fairtrade America to honor and celebrate one of the cocoa farmers who has made an impact within their community.
