Pattison Food Group has transitioned its organic banana program supplier to Equifruit, a Canadian and female-owned company that specializes in Fairtrade-certified bananas. The move, announced February 12, reflects a strategic sourcing decision that aligns the grocery operator with a supplier focused on fair trade practices and sustainability. The Pattison Food Group Equifruit partnership brings Fairtrade organic bananas to multiple grocery banners across Western Canada.
Equifruit is North America’s leading Fairtrade-certified banana importer, working exclusively with farmers approved by Fairtrade International. The organization is widely recognized for its sustainability standards and its efforts to improve the livelihoods of agricultural producers.
Executives at Pattison Food Group say the decision reflects shared values between the two organizations.
“Switching to Equifruit organic bananas is a natural fit for Pattison Food Group,” said Justin McGregor, general manager, produce & bulk at Pattison Food Group. “They share our values of fairness, transparency and collaboration that benefits everyone, from growers to shoppers.”
Through the Pattison Food Group Equifruit partnership, the companies say they will help support sustainable incomes and improved working conditions for banana growers in Latin America. Fairtrade standards set requirements for wages, workplace safety, and environmental practices.
The program also includes a Fairtrade Premium that is paid directly to growers. These funds support community projects such as education programs, clean water infrastructure, and housing improvements.
Stability in a Volatile Banana Market
Equifruit leadership says the partnership reflects broader challenges within the global banana supply chain, where price volatility and cost pressures can affect farmers.
“In a highly volatile global banana market, Fairtrade provides a level of stability for banana farmers,” said Jennie Coleman, president and co-owner of Equifruit. “That stability allows them to invest in a better future for themselves and their communities, and a more sustainable future for the banana industry.”
Fairtrade standards also prohibit child labour and provide support for farmers to reduce environmental impacts, including initiatives related to soil health, water use, and pesticide management.
Equifruit Fairtrade organic bananas are now available across several Pattison Food Group grocery banners. The rollout includes Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Urban Fare, Buy-Low Foods, Quality Foods, and Nesters Market.
The Pattison Food Group Equifruit partnership gives the grocery operator a unified organic banana program across its network. The company operates more than 300 food and drug retail locations and employs nearly 30,000 team members across its various businesses.
About the Companies
Established in 2021, Pattison Food Group is a Canadian-owned and operated division of the Jim Pattison Group. It is Western Canada’s leading provider of food and drug retail, with nine grocery banners and additional specialty and wholesale operations. These include Everything Wine, Pure Integrative Pharmacy, and Imperial Distributors Canada Inc.
Equifruit was established in 2006 and has grown to become North America’s leading Fairtrade-certified banana importer and marketer. The company is Canadian-owned, women-owned, and certified as a B Corp, reflecting its focus on social and environmental performance.
