Giumarra adds organic winter squash to its Fair Trade lineup

Giumarra announces the expansion of its line of Fair Trade Certified fresh produce with the addition of USDA Certified Organic and conventional acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash. The squash are grown in Mexico and will be available from November through March to meet consumer demand for the winter holidays.

"We are expecting retailers to continue to take a closer look at Fair Trade," says Gil Munguia, Division Manager of Giumarra Nogales. "Consumers are becoming increasingly more familiar with this certification, and our new squash selection nicely rounds out an important category for winter produce."

In addition to the new squash offerings, Giumarra will continue to offer fall/winter delivery of several other Fair Trade Certified products, which include: USDA Certified Organic and conventional; bell peppers, cucumbers, seedless and mini seedless watermelons, cantaloupes, roma and grape tomatoes and conventional asparagus

In spring/summer 2014, Giumarra will again offer its cantaloupes, watermelons, grapes, tomatoes, and asparagus under the Fair Trade program.

Currently, all of Giumarra’s Fair Trade Certified products are grown in Mexico. Fair Trade USA reports that Mexico is experiencing the largest growth in new categories of produce certified by the organization, and that 62 percent of all Fair Trade Certified produce imported to the U.S. is USDA Certified Organic.

"Giumarra is proud to work with growers who are deeply invested in the Fair Trade program," says Kellee Harris, Western Region Business Manager for the Giumarra Companies. "With the successful execution of our program last season, the premiums we returned to farm worker committees in Southern Mexico helped fund infrastructure improvements to their housing and schools, in addition to underwriting student scholarships, bus transportation, and school supplies."

Harris noted that Giumarra’s committed retail partners are an important factor in successful consumer engagement of the program. "We will continue to actively promote Fair Trade Certified fresh produce to our customers," says Harris. "Once shoppers understand and trust that their buying decisions can make a difference in the lives of people directly responsible for their food, that message leads to increased sales."

For more information:
Megan Schulz
The Giumarra Companies
Tel: +1 213.627.2900
Fax: +1 213.628.4878
E-mail: mschulz@giumarra.com
www.giumarra.com