Haitian Mangoes Arrive at Whole Foods

For a limited time, Whole Foods Market shoppers can buy exclusive, organic, Fair Trade-certified Francis mangoes under the grocer’s Whole Trade program. The Whole Trade Guarantee ensures that the rare varietal is ethically grown and sourced.

Whole Foods is the sole buyer of certified-organic and Fair Trade-certified mangoes from small Haitian growers. Throughout May and into June, shoppers can find the mangoes at Whole Foods stores across the country.

“This variety’s juicy, richly flavored flesh and sweet, aromatic scent excite all the senses for a truly tropical flavor experience our shoppers wait for all year,” observed Michael Besancon, Whole Foods’ senior global VP of purchasing, distribution and marketing. “The bright flavor and low-fiber texture of the Francis mango from Haiti is simply unmatched. Best of all, with the Whole Trade Guarantee, shoppers can buy with confidence, knowing that their purchase help put money back into the pockets of the hard-working farmers who produce this exceptional fruit.”

Whole Trade items are of exceptional quality, and are produced in a safe and healthy working environment, using environmental practices that promote biodiversity and healthy soils. Whole Foods’ on-the-ground exporter, Perry Exports, organizes the grower groups to achieve and maintain Fair Trade and organic certifications, which increase transparency and market value, thereby driving better returns for growers.

“Despite the troubles and poverty gripping Haiti, the population and especially the mango growers still have hope,” noted Ben Schmerler, producer services manager for Oakland, Calif.-based Fair Trade USA. “By celebrating this Haitian gem and investing our efforts and faith in the growers, together we can help Haitian people rebuild their future.”

“By offering growers a higher purchasing price for their mangoes, we hope to create incentives for farmers to plant mango trees that will reduce erosion and provide an income stream for impoverished people in Haiti,” added Besancon. “While buying Whole Trade mangoes will by no means solve the devastating issues Haiti now faces short-term, our shoppers are helping to play a small role in the country's recovery.”

Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods operates more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.