FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EARTHFRUITS: THE BUSINESS OF HELPING THE WORLD
Para, Brazil, February 2008 -
How many times have we
’
ve been told it
’
s better to givethan to receive? Well, wouldn
’
t it be nice to give
and
receive. That
’
s the satisfactionEarthFruits, a leading supplier of Amazonian fruits, enjoys everyday. Fully committed tothe practice of fair trade, EarthFruits has created a business model that allows forproductivity and local economic growth while providing healthy, premium qualityproducts to the global marketplace.Located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, EarthFruits has developed mutuallybeneficial relationships with fruit processors and residents of various harvesting areas.Aptly termed the
“
Rivereens
”
, the people living along the Amazon River assistEarthFruits in harvesting fruits such as Açai, Cupuaçu and Gogi berries. The fruits arethen locally processed and shipped to manufacturers all over the world.
“
The relationship we have with the Rivereens is a unique one in it is totally reciprocal,
”
explains Fernanda Stefani, EarthFruits Brazil, General Manager.
“
They
’
ve taught us howto properly harvest and identify the best of the crops and we help provide a sustainableincome.
”
By working directly with local co-ops EarthFruits is able to ensure a regular source of income to the local population, something the Rivereens have never had before.EarthFruits
’
strategic location enables it to obtain the fruits without damaging ordestroying the valuable rainforest trees. Also, because of the extended harvesting periodsof the Amazonian fruits-- Açai is harvested from June to September
—
the Rivereensenjoy an extended working season. Currently, EarthFruits is organizing a network of small local processors that would manufacture according to Good ManufacturingProcedures (GMP) procedures.In addition to its harvesting and processing standards, EarthFruits has initiated sociallyresponsible programs such as Bio-Jewelry. This program utilizes the waste and seedsfrom the fruits to make earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Made in Brazil, the jewelry isexported to the US and the profits go to the jewelry makers in Brazil
’
s poorestcommunities.
“
Bio-jewelry is another way our business helps the people of Brazil,
”
explained Stefani.
“
Approximately 10,000 bracelets are exported to the US every month.
”
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