Pineapples

We introduced the world’s first ever Fairtrade pineapples in 2002. This move remains really important to the livelihoods of a co-operative of 140 small-scale pineapple growers and their families in the northern-most part of Costa Rica. 

They farm in one of the poorest regions in the country, which has high levels of unemployment. As more and more people choose to buy a Fairtrade pineapple, the growers are able to invest in their co-op and attract more growers, invest in their farms, and invest in their communities. Part of the Fairtrade premium has been used to help set up a social enterprise project run by a local women’s group. It makes shampoos, conditioners and shower products for the local market. The growers chose to spend another part of the Fairtrade premium on equipping local schools with computers and desks. 

For the growers, being able to help give their children the opportunity to a good education is one of the biggest benefits to receiving the Fairtrade premium.