Fyffes, one of the world’s largest banana importers and leading marketer of organic and Fairtrade bananas, is marking its 130th anniversary in September. With annual turnover of  $1.4 billion, the Dublin-based company now ships 70 million boxes of bananas each year as well as melons, pineapples, mushrooms and much more.Edward Wathen Fyffe

With longstanding well-established partnerships in the tropics, Sumitomo as an exciting new business partner, and an effective ripening and distribution infrastructure, the company is well positioned to be able to provide responsibly sourced, high-quality fruit for generations to come.

A milestone for fair trade
“By marking 130 years in the banana business, we are shining the spotlight on the generations of wonderful people and partners who have contributed to our success over those years — and on those who will do so as we move forward,” said David McCann, chairman of Fyffes.

What began as a love story 130 years ago is still driven by a passion — though these days it’s for sustainability and quality.

In 1888, Edward Wathen Fyffe took his beloved wife, Ida, to the Canary Islands to recuperate from tuberculosis. Thankfully, Ida made a full recovery and while looking after her, Edward became intrigued by the exotic yellow fruits being grown locally, so much so that he vowed there and then to find a way to bring them to the people of London.

There were many problems to overcome but through determination and innovation he made it work. On Sept. 20, 2018, it will be 130 years since his very first bananas were sold in Covent Garden, London.

That pioneering spirit has inspired a number of industry firsts and the development of a unique infrastructure built on partnership and innovation. Fyffes was not only the world’s first fruit brand, it was also one of the first to support Fairtrade bananas and is now one of the world’s leading Fairtrade banana supplier.

Fyffes’ trading relationships with grower groups go back five decades in some cases and work with the community has been to mutual benefit. From large-scale housing solutions and educational programs in Colombia and a reforestation project in Costa Rica to a plastic recycling initiative with a school in Belize, the focus is on supporting local communities, protecting the environment and enriching peoples’ lives.

Storytelling to trade
In its anniversary year, Fyffes will be celebrating with customers and consumers in the local markets and focus on brand storytelling. There will be a commemorative sticker campaign and Fyffes social media channels will be used to bring to life an engaging brand story for consumers. With an interesting spin on the original Fyffes logo, the special edition stickers will be featured on all Fyffes bananas starting in September through early November.

At the upcoming Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit, Fyffes (booth No. 3733) invites retailers to discover more about its journey of partnership and innovation through the last 130 years.