{"id":5432,"date":"2026-06-12T14:52:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T14:52:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/?page_id=5432"},"modified":"2026-10-13T15:07:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T15:07:13","slug":"in-the-press","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/in-the-press\/","title":{"rendered":"In the press"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"5432\" class=\"elementor elementor-5432\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de50251 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"de50251\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-800a91b e-con-full eq-bg-orange e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"800a91b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-780cee5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-claudia_shouter_text_block_3a166e40\" data-id=\"780cee5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"claudia_shouter_text_block_3a166e40.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"claudia-shouter-wrapper-3a166e40\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"claudia-heading\">\r\n                THE ONLY BANANA EVERYONE RAVES ABOUT            <\/h2>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b04c4d e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8b04c4d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa31154 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"aa31154\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/produce-branding-revolution-real-witness-cpma-2026\" target=\"_blank\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"93\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5443\" alt=\"The Packer logo featuring Equifruit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png 768w, https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1-18x2.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">\"Equifruit, the Montreal-based Fairtrade International-certified banana company, debuted new shipping boxes that feature colorful and compelling P.O.S. that take the heavy lift of merchandising off the retailer\u2019s to-do list.\"<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8a02e9 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"f8a02e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.organicproducenetwork.com\/regulatory\/equifruit-partners-with-the-world-banana-forum\" target=\"_blank\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"280\" height=\"236\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Logo-1.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5448\" alt=\"Organic Produce Network OPN logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Logo-1.png 280w, https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Logo-1-14x12.png 14w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">\u201cEquifruit is the only Canadian member of the World Banana Forum\u2014a multi-stakeholder group working on solutions to the industry\u2019s most pressing sustainability issues.\u201d<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-242e7e7 elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"242e7e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fruitnet.com\/fresh-produce-journal\/banana-badasses-take-on-the-world\/264828.article\" target=\"_blank\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fruit-net-logo-v2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5447\" alt=\"Fruitnet logo featuring Equifruit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fruit-net-logo-v2.png 450w, https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fruit-net-logo-v2-18x4.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">\"Equifruit has already defied almost every convention by being a female-owned B Corp with the credibility of Fairtrade behind it. And one suspects it is only just getting started.\"<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e17c8ad elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"e17c8ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/business\/rob-magazine\/article-chiquita-banana-farming-wage-equity\/\" target=\"_blank\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"210\" height=\"226\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Globe_mail-1.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5449\" alt=\"The Globe and Mail logo featuring Equifruit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Globe_mail-1.png 210w, https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Globe_mail-1-11x12.png 11w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 210px) 100vw, 210px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">\u201cEquifruit is subverting one of the most established rules of food retail by getting folks to stop and think during what is typically a thoughtless decision.\"<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e8ab93 elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"6e8ab93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/social-responsibility\/how-tariffs-grounded-fair-trade-produce-2025-just-it-was-poised-takeoff\" target=\"_blank\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"93\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5443\" alt=\"The Packer logo featuring Equifruit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png 768w, https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1-18x2.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">\"And that's where we've found the solution is in partnering with fair trade farms. They prioritize Equifruit as a customer.\"<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c854fe elementor-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"0c854fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhi\" target=\"_blank\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"406\" height=\"71\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GANDHI.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-7306\" alt=\"GANDHI logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GANDHI.png 406w, https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GANDHI-18x3.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">\u201cTo gain inner peace, one must know that the only banana to buy is 100% Fairtrade.\u201d<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0235d59 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0235d59\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd5fa42 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-claudia_shouter_text_block_3a166e40\" data-id=\"dd5fa42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"claudia_shouter_text_block_3a166e40.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"claudia-shouter-wrapper-3a166e40\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"claudia-heading\">\r\n                THE ONLY BANANA TO POP CHAMPAGNE WITH            <\/h2>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a1a637 elementor-widget elementor-widget-faq_accordion_35208efe\" data-id=\"1a1a637\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"faq_accordion_35208efe.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-accordion-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-item-35208efe active\"><div class=\"faq-title-35208efe\"><h3>BUSINESS<\/h3><span class=\"faq-icon-35208efe\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-35208efe\" style=\"display: block;\"><div class=\"faq-inner-blocks-wrapper-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/CTGC-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2022-2026: Canada\u2019s Top Growing Companies<\/p><p>Equifruit, Canada's leader in Fairtrade certified bananas, has once again earned a spot on The Globe and Mail's prestigious list of Canada's Top Growing Companies for 2026. Now listed at #230 with a growth rate of 117%, this marks the fifth consecutive year the company has been recognized for its outstanding success. In 2025, Equifruit secured the #174 spot with 195% growth; in 2024, #219 with 184% growth; in 2023, #207 with 219% growth; and in 2022, #261 with 139% growth.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/business\/rob-magazine\/top-growing-companies\/article-ranking-canadas-top-growing-companies-of-2026\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Top-Gowing-Women-Led-companies-Globe-and-Mail-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2025, 2026: Canada\u2019s Top Growing Women-Led Companies<\/p><p>Equifruit is proud to be ranked #21 on The Globe and Mail's list of Top Growing Women-Led Companies in Canada. From challenging banana business as usual to driving impact through Fairtrade, this recognition celebrates our bold, women-led growth and mission for Global Fairtrade Banana Domination.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/business\/rob-magazine\/article-canadas-top-growing-women-led-companies-2026\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/leaders_2025_dw-image-partage-1920x1080px-1200x675-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2024 &amp; 2025: L'actualit\u00e9 Top Growing Companies<\/p><p>Equifruit has been featured for two years in a row in L\u2019actualit\u00e9 magazine\u2019s Growth Leaders list. In 2025, we ranked #23 out of 48 companies, and in 2024, we were #34 out of 50. This list highlights the top 50 Quebec companies with the most significant sales growth over the past three years.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lactualite.com\/lactualite-affaires\/les-leaders-de-la-croissance-2025\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/2024-11-20-EN-Waterstone-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2024 Canada\u2019s Most Admired CEO\u2122 Award<\/p><p>Equifruit is proud to announce that our President, Jennie Coleman, has been honored with the Canada\u2019s Most Admired CEO Award by Waterstone Human Capital. Waterstone recognizes exceptional leaders who drive high-performance cultures and achieve outstanding results.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/waterstonehc.com\/canadas-most-admired\/canadas-most-admired-ceo\/ceo-winners\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/SCEAU_LEADERS_2023_Final_NOIR-01.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2023 L'actualit\u00e9 Top 50 Growing Companies<\/p><p>Equifruit hits # 39 out of 50 on the L'actualit\u00e9 magazine's annual ranking of Growth Leaders 2023. This ranking presents the top 50 Quebec companies that have experienced the strongest growth in sales over the past three years.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lactualite.com\/lactualite-affaires\/les-leaders-de-la-croissance-2023-une-societe-en-plein-changement\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/490_CHANGEMAKERS_LOGO.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2023 The Globe and Mail\u2019s 50 Changemakers<\/p><p>The Globe and Mail selected 50 emerging leaders reinventing how Canada does business. Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit was selected as one of the entrepreneurs whose single-minded devotion to making the banana industry a fair place for farmers should be an inspiration to us all.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/business\/rob-magazine\/article-50-emerging-canadian-business-leaders\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ey-entrepreneur-of-the-year-logo-V2.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2023 Finalist For EY Entrepreneur Of The Year\u00ae Award<\/p><p>Selected by an independent panel of judges, Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, was one of the finalists from Quebec, recognized for transforming our world through unbounded innovation, growth and prosperity in the Fairtrade banana industry.\u202f<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ey.com\/en_ca\/entrepreneur-of-the-year-canada\/meet-the-winners\/ey-entrepreneur-of-the-year-2023-quebec\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2022 The Packer 25<\/p><p>The 2022 Packer 25 is an annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. Each year, The Packer invites the produce industry to nominate distinguished veterans, leaders and rising stars of the fresh produce industry. Kim Chackal, our VP Sales &amp; Marketing was part of this Packer's list in 2022. She changed the banana industry and convinced several retailers to switch to Fairtrade bananas.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/people\/2022-packer-25-kim-chackal\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/OPMA-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2021 OPMA : Produce Person of the Year<\/p><p>The Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award highlights individuals who work tirelessly to improve the consumption of fresh produce through innovation and hard work. The 2021 award went to Kim Chackal from Equifruit who has made strides in helping consumers to digest the topic of Fairtrade, through the rebranding of Equifruit. She was also instrumental in Equifruit\u2019s partnership with Longo Brothers Fruit Markets to launch the first 100% Fairtrade banana program in North America. Kim\u2019s efforts have helped to grow the market share for Fairtrade bananas by 62% in 2021.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theopma.ca\/opma-highlights-excellence-in-ontario-produce-industry-at-2021-virtual-awards-ceremony\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-title-35208efe\"><h3>SUSTAINABILITY AND FAIRTRADE<\/h3><span class=\"faq-icon-35208efe\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-35208efe\" style=\"display: none;\"><div class=\"faq-inner-blocks-wrapper-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2023\/09\/canadian-grocer-impact-award.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2026 Canadian Grocer Impact Award in the Community category<\/p><p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Equifruit is proud to announce that we've won the Canadian Grocer Impact Award in the Community category. For every 40-pound case sold, Equifruit contributes a US$1 Fairtrade Premium that farmers and workers invest in community-chosen projects from education to climate resilience. Contributions have now surpassed US$6 million since the company's founding.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/canadiangrocer.com\/2026-impact-awards-winners-community\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Canadian-SME-Magazine-dark-logo-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2025: CanadianSME Sustainable Business Award<\/p><p>Equifruit won the Sustainable Business Award at the 2025 CanadianSME Small Business Awards. As the leading Fairtrade-certified banana importer with retail partners across Canada and in select U.S. states, Equifruit sees the award as proof of what it's argued from day one: fairer pay for farmers and a growing business aren't competing goals.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/news-release\/2026\/07\/14\/3326914\/0\/en\/canadiansme-announces-winners-of-the-2025-canadiansme-national-small-business-awards.html\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/FM_RGB.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2026 Fairtrade Innovation &amp; Sustainability Leadership Award<\/p><p>Equifruit was recognized by Fairtrade Canada for educating shoppers and retailers on the real cost of upgrading to Fairtrade bananas for an entire year (hint, it's just $10 CAD). By reframing affordability through humour, experiential marketing and data-backed storytelling, Equifruit has helped to accelerate the Fairtrade movement in Canada and deliver tangible impact for banana producers.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairtrade.net\/ca-fr\/agir-avec-nous\/conference-nationale-2026\/prix-canadiens-du-commerce-equitable-2026.html\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/PG_Impact-Logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2025 Progressive Grocer Impact Awards (Sustainability\/Resource Conservation &amp; Community Service\/Local Impact)<\/p><p>Equifruit received two Progressive Grocer Impact Awards for our work in Sustainability, Resource Conservation, and Community Service. From strengthening farmer communities to reducing environmental impact across our supply chain, these recognitions highlight the power of Fairtrade to create long-term, meaningful change. At Equifruit, driving impact isn\u2019t a side project - it\u2019s the whole mission.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/progressivegrocer.com\/impact-awards-grocery-good\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/shelby-sustainability-award-badge-v-488x648-1.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award<\/p><p>The Shelby Report just named Equifruit a winner of the 2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award! Why? Because we don\u2019t play by the old banana business rules. We\u2019re rewriting them with 100% Fairtrade contracts that support fairer pay for banana farmers and keep our supply chain as sustainable as our values. This award is proof that doing what\u2019s right (and having a little fun while we do it) really does pay off.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theshelbyreport.com\/2025-sustainability-award-winners\/?award_search=Equifruit&#038;company=\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pg-new-logo-final.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2024 Progressive Grocer's Impact Award (Ethical Sourcing\/Supply Chain Transparency)<\/p><p>Equifruit was recognized by Progressive Grocer for Ethical Sourcing &amp; Supply Chain Transparency. At Equifruit, we don\u2019t just stop at paying fair prices. We also contribute $1 USD per case to a Fairtrade Premium fund, which supports impactful community projects such as housing, education, and more. These initiatives are democratically chosen by the farmers and cooperatives we partner with, because real change happens when communities take the lead.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/progressivegrocer.com\/progressive-grocers-impact-awards-honorees-go-above-and-beyond-esg-initiatives\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/canadian-grocer-impact-award.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2022 Canadian Grocer Impact Award<\/p><p>Equifruit won the Canadian Grocer Impact Awards in the sustainability category. This award celebrates Canadian grocery retail and CPG businesses that are going above and beyond to make the world a better place. Improving the banana industry with Fairtrade-certified bananas, check!<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/canadiangrocer.com\/2022-impact-award-winners-sustainability\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/prix-novae-ok.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2021 Novae Award<\/p><p>Equifruit was part of the best impactful innovations of the year, those that chart the path to a positive and engaged Quebec economy. Because being a mega-ethical banana brands in Canada is so hot right now.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/novae.ca\/concours\/prix-novae\/prix-novae-2021\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/producer-partnership.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2020 Fairtrade Canada : Excellence in Producer Partnership<\/p><p>This prize recognized Equifruit for their involvement and long-term commitment in developing a sustainable business relationship with Fairtrade banana producers.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshplaza.com\/europe\/article\/9219895\/canadian-banana-supplier-wins-excellence-in-producer-partnerships-prize\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-title-35208efe\"><h3>LADY BOSS<\/h3><span class=\"faq-icon-35208efe\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-35208efe\" style=\"display: none;\"><div class=\"faq-inner-blocks-wrapper-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pg-new-logo-final.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2026: Progressive Grocer's Top Women in Grocery Award<\/p><p>Jennie Coleman, President and Co-owner of Equifruit, was named a 2026 Top Woman in Grocery (Senior-Level Executives) by Progressive Grocer. Under Jennie's leadership, Equifruit has grown into North America's leading Fairtrade-certified banana importer, landing on The Globe and Mail's Top Growing Companies list for four consecutive years.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/progressivegrocer.com\/2026-top-women-grocery-senior-level-executives\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/06\/WOI-2026-768x767-1.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2026 Woman of Influence by The Shelby Report<\/p><p>Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, was recognized by The Shelby Report for helping challenge the status quo in the banana industry through Fairtrade leadership, bold storytelling, and purpose-driven growth. Under her leadership, Equifruit continues to prove that paying farmers fairly and building strong retail partnerships can drive real momentum in one of produce\u2019s most price-sensitive categories.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theshelbyreport.com\/2026-women-of-influence\/?award_search=Jennie+Coleman&#038;company=Equifruit\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WXN-Top-100-Women-award-winner.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2025 Canada\u2019s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award<\/p><p>The Women\u2019s Executive Network (WXN) just named our President, Jennie Coleman, one of Canada\u2019s Most Powerful Women. Why? Because she\u2019s using her power for good - fighting for banana farmers, shaking up the status quo of global trade, and proving that moral clarity always beats market share. This award is another win for Fairtrade bananas (and a major flex for team Equifruit).<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wxnetwork.com\/page\/2025Top100AwardWinners\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/star_women.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2025 Canadian Grocer: Star Women in Grocery Award<\/p><p>Our president Jennie Coleman has been recognized as a winner of the Canadian Grocer's Star Women in Grocery award. This award celebrates Jennie's commitment to shaping the Canadian grocery industry through her dedication to Fairtrade and fair pay for banana farmers.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/canadiangrocer.com\/2025-star-women-grocery-award-winner-jennie-coleman-qa\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CPMA-outstanding-women-in-produce-2024.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2024 CPMA &amp; Grocery Business: Outstanding Women in Produce Award<\/p><p>The Outstanding Women in Produce Award recognized Kim Chackal, Equifruit's VP Sales &amp; Marketing, as a remarkable woman who has made noteworthy achievements and contributions to the banana industry. It honors her leadership, creativity, and her role in helping the industry grow. This award is a tribute to her dedication and impact, inspiring others to excel in the produce field.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grocerybusiness.ca\/recognizing-the-achievements-of-women-in-produce\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2023\/10\/RBC-finalist-award.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards<\/p><p>\"RBC is honoured to celebrate the achievements and outstanding contributions of Canadian women entrepreneurs who have redefined industry standards and challenged the persisting barriers women face in business with their leadership, innovation, and resilience,\u201d said Sean Amato-Gauci, Executive Vice President &amp; Head, Business Financial Services, RBC. Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, won the RBC Momentum Award as an exceptional entrepreneur who makes a significant difference in her communities, addresses social challenges, and advocates for positive change in the banana industry.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.womenofinfluence.ca\/2023\/11\/23\/2023-rbc-canadian-women-entrepreneur-award-winners-announced\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/OPMA-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2023 OPMA Women's Produce Network Award<\/p><p>The Women\u2019s Produce Network Award celebrates and recognizes the outstanding achievements of women who have contributed to the produce industry\u2019s growth and development. Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, received this award for her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the produce industry through her dedication to Fairtrade, government policies that support agriculture workers and empowering women in business.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theopma.ca\/2023-opma-gala-award-winners\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/global-women-fresh.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2023 Global Women Fresh EmpowerHer Award<\/p><p>Global Women Fresh has selected Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit for the EmpowerHer Company Awards, created to celebrate women and companies who lead by example in advancing the role of women across the international fruit and vegetable industry.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fruitnet.com\/eurofruit\/gwf-announces-winners-of-women-in-produce-awards\/248500.article\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/premieres-en-affaires-ok.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 : Quebec Ranking of Women's Businesses<\/p><p>Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit is included in this Quebec list that highlights businesses run by women based on economic criteria, such as the number of employees, the range of annual turnover, the sector of activity and the location of marketing markets.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/static1.squarespace.com\/static\/5c1fcae2e74940640e56667d\/t\/69b1f53871a3860123241ed1\/1773270328517\/PRE_Winter2026_FINAL_SPREADS_v03_compressed.pdf\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Prix-Femmes-daffaires-du-Quebec.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2022 Finalist for Quebec Business Women Award<\/p><p>Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit was a finalist for Prix Femmes d'Affaires du Qu\u00e9bec. It's a Quebec Business Women's Prize competition that aims to recognize and promote the excellence, dynamism and audacity of women's businesses from all regions of Quebec. They are businesswomen recognized for their know-how and their interpersonal skills, their achievements convincing and their influence in all spheres of the economy of Quebec, at the local, national and international levels.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pfaq.ca\/fr\/finalistes-2022\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2022 The Packer: Women in Produce<\/p><p>Jennie Coleman, President and owner of Quebec-based Equifruit, believed in Fairtrade bananas before almost anyone else did. She has grown her company with the power of her convictions, aided by a leadership style that resonates with her employees.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/people\/women-produce-jennie-coleman\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CPMA-outstanding-women-in-produce-2024.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2022 CPMA &amp; Grocery Business: Outstanding Women in Produce Award<\/p><p>Equifruit's president, Jennie Coleman, was honored with the Outstanding Women in Produce Award by CPMA and Grocery Business. This prestigious recognition celebrates women who drive innovation and growth in the produce industry. Jennie's leadership embodies Equifruit's commitment to transforming the banana business with 100% Fairtrade practices since day one.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grocerybusiness.ca\/celebrating-outstanding-women-in-produce\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-title-35208efe\"><h3>MARKETING<\/h3><span class=\"faq-icon-35208efe\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-35208efe\" style=\"display: none;\"><div class=\"faq-inner-blocks-wrapper-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Produce-business-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2026 Produce Business Marketing Excellence Award<\/p><p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Equifruit won a 2026 Produce Business Marketing Excellence Award for \"Five Freaking Dollars,\" a campaign built around one question: consumers will spend $5 on a specialty latte without blinking, so why does paying banana farmers fairly get treated as too much to ask? The integrated campaign spanned trade shows, email, LinkedIn, media relations, and a dedicated microsite, earning coverage across 12 trade media outlets, reaching an estimated audience of 500,000, and generating more than 16,600 impressions on LinkedIn.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/producebusiness.com\/issue\/produce-business-august-2026\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more (page 17)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Produce-business-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2026 Produce Business 40 Under Forty<\/p><p>Loubna El Wacham, Digital Marketing Specialist at Equifruit, was recognized as one of Produce Business' 2026 40 Under Forty recipients. This award celebrates the emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the fresh produce industry. Through data-driven digital marketing, retailer collaborations, and consumer education initiatives, Loubna has helped make Equifruit one of the most recognizable voices in ethical produce, and made Fairtrade bananas impossible to ignore, all while advancing Equifruit\u2019s mission: Global Fairtrade Banana Domination.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/producebusiness.com\/issue\/produce-business-june-2026\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more (page 30)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/logo_partners_REV_cpma_2en.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2026 People\u2019s Choice Award for Best Booth at CPMA<\/p><p>Equifruit took home the People\u2019s Choice Award for Best Booth at CPMA with an interactive video game challenging attendees to collect our new banana cases and build the ultimate Endcaps of Destiny.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/produce-branding-revolution-real-witness-cpma-2026\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Produce-business-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2025 Produce Business 40 Under Forty<\/p><p>Madison Hopper, Equifruit\u2019s Creative Content Manager, was named to Produce Business Magazine\u2019s 2025 40 Under Forty list - celebrating rising stars in the produce industry.<br \/>At Equifruit, Madison blends bold storytelling, pop culture flair, and real impact to bring Fairtrade bananas to life. From scroll-stopping digital content to memorable trade show booths that turn heads, she\u2019s on a mission to make Fairtrade as lovable and shareable as your favourite meme. With a sharp eye for strategy and a soft spot for farmers, she\u2019s redefining what produce marketing can look like.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/producebusiness.com\/issue\/produce-business-june-2025\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more (page 36)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2024 The Packer 25: leaders and innovators in fresh produce<\/p><p>Madison Hopper was named to the 2024 Packer 25, recognizing leaders and innovators in the fresh produce supply chain. As marketing manager at Equifruit, she creates engaging campaigns that mix humor and education to promote Fairtrade bananas. By using unique strategies like incorporating cat memes, she\u2019s made Equifruit\u2019s Fairtrade bananas as appealing and loved as pop culture\u2014and it\u2019s working well.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/people\/2024-packer-25-madison-hopper\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/thepacker-768x93-1.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2024 The Packer Produce Marketer of the Year<\/p><p>Kim Chackal, Co-owner, VP Sales &amp; Marketing at Equifruit, has been named Produce Marketer of the Year by The Packer. Known for her innovative marketing approach, Chackal has significantly contributed to raising awareness of Fairtrade practices in the produce industry, positioning Equifruit as a leader in ethical sourcing.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/industry\/kim-chackal-named-produce-marketer-year\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SPS-Marketing-Awards.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2024 the Packer's Best of SPS Marketing Awards (Website)<\/p><p>Equifruit won the Best Sustainable Produce Summit (SPS) Marketing Award in the website category. This prestigious award recognizes our commitment to sustainability and excellence in promoting Fairtrade bananas on our shark-infested website.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/industry\/best-sustainable-produce-summit-marketing-award-winners-revealed\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Fairtrade-global-award.png\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2023 Fairtrade Global Award in Innovation<\/p><p>Equifruit was the winner of the Fairtrade Global Award in Innovation. Fairtrade Global Awards recognize the outstanding and innovative contributions from businesses to create a fair and just global trade system across the world.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grocerybusiness.ca\/equifruit-clinches-fairtrade-global-award-for-innovation-2023\/\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-content-inner-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-image-35208efe\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/equifruit.on-forge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SPS-Marketing-Awards.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"faq-text-col-35208efe\"><div class=\"faq-text-wrap-35208efe\"><p>2021 The Packer's Best Of SPS Marketing Awards (Social Media)<\/p><p>Equifruit won the award for Best Social Media with a Sustainability Focus. Our company also received an honorable mention for best website. \u201cEquifruit's campaigns are chock-full of cheeky and entertaining pop-culture references\u201d, award organizers said.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-btn-wrap-35208efe\"><span class=\"faq-btn-shadow-35208efe\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepacker.com\/news\/sustainability\/produce-companies-turn-heads-packers-best-sps-marketing-awards\" class=\"faq-btn-35208efe\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98a463a e-con-full eq-bg-green e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"98a463a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cac9fe5 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-claudia_shouter_text_block_3a166e40\" data-id=\"cac9fe5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"claudia_shouter_text_block_3a166e40.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"claudia-shouter-wrapper-3a166e40\">\r\n            <h2 class=\"claudia-heading\">\r\n                IF YOU\u2019RE  OBSESSED, WRITE ABOUT US ALREADY.            <\/h2>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3048b70 eq-bg-lilac e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3048b70\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab825a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-cta_button_86dfd13a\" data-id=\"ab825a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"cta_button_86dfd13a.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"cta-btn-wrap\">\r\n            <div class=\"cta-btn-shadow\"><\/div>\r\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Equifruit-Media-Kit-OCT-2026.zip\" class=\"cta-btn-main\">\r\n                    Download media kit                <\/a>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>THE ONLY BANANA EVERYONE RAVES ABOUT &#8220;Equifruit, the Montreal-based Fairtrade International-certified banana company, debuted new shipping boxes that feature colorful and compelling P.O.S. that take the heavy lift of merchandising off the retailer\u2019s to-do list.&#8221; \u201cEquifruit is the only Canadian member of the World Banana Forum\u2014a multi-stakeholder group working on solutions to the industry\u2019s most [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_angie_page":false,"eq_meta_title_en":"Equifruit Fairtrade Banana Brand - In The Press","eq_meta_title_fr":"Equifruit - Entreprise de Bananes \u00c9quitables - Dans la presse","eq_meta_desc_en":"Equifruit is the only Fairtrade banana brand everyone raves about. Why? Have a look at our awards shelve. Ready to pop the champagne?","eq_meta_desc_fr":"Equifruit est la seule entreprise de bananes \u00e9quitables dont tout le monde parle. Pourquoi ? Jetez un \u0153il \u00e0 notre \u00e9tag\u00e8re de prix et faites popper le champagne.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5432","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5432","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5432"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12929,"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5432\/revisions\/12929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/equifruit-staging.on-forge.com\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}