In 1997, a group of farmers in southern Ecuador set up the Association of Small Banana Producers ‘El Guabo’ to export directly to the Fair Trade markets in Europe and the United States. This case describes how with a lot of hard work, a reliable importer, and the assistance of SNV, the Association is now exporting to markets that offer producers stable prices for their bananas year round. For the 300 members and the 1000 or more workers who depend on them directly or indirectly, the Association has achieved substantial improvements in their incomes, job security and working conditions.
This case highlights how SNV and WBCSD alliance approached PRONACA, one of the largest food companies of Ecuador, to develop an Inclusive Business scheme directed at strengthening its national network of maize suppliers. They sought to integrate the company’s strategy of increasing its base of local BoP suppliers with the needs of small-scale maize producers in Ecuador by linking them to the company’s value chain.