CORAL GABLES, Florida – As the "farm to table" idea has achieved national recognition, Turbana announced today they are bringing this concept full circle by showing North American consumers where their bananas are originally harvested. Illuminating their social responsibility, Turbana will show consumers nationwide not only where their bananas were grown, but that by purchasing Turbana bananas they are contributing to the wellbeing of thousands of workers and families. Simultaneously, Turbana's initiative offers retailers a way to be transparent with their communities, showing customers that they partner with responsible suppliers, while also providing an additional measurement of traceability.
Each Turbana banana cluster will feature an innovative QR code that will allow consumers to discover the specific farm where that particular banana cluster was harvested. Not only will they connect with the farm and its grower, consumers will also learn about the farm's sustainable initiatives such as rational use and recycling of water, low use and careful handling of agrochemicals, and collection of plastics and packaging.
Additionally, consumers will learn that, when buying Turbana bananas, they make a significant impact on programs that build stronger communities in the farming region of Colombia. For each and every farm, they will discover the personal story of a worker or community group whose quality of life has been positively affected thanks to their purchase. Each story is an example of how each consumer's purchase directly contributes to projects managed by Turbana's social foundation Fundauniban. These projects range from education, health, housing, micro-loans, and community infrastructure and affect thousands of workers, their families and communities.
"It's phenomenal that we are now able to show consumers how they influence the lives of the people of Colombia. By scanning the QR codes, consumers learn about the growers and how their purchases benefit the banana growing region in a wholehearted way," says Marion Tabard, Turbana's Marketing Director. "It's also a great way for our retailers to engage with their customers by providing complete product transparency."
Another benefit for retailers is that these new QR codes take traceability a step further. Each QR code featured on Turbana bananas is unique and allows retailers to trace back even when the fruit is out of the box, placed on display.
As an initiative that benefits both retailers and consumers alike, Turbana's innovative QR codes satisfy consumer's desire to connect with their food origin, while providing retailers with a new level of transparency to their local community.
The QR codes will be available for all bananas, including private label. And below are examples of the farm profiles:
CascadaAgripina – http://q.q1r.co/QRCodeTest.?farmID=32&labelID=TUR
Katia – http://q.q1r.co/QRCodeTest.?farmID=33&labelID=TUR
Antares – http://q.q1r.co/QRCodeTest.?farmID=35&labelID=TUR
Turbana will be exhibiting at this year's PMA Fresh Summit. To lean more, please visit booth #2150.
About Turbana
Turbana Corporation is the fourth largest importer of bananas, the leading importer of Fair Trade Certified bananas and plantains, as well as a growing importer of Fyffes gold pineapples in the U.S. The company's commitment to social responsibility, product quality and customer service excels in the industry. Turbana is owned by two parent companies: Fyffes, one of the largest tropical produce importers and distributors in Europe, and by Uniban, the world's largest banana co-op of independent growers based in Colombia. For additional information, please visit, www.turbana.com.
Source: Turbana Corporation