Luxembourg NGO Campaign Puts Spotlight on Fairtrade Bananas

From Monday 14 to Sunday 27 October 2024, the NGO Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg is leading a campaign highlighting one of the flagship products of fair trade in Luxembourg: the Fairtrade banana.

Particularly appreciated by consumers thanks to its sweet taste and many benefits, the banana is a natural bulwark against stress thanks to its high magnesium and potassium content, noted the non-profit organisation.

However, despite its popularity, the banana industry is threatened by the effects of climate change, devastating plant diseases, very low wages, increasing production costs, inflation, particularly difficult working conditions, discrimination against women and the intensive use of pesticides. These are just some of the challenges that threaten the livelihoods of producers and workers in the sector, said Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg.

To tackle these issues, the NGO is calling on consumers to act: "If you want to contribute directly to respecting human and environmental rights, choose the Fairtrade banana!"

Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg noted that this product continues to grow in popularity in the Grand Duchy. In 2023, one in three bananas consumed in Luxembourg was fair trade; 2,057 tonnes were sold that year (+ 5% compared to 2022) and 89% of these bananas sold also bear the organic label.

In Luxembourg, Fairtrade certified bananas are available in small grocery stores, most supermarkets and from certain wholesalers.