Organic and Fairtrade production at HPW
Growing with awareness since 2013
In recent years, sales of organic and Fairtrade products have grown steadily, particularly in Europe and the USA. This trend is also affecting the dried fruit sector. And HPW. Since 2013, we have steadily increased the volume of our organic & Fairtrade production. Our organic products are EU organic, BioSuisse (CH) and NOP (USA) certified, our Fairtrade farmers meet the standard for small farmers' organisations and our factories meet the standard for workers on plantations. Since 2023, we have also held the ROC standard for certain products. More about our agroforestry initiatives.
Organic success with committed farmers
In order to produce certified organic products for the international market, we need motivated and committed farmers. This is because the core element of organic production, environmental protection, requires an approach that goes beyond the mere productivity of the farm. Comprehensive training is important to ensure that a product ultimately receives the "organic" label.
For example, our small farmers who produce according to the organic standard are not allowed to deforest, pollute the water or cultivate in monocultures. For our smallholders, this means a more labour-intensive form of agriculture - and we are proud to work with so many committed farmers who are convinced of the organic approach and its market potential.
Consistent work pays off
Every certified farmer must pass an annual organic audit. The expectations are manifold: no use of synthetic fertilisers, no chemically treated soil, no herbicides and synthetic pesticides, strict reporting and traceability criteria and an internal control system that ensures compliance with the standard throughout the year. The successful certification is testament to the hard work and discipline of the farmers.
Thanks to committed farmers and strong co-operation partners, HPW has managed to strengthen its organic supply chain over the years. HPW currently sources fruit from several hundred farmers in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. The result: a robust organic supply chain, from the field to the shelf.
Fairtrade products at HPW
Commitment to income
In addition to organic production, fair working conditions are just as important to us. For a product to fulfil the Fairtrade standard, a stable value chain is necessary. This condition is also the greatest value that this certification brings to the farmers: it gives the smallholders security in terms of demand and purchase of their product. Especially if the certification is fulfilled due to customer demand.
In contrast to organic production, the Fairtrade standard focuses on improving the living and working conditions of producers: The workers involved in the harvest must be adequately remunerated. In addition, there is a fixed price for the products and no negotiations - this ensures that the farmers not only reap fruit, but also financial gain.
