Fyffes and CARE International Advance Women’s Leadership and Economic Empowerment in Costa Rica Through Trudi’s “Partnership for Good”

Why It Matters

The programme directly enhances women’s economic autonomy while strengthening Fyffes’ sustainable supply chain, meeting rising ESG expectations in key markets.

Key Takeaways

• 228 women completed empowerment training in six months
• 108 business plans submitted by rural women
• Seed capital to launch climate‑smart enterprises soon
• Baseline shows 77% households face food insecurity
• Programme aligns with EU/NA demand for traceable sourcing

Pulse Analysis

Fyffes’ newest consumer brand, Tridi’s, has teamed with CARE International UK to launch the Partnership for Good programme in Costa Rica’s banana‑growing regions. Launched in the wake of International Women’s Day and the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer, the initiative targets rural women who form the backbone of the supply chain. Over the first half‑year, 228 women across nine community groups completed a curriculum that blends personal empowerment, rights awareness, leadership, and financial literacy, laying a foundation for more resilient households and stronger local economies.

The programme’s tangible output is already visible: 108 women‑led business plans have been filed, ranging from vegetable and livestock production to food‑processing, beauty services and micro‑retail. With seed‑capital slated for distribution later this year, these proposals will move from paper to market, incorporating climate‑smart agricultural practices that address the baseline finding that only 1 % of households currently use sustainable techniques. By coupling entrepreneurship training with climate resilience, Fyffes not only boosts household incomes but also strengthens its own supply chain against weather volatility and regulatory pressure.

Beyond the immediate community, the initiative signals a shift toward purpose‑driven sourcing that resonates with European and North American consumers demanding traceability and social impact. As Fyffes integrates gender equity and climate resilience into its sourcing standards, it creates a replicable model for other fruit exporters seeking to meet emerging ESG criteria. The partnership also reinforces the broader agenda of the UN’s Year of the Woman Farmer, illustrating how corporate‑civil society collaborations can generate measurable improvements in food security, gender parity, and long‑term supply‑chain sustainability.