The Banana Badass Earns Five Years of Top-Tier Growth: Equifruit Makes Canada’s Top Growing Companies List Again; Jennie Coleman Comments

MONTREAL, QC - Equifruit, North America’s market leader in Fairtrade-certified bananas, has been named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail for the fifth consecutive year. The Montreal-based importer ranks No. 230 in the Consumer category with a growth rate of 117%, proving that doing right by banana farmers also makes for a seriously good business plan.

Growth measured in Fairtrade farmer premiums

“We’re so proud to be on this list for a fifth year running,” says Jennie Coleman, President and Co-owner of Equifruit, in the recent release. “For us, growth is not just about numbers; it’s about impact for banana farmers. Every Equifruit Fairtrade banana sold means fairer wages and better conditions for banana growers. Twenty years in, that’s still what drives us to keep growing across North America.”

Long-term relationships based on better bananas, with stores near you

Equifruit has established itself as THE credible partner in a fast-growing Fairtrade produce market, and 2025 showed what that partnership delivers. Building on relationships with major retailers, Equifruit posted a year of strong organic growth, as shoppers at major chains it supplies, including Costco, Walmart and Pattison Food Group, increasingly reached for Equifruit’s Fairtrade organic bananas. Customers have been voting for better bananas with their grocery carts, week after week, and their stores listen.

A lesson in leadership: Don’t work with jerks

Asked for the best leadership lesson of running a business, Coleman doesn’t hesitate. “Don’t work with jerks,” she says. “So much time gets lost pleasing people who will not be pleased, no matter what you do. Make sure you build relationships with people who demonstrate shared values, not just tell you they do.”

Next stop: Orlando

Just in time for Fairtrade Month, the Equifruit team is now gearing up to enter Badass Mode at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show, October 15-16 in Orlando, Florida. Join the celebration at booth #4083 to talk Fairtrade, growth, and twenty years of shaking up the banana business.

And most importantly, to Find out why Equifruit is The Only Banana You Should Buy™.