Equifruit named one of Canada’s Top Growing Women-Led Companies by The Globe and Mail

March 24, 2025

Equifruit, a leader in Fairtrade-certified bananas in North America, has achieved a spot on The Globe and Mail’s brand new ranking, Canada’s Top Growing Women-Led Companies. This ranking celebrates successful female entrepreneurship and trail blazing companies that are shaping Canada’s business landscape.

“We’re honored to appear on this list alongside other women-led companies that are transforming the face of business here in Canada,” said Jennie Coleman, president and co-owner of Equifruit. “As a 100 percent Fairtrade banana company, we are 100 percent committed to one of Fairtrade’s key tenets, gender equity. We won’t stop fighting to end discrimination and elevate women, both in our banana supply chains and here at home in Canada.”

Proudly women-led and 100 percent Fairtrade
Equifruit has been proudly women-owned since the very beginning. The powerhouse behind Equifruit’s co-owners, Coleman, president, and Kim Chackal, vice president of sales and marketing, are transforming the banana industry by promoting Fairtrade practices that support fair pay for farmers and workers.

Equifruit is a Certified Women-Owned Business through WEConnect International, a prestigious designation that recognizes women-led leadership and diversity in the marketplace. Under the leadership of Coleman and Chackal, Equifruit has been recognized as one of The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Top Growing Companies for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024), showcasing its remarkable growth and dedication to ethical business practices.

This award celebrates not only Equifruit’s growth under Coleman and Chackal, but also the culture and values that define Equifruit, making business a force for good.

Equifruit on home turf at CPMA 2025
Attendees of the upcoming Canadian Produce Marketing Association Trade Show can catch Equifruit at booth No. 1923. The #BananaBadasses will be shining a spotlight on just how affordable fair pay for farmers really: only an average of $5 more per year on your grocery bill. Equifruit is inviting CPMA attendees to join them at their booth and make it rain $5 for banana farmers.

“This year’s CPMA is extra special for us,” said Chackal. “Not only is it CPMA’s centennial and Equifruit’s 10th time exhibiting, but it’s taking place in our home city of Montreal. I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say Equifruit’s new booth will be a guaranteed showstopper.”

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