True Grade recently participated in Ecuador Business Connect, a key event promoting sustainable, traceable food products. Hosted by Forthright Trade Solutions, the three-day expo brought together over 50 exhibitors focused on socially responsible supply chains and high-quality, authentic ingredients.
Direct Access to the Source
Held in Guayaquil, the event offered a unique opportunity to connect directly with local producers and suppliers specializing in:
- Shrimp, mahi mahi, and corvina
- Premium coffee and cacao
- Flours, beans, lentils, and grains
- Frozen and dried tropical fruits
- Nuts and traditional prepared foods (tamales, empanadas)
Many of the exhibitors represented initiatives rooted in indigenous and rural communities, creating real impact through social inclusion and fair trade practices. The event created a platform where sustainability and business go hand in hand.
True Grade’s Strategic Objectives
Led by David Sermón, International Sales Manager, True Grade attended with three clear goals:
- Source high-quality shrimp and mahi mahi to meet cruise industry demands.
- Identify new suppliers for wholesale and export into the U.S. market.
- Expand our product portfolio with traceable, authentic, and sustainable ingredients aligned with our mission.
Every action taken at the event supported True Grade’s ongoing mission to build stronger, more ethical global supply chains.
On-Site Visits: Certifying Quality and Sustainability
Taking advantage of the visit to Ecuador, the True Grade team toured multiple seafood and food processing facilities across Guayaquil. These facilities held certifications including:
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)
- Fair Trade
- Other certifications required by cruise and retail partners
These visits allowed us to verify sustainability practices, food safety, and quality standards directly. Each facility represented a potential strategic partner committed to the same values we uphold.
Building Local and Institutional Alliances
During the event, True Grade also met with:
- Political and institutional representatives from Ecuador’s agri-food development sector
- Community leaders working to integrate small-scale producers into international markets
These connections are key to establishing long-term partnerships and ensuring our sourcing has a positive impact on the ground.
Final Reflection
“Events like this connect us with the origin of the products we distribute. We get to know the producers, understand their stories, and open doors that create value on both sides of the chain,” shared David Sermón.
True Grade’s participation in Ecuador Business Connect 2025 reinforced our commitment to sustainable sourcing and strengthened our presence in Latin America as a trusted link between local producers and global markets.
