Equatorial Traders
London-based coffee merchant Equatorial Traders is expanding its global reach to trade with more sustainable coffee programmes.
Founded in 1991, Equatorial Traders which sources coffee beans from all major coffee-producing regions across the globe and imports to Europe, Asia and North America has received a multi-million pound trade finance package to support its growth strategy and commitment to sustainable development.
The funding will provide Equatorial Traders with additional working capital to trade sustainable sourced coffees, with the majority certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which works to drive positive change across global supply chains.
In addition to the purchase of sustainable certified coffees, the family run business is embedding thorough sustainability commitments through various partnerships.
Equatorial Traders has been a long-term supporter of the Buna Qela Charity Association in Ethiopia. The non-profit organisation improves the livelihoods of coffee farming communities in the country through improving incomes, productivity, local infrastructure and coffee quality. The business that employs 14 staff at its London office and a team of 10 in Ethiopia, also helps London-based social enterprise Well Grounded. The organisation provides barista training and job support to Londoners facing barriers to employment, by connecting it with their network of coffee shops across London and the wider coffee community.
Will Lenton-Brook, head of operations at Equatorial Traders, said: “We are delighted to have Lloyds Bank participate in our banking pool. This partnership will add further support to our strategy, enabling us to continue adding value and driving sustainability across the coffee value chain from the farmer to the consumer.”
Eleanor Cox, London sector head of manufacturing, wholesale and industrials at Lloyds Bank, added: “Equatorial Traders’ work really spans the global coffee market. From production to wholesale and with a tangible focus on sustainability and job creation, it’s a uniquely collaborative enterprise. We feel proud to be by the side of the business and to help enable the next stage of its growth journey.”