At Six Barrel Soda, we believe every ingredient has a story – and we want that story to be one of fairness, transparency, and deliciousness! That’s why we source 100% of the organic cane sugar used in our small-batch soda syrups from the Manduvira cooperative in southern Paraguay, via our friends at Trade Aid.
Manduvira isn’t just any sugar supplier – it’s a pioneering, farmer-owned cooperative that’s transforming lives and communities through fair trade. From funding local healthcare and scholarships to building their own state-of-the-art organic processing plant, Manduvira is proof that sugar can be sweet in more ways than one.
We’re so inspired by the work of Manduvira, and we’re so proud to support them with every bottle we make. Here are six reasons we love working Manduvira and Trade Aid…
1: Empowering Small-Scale Farmers
Small-scale sugar farmers in southern Paraguay sparked a sweet revolution by forming the cooperative Manduvira. This collective effort empowered them to invest in their own fair trade organic processing plant, maximizing the value from their sugarcane. The impact on the community has been profound, funding sustainability initiatives, community healthcare, and youth employment programs.
Manduvira has 1,040 members, producing around 200,000 tonnes of sugarcane annually. This yields approximately 20,000 tonnes of cane sugar, with 75% exported (around 600 containerloads per year) and the rest sold domestically.
2: Impacting Lives through Fair Trade
Marcial Aquino (pictured above) has been a proud member of Manduvira since 2005. With the cooperative’s support, Marcial and his son Hugo have transformed their lives. Hugo, now 20, is studying to become a nurse, thanks to the benefits from fair trade. Supporting Manduvira means empowering families and communities.
3: Sustainable Farming Innovations
Manduvira’s technical team is revolutionising sugar cane farming! From soil analysis and organic compost to drone-delivered liquid fertilizer and microorganism applications, they’re helping farmers increase yields sustainably.
4: Exceptional Working Conditions
Manduvira provides exceptional working conditions, with fair wages and equal opportunities for women. Employment priority is given to cooperative members and their families, uplifting the whole community.
5: Environmental and Social Projects
Manduvira invests in various projects funded by fair trade premiums, including reforestation, women’s income diversification, university scholarships, and school supplies. These initiatives are making a lasting impact on the community.
6: State-of-the-Art Processing
Manduvira’s sugar processing mill operates 24/7 from May to November, processing 1000 tonnes of sugar cane daily. From fields to the mill, Manduvira’s sugar cane journey is a testament to dedication and community effort.
