Smallholder producers are key to Latin America’s economy but they remain in a situation of socio-economic vulnerability. More than a third live in extreme poverty, unable to access the market at fair and competitive levels. At the same time, the region’s population shows a growing demand for convenience foods: 64% replace one of their daily meals with a snack. These are often highly processed. There is an opportunity to offer more nutritious food options at an affordable price.

FUNDES Catalyst developed ékole as an entrepreneurial way to respond to these two challenges of poverty and health. It offers a democratic food brand supporting small natural food producers to reach new markets and become more resilient. It does so by commercializing their products as healthy snacks through various sales channels. Also, it upskills small producers to diversify their marketing, explore different distribution options and be innovative with their products’ presentations and formats. Focusing on the urban centers of Lima, Peru and Mexico City, ékole wants to make natural, minimally processed and healthy food accessible to conscious consumers of middle-income households.