RNZ Saturday Morning Fairtrade and Farmers
In this conversation, Simon Coley, co-founder of All Good Organics and Karma Drinks, shares the story of how bananas, cola nuts, and a belief in fairness reshaped his career and helped build one of the world’s most ethical brands. From introducing Fairtrade bananas to New Zealand supermarkets, to sourcing real cola nuts from a tiny village in Sierra Leone, Coley reveals how trade can empower communities, preserve biodiversity, and create change that aid alone cannot. He speaks candidly about the challenges of building a purpose-driven business — from cash flow headaches to the tension between branding and authenticity, and the responsibilities that come with connecting Western consumers to growers in the Global South.
This podcast is a deep dive into the intersections of commerce, culture, and conscience: how a small team with big ideas turned soft drinks into a force for good.
