French Banana Producers Support Tour de France with Charity Event in Normandy
French Banana Producers Support Tour de France with Charity Event in Normandy
Since 2018, the French banana has been recognized as the official supplier of the Tour de France, symbolizing not only a delicious fruit but also the unity and strength of the agricultural sector from the overseas regions of France. The Union des Groupements de Producteurs de Bananes de Guadeloupe et Martinique (UGPBAN) has established itself as a vital participant in this renowned event, reflecting the importance of ultramarine agriculture on the world stage.
In an effort to give back to the community, UGPBAN will be organizing a significant charity event on July 8, during the Tour de France at KM97 in Normandy. This event, which has become a tradition over the last five years, aims to gather as many bananas as possible to support the “Société de Saint-Vincent-de-Paul,” an association dedicated to fighting poverty. The idea is to engage the public, as well as online audiences, at a crucial segment of the race, specifically, located 97 kilometers from either the departure or the arrival points.
Starting on June 30, the banana donation initiative invites everyone to participate via a simple QR code scan, which automatically translates to a donation of one banana per scan. This innovation allows producers and the general public to contribute effortlessly, reinforcing the solid community connections that UGPBAN values.
The charity action will culminate on July 8 during the fourth stage of the race from Amiens to Rouen, closing after the cyclists pass through Bézu-la-Forêt, a quaint municipality of just 300 inhabitants situated at the 97 km mark. The local city's vibrant celebration will feature dance performances, a carnival feel, and even banana-themed activities and tastings, offering visitors a unique experience and further promoting the brand of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Chantal Arvin-Bérod, the Mayor of Bézu-la-Forêt, expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “The community is proud of its collaboration with the Banana of Guadeloupe and Martinique, which goes beyond numbers—it represents direct support to families in need.”
On the Tour de France, bananas play a critical role in engaging audiences at each stage, showcasing quiz animations and distributing fruit and goodies at the start and finish zones. Mobile counters offering bananas will also be set up along the route, along with representation in all food service areas and inside the paddock where cyclists prepare. This comprehensive approach ensures that the French banana remains an integral part of the race experience, connecting with spectators and athletes alike.
This initiative by UGPBAN not only highlights the importance of bananas as a symbol of agricultural excellence but also demonstrates how the agricultural community can come together to support those in need. The efforts during the Tour de France serve as a reminder of the role that local produce can play in building solidarity and facilitating positive change within society. With each banana scan, participants are not just donating fruit; they are contributing to a larger cause that helps uplift vulnerable families in the region.