At Frucom, our relationships with our suppliers extend beyond simple transactions; they are founded on trust, shared values, and a commitment to making a positive impact. One such relationship that we deeply cherish is with our long-standing supplier UCHU Spice in Ecuador.
Frucom has been working with them for 10 year, sourcing Ambient Chilli Mashes and Purees – Chipotle, Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, Scorpion, Jalapeno, Ghost Pepper and Criollo.
Over the years, we have cultivated a strong bond, united by our mutual commitment to quality, integrity, and the well-being of the communities we engage with. This partnership is a testament to the importance of collaborating with like-minded organisations that prioritise ethical practices and community upliftment—values both Frucom and UCHU Spice proudly uphold.
The TrotaMindo Running Club: Building Health and Community Spirit
UCHU’s dedication to community impact extends beyond business. In their limited spare time, Philip Baker, UCHU’s Co-Founder, volunteer as a physical trainer for a soccer and trail running academy in the small town of Mindo, Ecuador. This academy began over three years ago with just four children and has since grown to nearly 80 participants, including several adults—mothers, grandparents, and friends. Many of these individuals come from low-income households, and financial assistance is often necessary to support their participation.
One of the most significant initiatives from this academy is the formation of the TrotaMindo running club. The name is a clever play on the Spanish term “trotamundo,” meaning “globe-trotter,” and Mindo, the town where the club operates. The TrotaMindo club encourages physical health, mental well-being, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among residents. By inspiring people of all ages to embrace a more active lifestyle, TrotaMindo has positively influenced the community’s mentality, empowering individuals to strive for better health and wellness.
The UTMB Event: A Milestone for Mindo
This past May, Ecuador hosted a prestigious UTMB event—one of the top trail running races worldwide, serving as a qualifier for the renowned Mont Blanc event. The excitement was palpable, especially since the race began in Mindo, the very town that our supplier calls home. The team from the TrotaMindo academy eagerly participated in this monumental event, showcasing their dedication and hard work.
The results were impressive: they had a total of 22 runners participate, and all but one completed the race. This was a truly international event, with nearly 3,000 runners from 32 countries. In their respective categories, the TrotaMindo team achieved remarkable placements—three 4th place finishers, one 2nd place, one 1st place, one 5th place, and one 9th place, with all other participants securing great positions as well. The team consisted of 13 men and 9 women, ranging from 17 to 69 years old.
The TrotaMindo runners competed across various race categories, including 80 km, 50 km, 30 km, 20 km, and 7 km distances. Their achievements have become a source of pride within the local trail running community and have even gained media coverage. Thanks to the generous support of donors, this initiative has turned into a significant success story for Mindo and its people.
Our partnership with this academy is meaningful, and Frucom is proud to have supported their endeavour as they prepared for the UTMB. Our Managing Director joined their training runs during visits to Ecuador, demonstrating our commitment to this project and the local community.
When they began preparations to participate in the event, only three out of 40 trail runners owned official trail running shoes, while the others had to rely on second-hand footwear or regular trainers. The academy not only helps provide proper shoes for their participants, but also covers essential items such as shorts, socks, electrolytes, and entry fees for the event.
They started looking for sponsors and as our partnership with UCHU is meaningful, Frucom proudly decided to support their endeavour as they prepared for the UTMB. Rob, our Managing Director even joined their training runs during visits to Ecuador, demonstrating our commitment to this project and the local community.
Together for a Better Future
By supporting the TrotaMindo academy’s participation in the UTMB race, we believe we have contributed to an inspiring success story that reflects the resilience and determination of the people in Mindo. This initiative exemplifies the shared values of Frucom and UCHU, reinforcing the importance of community, health, and ethical practices in our operations. Together, we are not only promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle but also uplifting those in need, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to chase their dreams.
Here is video UCHU Spice put together about the TrotaMindo academy and their participation in the UTMB Race.