Carry Somers, founder of the fair trade company Pachacuti, spent 16 years working to improve the livelihood of Panama hat weavers in rural Ecuador. The supply chain was controlled by middlemen, known as ‘perros’ (dogs due to their exploitative practices). Working directly with women weavers, Pachacuti ensures that all monies stay in the hands of the producers.

"We assist elderly weavers with a pension plan, finance capital expenditures and support community development projects. We financed Alcoholics Anonymous, built a grocery store and assisted families in educating their children."

There is a fear that the Panama hat industry could die out as young people are migrating to urban areas. Carry established an annual apprentice program in Sigsig, a remote village in Southern Ecuador. They train weavers to become professional hat weavers. Pachacuti has been selected by IFAT (International Fair Trade Association) to pilot the first International Fair- Trade handicraft label.

In 2009 their new label will provide consumers a guarantee that their Panama hat has been produced in a sustainable manner with respect for the environment and the weavers. The Panama hat, once the symbol of colonial rule, will become an emblem for social justice after the hats are certified as Fair Trade hats. They were Ethical Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 winners and British Small Business Champions Ethical Award winners in 2007.

The hats can be seen at:
www.pachacuti.co.uk
carry@panamas.co.uk
telephone: 01335 345851
Pachacuti - 19 Dig Street
Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1GF