An Unfair Trade (2025)
An intervention in the continuing mass consumption of exotic fruits in the West.
‘An Unfair Trade’ is an intervention in the continuing mass consumption of exotic fruits in the West, shedding light on the violent consequences it has on both people and our planet. It utilises Graphic Design’s ability to educate through complex data visualisation and direct interference in supermarkets using Guerilla Marketing.
Together it is a large reminder of the ripple effect of over-consumption, lack of seasonal eating and an inability to embrace local produce, with acknowledgement of roots in colonialism, imperialism and poor-working conditions. The stories are also a clear indication of some of our society’s introductions to non-state actors, such as The United Fruit Company. It aims to raise awareness and make people question their fruit shopping habits, particularly in the UK and USA. So, what do you think? Is it too much to digest?
This project has been nominated for the Maison/0 Green Trail Award 2025.
The key consequence of this consumption on the fruits agricultural origins is climate change. In the diagram I detail local experiences of these shifts in climate. These include, the impact of pineapple consumption and pesticide usage on Costa Rican diversity, the increase of air traffic due to demand for mangos, and how the booming Mexican avocado trade leads to deforestation and drought.
Importantly the diagram plots climate issues alongside conflict, exploitation and economic consequences, as these are becoming increasingly intertwined. The export value figures in the centrevisibly show how the larger the sum, the more the problems surrounding. Altogether, the diagram and supermarket interventions are a call to action for sustainable fruit consumption and an exposure of the complexity behind eating a piece of fruit.
