Maritza’s Spices: CGSGI Supports Organic Spice Growers in Colombia
Maritza Parra Córdoba holds some of her fruit crop.
The Colombian region of Chocó has been affected by violence for years. Few economic opportunities exist, especially for displaced Afro-Colombian single women. Maritza Para Córdoba is an exception. With the help of the economic empowerment opportunities provided by the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI), Maritza was able to build a sustainable business and employ other women in her community.
Founder of TANA, an organic spice business, Maritza not only started her own company but also created La Red de Mujeres para el Desarrollo, the Women’s Development Network. Her success stems from her drive to make a living and provide for her four daughters. More than fourteen years ago, she began by cultivating and selling spices, such as basil, cilantro, ginger, and turmeric — a trade she had learned as a child from her mother. As her persistence and hard work began to pay off, demand for her spices grew.
CGSGI is supporting Maritza’s business to ensure that it continues to grow and will eventually be able to operate without NGO support and so that one day, Maritza will be able to realize her dream of managing a large, independently operated business. CGSGI is helping TANA improve the production, packaging, and distribution process and has identified a new Bogotá-based packager and distributor for the business. Additionally, CGSGI is actively exploring new local markets as well as export channels for TANA and has also assisted the business with arranging in-store promotions at one of Colombia’s largest supermarket chains.
Fourteen years after beginning her business, Maritza employs 150 women — who are often the sole providers for their families — and has one of the most successful enterprises in the region. The success and subsequent expansion of TANA are benefiting the Chocó community not only by promoting job creation and providing a source of income for other women but also by blazing trails for other up-and-coming businesses in the disadvantaged region.
Maritza, a true self-starter, serves as a prime example of the success entrepreneurs can achieve when they have access to markets and the tools needed to build their businesses.
