When I started Sunmo, my vision was simple: create snacks that bring joy while supporting communities. But as I began to explore the potential of sourcing plantain from Nigeria, I quickly realised the deeper, systemic challenges embedded in agriculture, and why Nigerian plantain wasn’t making its way to UK markets.
It didn’t add up. Nigeria, a major producer of plantain, is geographically much closer to the UK than countries like Ecuador and Colombia, yet these nations dominate plantain exports to Western markets. I set out to understand why and soon uncovered a truth that shook me to my core.
The Hidden Struggles of Nigerian Farmers
I met Khalifa, a plantain farmer whose life’s work was uprooted by forces beyond his control. Khalifa’s farm once thrived, providing for his family and contributing to his community. But the daily threat of illegal armed groups forced him to abandon it all. The violence made farming an impossible and dangerous pursuit.
Khalifa’s story is not unique. Across Nigeria, farmers are struggling to survive amidst a backdrop of systemic injustice: corruption, insecurity, and a lack of access to fair markets. CBS Agro, once a major agricultural operation, had to shut down all its farms due to security risks. These challenges are not abstract, they are lived realities that rob farmers of their livelihoods and strip communities of opportunity.
The Cost of Our Convenience
These stories highlight a truth that many of us prefer not to confront: the affordability of our food often comes at an unimaginable cost to the people who produce it. When we walk into supermarkets and see perfectly priced goods, we rarely stop to think about the journey behind them. But the truth is, for many farmers in regions like Nigeria, that journey is one of unimaginable risk and sacrifice.
The global food system prioritises cheap prices over human lives. The cheaper the product, the greater the suffering behind it.
A Mission to Empower Farmers and Communities
Khalifa’s story lit a fire within me. It forced me to reimagine what Sunmo could be—not just a snack company, but a force for change. At Sunmo, we are building a model that challenges the status quo.
We work directly with farmers to provide fair prices and create supply chains that are not only sustainable but also empowering. By supporting farmers and reducing post-harvest waste, we aim to unlock the potential of Nigerian agriculture.
But this work is not without its challenges. Building trust in regions where trust has been eroded is a slow, deliberate process. Tackling food waste in communities with limited resources requires innovation and collaboration. And, above all, we are committed to ensuring that farmers like Khalifa are not just surviving but thriving.
A Call to See, a Call to Act
Khalifa’s story and the stories of so many others fuel my determination to make Sunmo a brand that doesn’t just sell snacks but creates change. Yet, this is a challenge that no single person or company can solve alone.
If you work in the food industry, I urge you:
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See the reality. Visit the farms where your ingredients come from. Talk to the people whose labour sustains us.
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Ask the hard questions. Who is growing your food? Are they safe? Are they being paid fairly?
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Advocate for change. Push for policies and practices that protect the lives and livelihoods of farmers worldwide.
And for all of us, as consumers: Remember that every purchasing decision we make has a ripple effect. Choosing to support brands that prioritise people and planet over profit can help shift the system toward equity and justice.
Every Bite Matters
Khalifa’s story reminds me every day why Sunmo exists. It reminds me that behind every pack of snacks we produce is a network of farmers, workers, and communities whose lives are deeply intertwined with the choices we make as a business and as individuals.
At Sunmo, we believe in a future where food is not just a product, it’s a vehicle for change. We believe that snacks can do more than satisfy hunger. They can empower, uplift, and transform.
Every pack of Sunmo sold supports farmers, reduces waste, and provides meals for children in need. It’s a small step in a larger journey toward building a fairer food system.
Join us in making every bite count.