LOS ANGELES (Sept. 3, 2013) – Whole Foods Market welcomes Olowo-n’djo Tchala, CEO and co-founder of Alaffia Shea Butter Cooperative to its stores from Sept. 7-16.  Tchala will visit Whole Foods Market stores as a part of a 58-day, 8,780 mile tour across the United States in a biodiesel van to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the cooperative’s creation and thank those who have supported its growth. 

“We’re overjoyed to welcome Olowo-n’djo Tchala back to our stores – he’s a partner whose mission we cherish and respect,” said Robin Rogosin, nutritional supplement & body care buyer for Whole Foods Market. “Alaffia skin and hair care products are among our customers’ favorites.  We are delighted that this tour will provide customers the opportunity to meet Olowo-n’djo and to learn about Alaffia’s impact on gender equality, education, women’s health and the environment in Togo, West Africa.”                             

Ten years ago, Tchala pledged to promote gender equality by empowering women and bringing recognition to the indigenous knowledge they possess. Alaffia has since grown to include a network of member-owned co-ops that employ over 500 women, representing 70 percent of the 42 known ethnic groups in Togo. The women of Alaffia co-ops receive a steady income and are empowered by the value of their traditional knowledge.

“Alaffia is proud to celebrate this landmark anniversary, which wouldn’t have been possible without partners like Whole Foods Market who have help us to provide quality products while supporting the women of West Africa,” said Olowo-n’djo Tchala, “I look forward to meeting as many people as possible on this empowerment tour, to thank them and share with them the true impact of their support.”

Alaffia products are handcrafted with fair trade certified ingredients from Togo, Tchala’s birthplace in West Africa, and are created to help West African communities become sustainable through the fair trade of indigenous resources.

Tchala’s biodiesel van will pull up to Whole Foods Markets starting next week:

Date

Whole Foods Market Location

Time

Sept. 7

         Glendale

12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Sept. 7

         Fairfax

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 8

         Venice

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 8

         PCH

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sept. 9

         Huntington Beach

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Sept. 10

         La Jolla

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sept. 10

         Hillcrest

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Sept. 12

         Tenaya

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

                           Sept. 12

        Henderson

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 12

         LVB

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sept. 12

         Ft. Apache

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 14

         Scottsdale

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sept. 14

         PVA

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sept. 15

         River Rd.

12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 15

        Speedway

3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 16

        Chandler

11 a.m. – 1p.m.

Sept. 16

        Tempe

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Tour dates and times are subject to change. Please call the store to confirm before attending the events listed.  For more information about the Alaffia Empowerment Tour, visit www.alaffia.com/tour or contact your local Whole Foods Market.