Samoa produces not only world-class Manu Samoa rugby players, but also some of the best coconut oil around, says The Body Shop.
The global cosmetic giant brought the two together when Manu Samoa set up its training camp in Brighton in preparation for the Rugby World Cup.
The Body Shop International ingredients buyer Christina Archer said since 2008 the company had been a proud trading partner with Samoa’s Women in Business Development, which supplies organic virgin coconut oil from its smallholder farmers.
“WIBDI has been key in setting up the supply chain of Samoan organic virgin coconut oil for us, and the oil is now used in many of our products, including our worldwide bestseller, Coconut Body Butter.
“It was a pleasure for us to welcome the Samoan rugby team to our Brighton store, and together help promote the many good things Samoa has to offer.”
She said the Manu Samoa team wanted to see where the oil went and do their bit to keep Samoa on the map.
“Despite the fact that most of them now live or play out of Samoa, they had heard about WIBDI and the coconut oil, and many said they were fans of the products too, so I invited them to our store,” says Archer.
Manu Samoa tweeted about their visit saying: “Had a great time trying creams & oils made from Samoan coconut. Thanks @TheBodyShopUK for keeping Samoa on the map!”
WIBDI executive director Adimaimalaga Tafunai said it was great to see Manu Samoa using products that had ingredients from from their island home.
“We are proud of our association with The Body Shop and the great role it does in promoting Samoa, organics and our farmers. And we are also proud of the Manu Samoa team and wish them all the best for the World Cup.”
WIBDI’s certified organic farms are the sole supplier of virgin coconut oil to The Body Shop, which has 30 products that contain the oil. These products are sold in 3000 stores across 60 countries. The Body Shop usually buys around 20 tonnes of virgin coconut oil annually from WIBDI farmers in Samoa.