Alter Trade Japan

Since the success of Muscovado sugar trade back in the 80s, Alter Trade Group created a new way for the Philippines and Japan to have a nice corporate relationship. Just to give you details about AJT, it’s a grass-root trading company that was established based on the activities of a non-government organization, the Japan Committee for Negros Campaign. With the help of various investors like citizen’s groups, consumers cooperatives and trading groups, the ATJ was made possible. Through the company’s activities, various benefits are brought like:

1.Gives assistance to small-time crop producers.
2.Trades products that are non-destructive to the environment. This is both beneficial for producers and consumers.
3.Gives a beyond-the-border “encounter” opportunity for producers.

Alter Trade Japan was successfully launched in the year 1987. That was also the year when packs of Muscovado sugar were imported from Negros Island to Japan. Meanwhile, here’s ATJ’s company profile should you need to research a little about the firm:

Name: Alter Trade Japan

Main Office:
3F, Sunrize Shinjuku,
2-4-15 Okubo, Shinkuku,
Tokyo, Japan

Phone Number: +81(0)3 5273.8163
Fax: +81(0)3 5273.8162
Capital: 99 Million Yen (As of April 1, 2011)
Accounting Period: March 31 (Annual)
Foundation: October 20, 1989
Line of Business: Import, Wholesale, Foodstuff Sale (e.g. bananas, shrimp, coffee, etc.)
Company President: UEDA, Makoto
Number of Employees: 19 (As of April 1, 2011)
Gross Sales: 1.77 Billion Yen (Fiscal Year of 2009)
Major Clients:
Green Co-op Consumers’ Co-operative Union
Palsystem Consumers’ Co-operative Union
Seikatsu Club Consumers’ Co-operative Union
Daich wo mamorukai, Co. Ltd.
Radish Boya Co. Ltd.

Main Financing Bank:
Sumimoto Mitsui Banking Corporation
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.

Aside from Muscovado sugar, ATJ also sells other products like:
Balangon Bananas
ATJ Coffee (Fairtrade Coffee, Asian Coffee Collection, Eco-Friendly Organic Coffee)
Sel de Guerande (Natural Dea Salt)
Eco-Shrimp (Traditional Extensive Shrimp Farming)
Palestinian Olive Oil

These products should be patronized by consumers from all over the world. Many workers are relying on the job that ATJ has for them. If the sales will plummet, the hands behind these goods are more likely to lose the only thing that keeps them away from poverty – a job.