Alter Eco's Tristan Lecomte named one of 100 most influential people in the world

Time named Tristan Lecomte (picture) to the 2010 Time 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Christie Communications reports. The full list and related tributes appeared in the May 10 issue of Time and is also available here . The list, now in its seventh year, recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals. A visionary authority in the field of social change, Mr Lecomte has devoted his life to promoting a system of global commerce that inspires positive change in the lives of both producers and consumers. A pioneer in ethical, socially beneficial business, MrLecomte runs two influential, internationally recognized companies based on a vision of Fair Trade and social and economic development.
 

As Founder of Alter Eco, a well known fair trade, organic, and carbon neutral artisanal food brand established in France in 1998, Mr Lecomte set out to help producers and consumers on a very fundamental level. In 2005, Mr Lecomte’s successful venture expanded to the United States, and in 2008, he emerged as the founder and CEO of Pure Project/Pure Planet, a collective specialised in sustainability consulting, carbon footprint evaluations, and carbon offset reforestation projects. In partnership with 60 fair trade cooperatives in 30 countries around the world, the collective, made up of over a half dozen partners, works with farmers to develop agro-forestry projects which are later sold as carbon credits, simultaneously creating additional revenue for local communities while fighting climate change. Along with project partners, Pure Project/Pure Planet has planted 2 million trees, and has a goal of planting a total of 12 million trees by the end of 2012.

Honored by the recognition put forth by Time Magazine, Mr Lecomte offers his upmost respect and admiration for the farmers, consumers, and partners who have made Alter Eco and Pure Project/Pure Planet possible, “This honor is truly recognition of the system as a whole, not of the individual. Without the many thousands of extraordinary fair trade farmers, passionate and dedicated consumers, or the collaborative genius of my partners, we would not be where we are today. This is my life’s work, and to be included in Time’s 100 list says to me that the path we have chosen is making its mark on the world. I am very grateful.”

Alter Eco