Short distances save CO2, lots of it in fact - this applies to all the things I consume in daily life. But the way from and the steps in between are also important. Why? Matthias Kästner, the owner of POIS, explains it to us here!

Dear Mr. Kästner, what is POIS, what are your strengths in terms of sustainability, and how did you come up with the idea?
POIS - Naturally Portugal is a fair trade project with Portuguese farmers and producers in direct sales. It all started a little more than nine years ago when I brought back 60 kilos of oranges from small farmers in the Algarve in Portugal on holiday and then distributed them among my circle of friends - after that everyone wanted more. Portugal and its small-scale farming structure is quite isolated in the southwest of Europe by the agro-industrial country of Spain. For this reason, the farmers lack a sales channel to Central Europe. In the first 1.5 years I drove to the Algarve myself with a van and trailer.
trailer to the Algarve to collect the citrus fruits from the farmers and then sell them to direct customers in the Stuttgart area. So that the farmers receive a fair wage for their valuable work. In the meantime, 156 small farmers and producers have joined us in the fair trade project. For their products, they receive from us about four times what they would receive on the Portuguese market. Many of the farmers who harvest and work for us are now able to farm properly again and also revitalise parts of their land.

What was most difficult and what was most helpful on your way from idea to realisation, and what digital tools do you think would have made it easier?
The most difficult part was definitely the logistics. Due to the fact that hardly any agricultural products are shipped from Portugal to Germany, it was very complicated to find an appropriate transport company for refrigerated transports from Portugal that would also take on partial loads.
partial loads. I always like to say: "If it were so easy to work with Portugal, more business people would probably do it - but that's not the case". The most helpful people for me have been my customers who, as enthusiastic buyers, have done a lot of advertising for my idea and the project. The friendly relationship with my producers
The friendly relationship with my producers, all of whom I know personally, combined with positive feedback from my customers, have carried me to where I am now: POIS includes two small retail shops (one in Winnenden, one in Stuttgart), and we cooperate with various farm shops and unpackaged shops from the region. Then there are our order deliveries every 4-6 weeks from November to May, for which there are now 56 pick-up points all over southern Germany.

Your ultimate tip to all those who want to do something for a sustainable, living city?
Don't give up, believe in your own dreams and ideals and always NETWORK - very important! Together we are strong.