Deep in the highlands of Mexico and El Salvador, across Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Kenya, and out to Papua New Guinea, generations of farmers have grown coffee, cocoa, and cotton using age-old traditions. It is to their painstaking efforts, often carried out in rural and challenging environments, that the ECOM Foundation has long responded with humanitarian support.
Since its beginnings, the Foundation has helped establish health clinics, schools, hospices, and orphanages in over 20 countries. We have partnered with NGOs and developed our own projects, such as Satellite Schools for children and broadcast study programmes for farmers, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
In 2006, the ECOM Foundation for Development of Origin Resources was formally established with a clear mission: to improve the lives of origin producers and their families in coffee, cocoa, and cotton communities worldwide. From the outset, our focus has been on education, healthcare, social services, and environmental practices, contributing to long-term sustainability and a better quality of life for rural growers.
In 2024, as ECOM marked its 175th anniversary, the Esteve family generously donated USD 1.75 million to support the creation of the Foundation in Switzerland, further strengthening its global reach and impact.
Today, the Foundation continues this mission with a global outlook, operating as two legal entities with a shared vision, mission, and values:
The ECOM Foundation USA (EF USA), established in 2006 and based in Dallas;
The ECOM Foundation Switzerland (EF SUI), established in 2025 and based in Geneva.
Through these two foundations, we work with local NGOs, charities, corporations, and governments to deliver impactful projects that strengthen communities and support lasting sustainability. Our efforts span education, health, housing, and environmental initiatives, always with the goal of creating permanent, positive change in producing regions.
Ramon M. Esteve III – Board Chairman
Carol L. Salaiz – Director and Secretary/Treasurer
Alexandra Esteve – Director
Cassandra Esteve – Director
Christoph Schmocker – Director
Ines Ponzanelli Esteve – Director
Jose E. Esteve – Director
Paola Allende – Director
Ramon M. Esteve III – President
Jose Eduardo Esteve Recolons – Vice President
Carol L. Salaiz – Treasurer
Alexandra Esteve – Director
Christoph Schmocker – Director
Ines Ponzanelli Esteve – Director
Pierre Bounameaux – Director