San Antonio – NatureSweet Tomatoes, the leading grower of premium micro-produce tomatoes, has released its sixth annual sustainability report. The comprehensive report provides a detailed review of NatureSweet’s compensation practices, associate safety results, water usage, growing, energy and disposable waste practices.
The annual sustainability report is meant to serve as a benchmark to better manage and more efficiently utilize the resources needed to grow great-tasting tomatoes year-round.
“The question I am most asked is what does sustainability mean? For me, it’s best defined by my grandmother’s two favorite phrases: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ and ‘Don’t waste stuff!’” said Bryant Ambelang, President and CEO of NatureSweet. “Growing the best tomatoes in the world is our passion, and making a positive impact on our community is our commitment. Our sustainability report is organized to measure our performance as a neighbor and as a steward of our planet’s resources.”
Overall 2013 successes noted in the report were improved health and safety standards for associates; continued increase in associate tenure; company-wide water committees evolving into environmental protection committees to address a broader scope of sustainability issues, including electricity and fuel use; and maintained water use efficiencies while increasing production.
Highlights of the 2013 sustainability report include:
- Average net wages, including bonuses for unionized associates, increased 14 percent from 2012.
- NatureSweet’s facilities in Mexico improved the amount of water used for irrigation by two percent in 2013. Overall irrigation improvements were implemented throughout the facilities in Mexico by replacing outdated systems as needed with new innovative systems. These replacements will continue to best identify better use and reduction of water.
- NatureSweet will refocus a reduction of waste across the board by developing an integrated waste management system at all sites, leveraging Mexico’s waste reduction practices in Arizona facilities, and expanding recycling efforts to all facilities.
With the acquisition of Arizona-based EuroFresh Farms in 2013, NatureSweet significantly grew in terms of acreage, number of associates and production. Going forward in 2014, NatureSweet is working to upgrade or replace remaining refrigeration units with non-ozone depleting units and set an energy target that can be measured accurately. Future considerations also include ensuring all facilities set water targets that encourage conservation of fresh water, and leveraging best Integrated Pest Management at all locations.
With five facilities in Mexico and two in Arizona, NatureSweet focuses on delivering great-tasting tomatoes to consumers year-round. This is made achievable thanks to its locations in unique climates, the accessible use of natural resources and the longevity of an outstanding staff. With its sustainability efforts, NatureSweet continues to strengthen a culture that recognizes the importance of resource conservation while ensuring associates are top priority. NatureSweet hopes to continue its growth as the leading maker of best-tasting fresh tomatoes for generations to come.
To read the 2013 Sustainability Report, or to find out more about NatureSweet, please visit NatureSweet.com.
About NatureSweet®
NatureSweet Ltd. is the leading grower of premium, branded, best-tasting fresh tomatoes in North America. Always vine-ripened and hand-picked at the peak of freshness, only NatureSweet® tomatoes guarantee great taste year round. NatureSweet tomatoes are carefully grown, harvested and packaged by more than 6,000 full-time associates, and are sold at major grocers, mass retailers, club stores and food service operators in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Known for award-winning quality and innovative packaging, NatureSweet is also committed to having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the communities in which they operate. NatureSweet Cherubs®, SunBursts®, Glorys™, Cherriots™ and Jubilees® are trademarks of NatureSweet Ltd. For more information about NatureSweet tomatoes, visit www.NatureSweet.com.
Source: NatureSweet®
