Key Takeaways:
- NatureSweet’s fifteenth annual Sustainability Report highlights the company’s commitment to ESG principles.
- The company focuses on transforming the lives of agricultural workers in North America.
- Significant achievements include B Corp Certification, Fair Trade Certification, and educational partnerships.
- Key areas of impact: Communities, Governance & Safety, and Environment.
- NatureSweet aims to inspire industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices.
Overview of the Sustainability Report
NatureSweet, North America’s largest vertically integrated controlled environment agricultural company and the leading snacking tomato brand, has released its fifteenth annual Sustainability Report for FY 2023. This comprehensive report details the company’s performance and ongoing commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. NatureSweet aims to transform the lives of millions of agricultural workers in North America, creating a positive ripple effect within the industry.
Commitment to Sustainable Practices
“This report underscores NatureSweet’s commitment to demonstrate that doing the right thing and building a successful business are not only not in conflict, but one is the consequence of the other,” said Rodolfo Spielmann, President & CEO of NatureSweet. “We’re committed to transforming the lives of all agricultural workers in North America and we’re inviting every company to join us in providing them with life-changing opportunities that incentivize good work, offer them broader access to healthcare services, and education. We are creating a sustainable workforce that is proud of what it does and demonstrates it with superior quality every day. We hope our success convinces others in the industry to replicate this path.”
NatureSweet’s Milestones and Achievements
Founded in 1990, NatureSweet employs more than 6,000 agricultural workers and operates in the U.S. and Mexico. The company recently celebrated its one-year anniversary of earning B Corp Certification, becoming the world’s largest Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company to achieve Fair Trade, Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), and B Corp Certifications.
Highlights from FY 2023
Communities:
- Launched a bachelor’s degree program in agriculture, with the first class expected to graduate in 2028.
- Partnered with Fundación EDUCA México A.C. for “Escuelas por la Tierra,” teaching over 1,800 students about sustainable food and establishing gardens at six local schools.
- Donated produce and provided more than 6.25 million meals to families in need across North America.
Governance & Safety:
- Achieved B Corp Certification with a score of 114 points, well above the minimum requirement.
- All branded snacking tomatoes are now Fair Trade Certified, making NatureSweet the largest agricultural company committed to this certification.
- Generated over three million dollars in the Fair Trade fund since 2021, providing oral health and ophthalmology services, and creating a nutritional health program.
- Maintained a safety index of 0.21%, significantly better than OSHA standards in the U.S.
Environment:
- Utilized CEA techniques such as fertigation and drip irrigation to enhance fertilizer efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
- Replaced 79% of virgin plastic in branded products with recycled material.
- Became the first private company in Jalisco, Mexico, to voluntarily protect 50 hectares (123 acres) for conservation, helping to preserve pollinator corridors and various species.
NatureSweet Latest News
Launch “Salads Done Right” Campaign With Barilla (2024/05/14)
NatureSweet® and Barilla® have teamed up for the “Salads Done Right” campaign, offering a new spin on salads by combining NatureSweet Cherubs® snacking tomatoes and Barilla’s Protein+® Cellentani pasta. The campaign aims to enhance the nutritional value of salads and inspire creative preparations. Retail media placements and targeted digital advertising will engage consumers at Kroger and ShopRite stores.
NatureSweet’s New Greenhouse Venture in Arizona (2024/02/14)
NatureSweet, the top snacking tomato brand in North America, has added a new greenhouse facility in Bonita, Arizona. This move will enhance the state’s agricultural prowess and offer new employment opportunities. The project is set to generate 250 jobs over three years, with an initial investment of $5 million. The Bonita facility will cultivate D’Vines cherry tomatoes, with plans to expand its product lineup to include other vegetables. The initiative has garnered support from key figures in Arizona’s government and local leadership.
Introduces Sweet & Seedless Mini Peppers (2024/02/02)
NatureSweet has recently launched Constellation Sweet & Seedless Mini Peppers, a colorful and crunchy medley of red, yellow, and orange sweet peppers. These seedless peppers are perfect for snacking, grilling, and enhancing meals and salads. The product is available in 14oz packs and has received rave reviews from consumers. The peppers are sold at selected retailers, including Costco, Giant, and Giant Eagle.
Commits to Fair Trade Certification for All Branded Tomato Products (2023/10/18)
NatureSweet, the leading greenhouse-grown produce company, has announced that all its branded tomato products are now Fair Trade Certified™. This certification ensures that the tomatoes meet rigorous safety, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihood standards and that workers earn sustainable livelihoods. A percentage of profits from NatureSweet’s Fair Trade Certified™ products are contributed to a community development fund, which has already invested $2.4 million in impactful projects benefiting more than 2,100 NatureSweet employees and estimated to impact more than 10,000 agricultural workers in the future.
Introduces Bite-Sized Snacking Tomatoes (2023/09/28)
NatureSweet, a leading greenhouse grower, is expanding its offerings to the food service industry with bite-sized snacking tomatoes. The company’s tomatoes are handpicked and packed with flavor, making them a versatile addition to various dishes. They are available in 10oz and 32oz packaging options. NatureSweet is committed to making a positive social, environmental, and economic impact and has earned multiple certifications. Greenhouse-grown produce offers several advantages over traditional farming methods, including consistent, superior quality, and year-round availability.
NatureSweet Becomes B Corp Certified (2023/06/23)
NatureSweet, the renowned tomato brand, and leading greenhouse-grown produce company, has achieved B Corporation Certification (B Corp), making it the largest Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company in the world to earn this prestigious distinction. With a commitment to transforming the lives of agricultural workers in North America, NatureSweet has been dedicated to building a business model grounded in treating people with dignity, which has been the driving force behind its success for over 30 years. By pursuing B Corp certification, NatureSweet aims to inspire the $80 billion fresh produce industry to prioritize the well-being of workers and their communities as a foundation for growth.
Files Third Lawsuit Against Mastronardi Produce Alleging Mimicking of Licensed Packaging (2023/04/13)
NatureSweet, the exclusive provider of greenhouse-grown veggies, has filed a lawsuit against Mastronardi Produce LTD and Mastronardi Produce-USA, Inc. for imitating their authorized packaging and confusing customers. Mastronardi is accused of attempting to “borrow” equity that the NatureSweet CHERUBS® brand has built and fostered for more than ten years. NatureSweet has invested millions in marketing its brand, and this litigation aims to defend the integrity of the grape tomato category. NatureSweet requests that the court order Mastronardi to stop using its new packaging for grape tomato products.
Mission Produce™ & NatureSweet® Enter 3PL Partnership in Laredo, Texas (2023/09/07)
Mission Produce, Inc. and NatureSweet® Tomatoes have announced a long-term third-party logistics partnership leveraging Mission’s state-of-the-art distribution center in Laredo, Texas. Mission will provide NatureSweet with cold storage, cross docking, repacking, inventory management, access to quality inspections, and other services. The move is anticipated to support the expansion of NatureSweet’s greenhouse portfolio and improve the distribution of its top-selling produce.
Image provided by NatureSweet
