Page 62 - January_2019

“We’re committed to more than just the quality of our products ...
we’re committed to the quality of our work conditions and o ering
safe and bene cial working conditions to our growers and workers.” — Pedro Batiz, Divine Flavor
tions for SunFed in Rio Rico, AZ, reports SunFed’s Perfect Organics program continues to increase in size and scope. “ e o erings keep growing in volume as well as quantity of di erent pack styles/presentation, including our modi ed-atmosphere and modi ed-hu- midity packaging, to accommodate both novice and well-established programs,” he says.
SUSTAINABLE MEASURES
Social responsibility and sustainability remain high on Mexico’s priority list, some- thing increasingly demanded by retail customers. “We want to continue updating our best practices when it comes to growing programs and sustainability both in the United States and Mexico,” says Ciruli. “Consumers are more aware, and more retailers are demanding a commitment to growing sustainably and responsibly.”
Je Salchenberg, assistant category manager for produce at New Seasons Market in Portland, OR, with 20 stores in Oregon and Washington, explains suppliers bring storytelling to the retail setting. “ ese programs are very important to customers as well as sta ,” he says. “We o er GROW bananas exclusively in our stores and send sta to Mexico yearly to visit the plantation and GROW operations to help educate and bring the stories back to our customers.”
e GROW program referenced by Salchenberg is the social responsibility initia- tive of Organics Unlimited in San Diego. “We are proud to say our program continues to expand every year,” says Mayra Velasquez de León, president and chief executive. “ e program encompasses education, scholarships, visual, health and dental clinics, clean water programs and more.”
e Organically Grown Company in Portland, OR, a customer of Organics Unlimited, recently hosted a group of produce managers to visit growing regions in Colima, Mexico. e distribution company’s managers spent the week delivering books to schools, setting up libraries and visiting farms. “By engaging our supply network in this way, we are able to expand awareness of the great work happening in their growing regions. is information connects directly
to the consumer from their produce manager and helps drive growth for this shopping bag staple,” says Tonya Quinn Sanchez, marketing communications manager.
Fresh Farms takes measures to ensure all its grapes are Fair Trade-certi ed and plans to o er more Fair Trade-certi ed products. “More and more retailers are asking for social responsibility programs, and more and more Mexican growers are providing them,” says Havel.
Divine Flavor in Nogales, AZ, holds high its social commitment and envisions even greater future emphasis on such issues. “We expect to see an increase in awareness and a larger trend toward these items,” says Pedro Batiz, vice president of sales. “We’re committed to more than just the quality of our products ... we’re committed to the quality of our work conditions and o ering safe and bene cial working conditions to our growers and workers.”
Moving forward, Mandel points out SunFed’s continuing dedication and the need for uni ed standards for sustainable agricul- ture. “Whether we are eliminating food waste via better packaging, utilizing recyclable/ compostable packaging more and more or conserving energy through various upgrades at our farms and facilities (LED lighting, solar energy production, cooling equipment e ciency upgrades), we must continue to conserve our natural resources to ensure we can continue doing what we do for genera- tions to come,” he says. pb
62 / JANUARY 2019 / PRODUCE BUSINESS