CORAL GABLES, FL - Sustainability. We hear it, we read it, and the majority of us pursue it. It is one goal that Fresh Del Monte Produce keeps top of mind, and the company recently made a move to fortify its efforts. The company has launched its new “Bunch of Good” campaign, emphasizing its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts while inviting consumers to learn more and participate.
“We are proud of our ongoing community and sustainability efforts, as Fresh Del Monte prides itself on its corporate social responsibility,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President Marketing North America. “Giving back to our communities and making strides with sustainability are just two of our company’s core values. We not only strive to conduct our business in ethical, socially responsible, and transparent ways, but want our consumers to feel good about the food they are eating while enjoying Fresh Del Monte.”
The campaign first rolls out new “Bunch of Good” produce stickers and tags for its bananas and pineapples, which will display several unique facts highlighting Fresh Del Monte’s commitment to communities, education, ecosystems, healthcare, wildlife preservation, and much more. Through this new initiative, a press release stated, Fresh Del Monte strives to showcase its commitment to doing “a bunch of good” worldwide, while building a sustainable future.
The brand’s six “bunch of good” efforts featured on the banana stickers are:
- A bunch of good for food banks in the USA: Nearly 15 million pounds of fresh produce donated and distributed
- A bunch of good for education in the Philippines: Offer scholarships to ensure students get access to the education they deserve
- A bunch of good for healthcare in Kenya: Funds six medical centers for a population of roughly 28,000 people
- A bunch of good for rainforests in Central America: Designated nearly 10,000 hectares as protected areas to promote biodiversity
- A bunch of good for the wildlife in Central America: Protects more than 600 wildlife species
- A bunch of good for people, produce, and planet
Fresh Del Monte is also encouraging consumers to do their part by becoming “bananefactors,” joining the Bunch of Good Society, and attempting to spread goodness to all. One lucky “bananefactor” will be selected at random to win an all-expense-paid trip to the Feeding America Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, to represent the society with a $10,000 donation.
As part of its ongoing efforts since implementing its sustainability program, Fresh Del Monte is responsible for donating nearly 15 million pounds of fresh produce to 40 different entities in the United States over the past year; planting more than 1 million trees in three years; supporting educational opportunities in local farming communities; and exceeding its 10-year target for reduction of energy consumption by 20 percent. Fresh Del Monte’s Sustainability Report outlines considerable progress in traceability, packaging, pesticide use, infrastructure development, wellness programming, wastewater treatment, and a myriad of other topics geared toward curbing the effects of climate change.
Sustainability is one word that continues to rule our industry, and ANUK will be sure to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest.
