Berry producer and marketer Hortifrut says it has obtained LEAF Marque certification for its farms in Morocco and Peru (Trujillo and Olmos), as part of its commitment to sustainability and best agricultural practices.
With this certification, Hortifrut says it has expanded LEAF — or Linking Environment And Farming — Marque coverage in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, adding to the certifications already obtained in Spain and Portugal, as well as in the Americas.
The LEAF Marque certification is a globally recognized standard that guarantees compliance with strict sustainability criteria in agricultural production, guaranteeing the protection of biodiversity, the efficient use of resources and the well-being of local communities, according to a news release.
“The LEAF certification in Morocco and Peru is a reflection of Hortifrut’s strong commitment to sustainability and the implementation of advanced agricultural technologies that minimize environmental impact,” said Maria Elena Echenique, Hortifrut’s chief corporate affairs officer. “At Hortifrut we work with passion and excellence to ensure that our practices are responsible and sustainable in every link of the value chain, guaranteeing the conservation of the environment and the development of resilient farming communities.”
Hortifrut already has this certification in Spain and Portugal, and with the addition of Morocco and Peru, the company says it significantly expands the availability of LEAF-certified berries for European markets, strengthening its commitment to the main retailers in the region.
“With LEAF certification in Morocco and Peru, nearly all our supply to European retailers now comes from certified farms,” said Marion Tabard, CEO EMEA at Hortifrut. “This achievement reinforces our ability to offer our customers a stable supply of fruit grown under the highest sustainability standards, meeting market expectations and promoting responsible agricultural practices throughout our value chain.”
Hortifrut says the sustainability achievement reaffirms its commitment to responsible production and continuous improvement of its processes. The LEAF certification reinforces the company’s mission to offer berries to the world, every day, generating a positive impact on the communities where it operates and contributing to a more sustainable future, according to the release.
Santiago, Chile-based Hortifrut operates in 13 countries and specializes in varietal development, sustainable production and the year-round supply of berries to over 500 customers in more than 55 countries.
