NatureSweet announced the release of its 16th annual Sustainability Report for fiscal year 2024 on Sept. 24. The report provides an overview of the company’s environmental stewardship, social responsibility and sound governance (ESG) principles.
“At NatureSweet, our greatest achievement isn’t just growing and selling the best tasting tomatoes, cucumbers or sweet peppers — it’s knowing we do this in a way that gives each associate a shot to transform their lives, creating a lasting change,” says Rodolfo Spielmann, president and CEO of NatureSweet.
“Our 2024 Sustainability Report reflects the extraordinary progress we’ve made by putting our associates and their communities at the center of everything we do. From expanding access to education and ensuring fair wages, to protecting the environment and strengthening communities, we are proud to lead with purpose. This is how we lead and create an impact that matters. We’re just getting started.”
The initiatives the report focuses on includes:
- Education: The report highlights NatureSweet’s adult education programs, including its highest number of annual graduates to date, with nearly 300 associates earning their elementary, middle and high school diplomas. It also overviewed the 2024 expansion of its bachelor’s degree program, launched in 2023, where it reports more than half of the students from the first two classes have earned promotions.
- Workforce Empowerment: The report noticed the company provided the opportunity for over 97% of its agricultural workers to earn a livable wage, this is above the minimum wage. It also highlighted the more than 55,000 hours of training provided to support the personal and professional development of associates.
- Environmental Sustainability: In 2024, NatureSweet cut its carbon intensity by 10.96% and improved water efficiency by 5.85%, according to the report. It also highlighted that 82% of the company’s packaging now contains recycled materials and it has protected over 50 hectares in Jalisco, Mexico, as part of its biodiversity efforts.
“Together, we are driving positive change, fostering dignity and delivering lasting impact, not only for families and communities but across the entire agricultural sector,” says Alejandra Rodríguez, chief of human resources at NatureSweet. “By leading with purpose, we are setting a new standard for growing responsibly and transforming an industry from the inside out.”
