Wholesum has released its 2025 Conscientious Company Report, showcasing a year of record growth, innovation and measurable progress across its sustainability and values-driven initiatives.
As it approaches its 100-year milestone, the company says the report — now in its 10th year — reflects a defining belief: Growth in organic agriculture can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, social responsibility and long-term resilience.
“2025 was a year defined not just by growth in volume, but by growth in strength, connection and purpose,” brothers and third-generation co-owners of Wholesum Ricardo and Theojary Crisantes say in a news release. They continue to carry forward their family’s legacy of sustainable agriculture and innovation. “We are expanding our reach while staying firmly rooted in the values that have guided us for decades.”
In 2025, Wholesum brought a record 73.6 million pounds of organic produce to market, a 21% increase from the prior year, supported by new U.S. grower partnerships and expanded greenhouse production in Sonora, Mexico. Despite industrywide challenges including tariffs, climate variability and supply chain disruptions, the company says it maintained a consistent supply of high-quality organic produce while continuing to invest in innovation, environmental responsibility and community impact.
Innovation Rooted in Organic Integrity
Wholesum says it continues advancing organic agriculture through science, natural systems and product innovation. Report highlights include:
- 100% organic production across all farms.
- Deployment of 3.5 million ladybugs and 152,000 beneficial insects for natural pest management.
- 130,000 earthworms and more than 2,700 bumblebee habitats supporting crop health and pollination.
- 32% growth in in-house seed production.
A standout innovation from 2025 was Lil’Ones, Wholesum’s novel tiny organic pearl tomato, which gained recognition within the organic produce space.
“Innovations like Lil’Ones keep the category exciting and aligned with evolving consumer preferences,” says Kristina Federico-Luna, sales manager for Wholesum.
Measurable Environmental Progress
Operational improvements and resource efficiency initiatives continued to reduce the company’s environmental footprint. Report highlights include:
- More than 48 million gallons of water recirculated.
- Ventilation upgrades in specific greenhouses leading to energy use reductions.
- More than 1.4 million pounds of produce donated to community food organizations.
- Launch of recyclable packaging pilots that eliminated more than 6,700 pounds of plastic in merely five weeks of the program.
Investing in People and Communities
With more than 1,000 employees across the U.S. and Mexico, Wholesum continued investing in employee development, well-being and community impact. Report highlights include:
- 9.4% workforce growth.
- Expanded participation in leadership and development programs.
- First U.S.-based Wellness Month initiative.
- Expanded shuttle transportation programs that reduced more than 1.34 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions through fair-trade support.
Fair Trade in Action
Fair trade remains central to Wholesum’s business model, ensuring growth translates into meaningful community investment. Report highlights include:
- $831,000 in fair trade premiums generated, a 14% increase from the prior year.
- 59% of total volume sold under fair trade terms.
- More than $12 million in fair trade premiums generated since 2013.
- More than 1,000 students supported through fair trade-funded education initiatives.
Worker-led fair trade programs continued to fund scholarships, student and employee transportation, healthcare access, childcare and other community resources across growing regions.
Guided by its purpose to nourish a healthy world, Wholesum says it continues to align its growth with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with an ongoing focus on gender equity, renewable inputs, sustainable packaging and resilient grower partnerships.
The report can be accessed at this link.
