Amado, Ariz.-based Wholesum has released its 2023 “Conscientious Company Report, Rooted in Authenticity.” The company presents its sustainability efforts in four areas: organic integrity, responsible agriculture, fair-trade impact and advancement toward meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for the fiscal year 2023, according to a news release.
The company said it uses its values as the framework for presenting the results of the report.
“With a value-driven culture propelling us, we have no doubt in our potential to continue improving in our use of energy and natural resources, the development of sustainable solutions and in the contribution we make to the world,” Ricardo Crisantes, Wholesum co-owner and chief commercial officer, said in the release.
The company said some of the accomplishments it highlights include:
- Producing more than 2 million biological organisms in-house to support organic production and integrated pest management.
- 41% of energy used at Wholesum’s distribution center in Nogales, Ariz., comes from solar.
- The recirculation of 29% of water used for irrigation at Wholesum’s Arizona farming site.
- More than $15,000 in charitable contributions, including $10,000 in product scan-backs for Whole Foods Markets’ Whole Kids Foundation.
- $1.2 million generated in Fair Trade Community Development Funds, supporting health, education, community infrastructure and housing projects.
- More than $10 million generated in community development funds in 11 years of the fair-trade program.
- More than 50% of inputs used across the family farms are now renewable.
“From harnessing solar energy to producing biological insects to finding new ways to connect with youth and the community, 2023 holds many examples of individuals and teams unlocking new possibilities for innovation and sustainable growth,” Crisantes said. “Each of our collaborators possesses a unique perspective and skillset that is valuable in solving complex problems,” he adds.
To learn more about Wholesum’s efforts and results of its 2023 sustainability journey, visit wh.farm/trade-resources.
