SAN ANTONIO — Greenhouse-grown tomato brand NatureSweet is now the largest Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company in the world to be certified as a B Corporation, according to the company.
NatureSweet said it pursued B Corp certification to encourage other organizations in the produce industry to prioritize the well-being of their workers and communities.
“For more than three decades, NatureSweet has revolutionized the fresh produce industry with the best tasting and highest quality products,” said Rodolfo Spielmann, president and CEO of NatureSweet. “Our success comes directly from having the most committed and experienced workers growing and packing our produce. We created a model in which every Associate has the opportunity to earn a better income based on his or her individual effort, while also providing education, psychological support, and healthcare services. We are the largest CEA company that is Fair Trade Certified, Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) Certified, and now B Corp Certified. I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and look forward to strengthening our efforts. We hope our impact goes beyond NatureSweet and serves as a roadmap for the industry.”
According to NatureSweet, the company scored 114 points, which was 34 points higher than the minimum requirement for certification.
Those points primarily came from NatureSweet’s efforts in the following three areas:
- Income sustainability and educational programs for workers
- Community development
- Sustainable practices
“As a sponsor of NatureSweet’s B Corp initiative I am proud of the tremendous efforts by so many Associates throughout this rigorous process,” said Skip Hulett, general counsel and vice president of NatureSweet. “The Associates went above and beyond to show how much it means that NatureSweet be recognized as a force for good.”
