Expanding Educational Access, Advancing Fair Wages, and Building Stronger Communities

NatureSweet®, North America's leading vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company, proudly announces the release of its sixteenth annual Sustainability Report for fiscal year 2024. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the greenhouse grower’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sound governance (ESG) principles. At the heart of the company’s mission is a bold purpose: to transform the lives of millions of agricultural workers across North America. This year’s report highlights the wide range of initiatives NatureSweet is leading to drive that transformation from sustainable farming practices to programs that advance worker well-being and community development.

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NatureSweet associate packaging Cherubs

“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.”

• Education: NatureSweet continues to expand access to education for agricultural workers through its robust adult education programs. In a historic milestone, the company celebrated its highest number of annual graduates to date, with nearly 300 associates earning their elementary, middle and high school diplomas. In addition, NatureSweet’s bachelor’s degree program—launched in 2023 and expanded in 2024—has already shown strong results: more than half of the students from the first two classes have earned promotions, applying their newly gained knowledge to advance professionally.
• Empowering Our Workforce: As part of our commitment to social responsibility, NatureSweet provided the opportunity for over 97% of its agricultural workers to earn a livable wage—well above the legal minimum. In addition, more than 55,000 hours of training were provided to support the personal and professional development of associates, reinforcing our belief that empowered workers are the foundation of a sustainable future.
• Advancing Environmental Sustainability: NatureSweet made measurable progress in reducing its environmental footprint, cutting carbon intensity by 10.96% and improving water efficiency by 5.85%. The company also increased the sustainability of its packaging, with 82% now containing recycled materials. In addition, NatureSweet expanded its conservation efforts, protecting over 50 hectares of biodiversity in Jalisco, Mexico—further reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Strengthening Communities Through Fair Trade: NatureSweet’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative positively impacted more than 231,500 lives. Through its Fair-Trade program, the company allocated $1.9 million USD in premium funds directly invested in improving the living conditions of associates and their communities.

“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."

NatureSweet remains steadfast in its mission to lead with purpose and transparency, setting a high standard for sustainability in agriculture. As the company continues to scale its impact, it invites stakeholders, partners, and consumers to join in building a future where fresh product is grown responsibly, communities thrive, and every associate has the opportunity to succeed. You can explore the full 2024 Sustainability Report, here.

As demonstrated by its efforts, NatureSweet is making a positive impact in communities and will continue to create initiatives that unite and strengthen them. The company looks forward to expanding its scope in 2025, ensuring its impact extends beyond NatureSweet, inspiring others, and serving as a roadmap for the industry.

About NatureSweet® (NS Brands, Ltd.)

NatureSweet® is the leading brand in snacking tomatoes and a trusted provider for greenhouse-grown vegetables. As the largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company and greenhouse grower in North America, it operates on more than 1,500 acres of greenhouse space, growing premium tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. The company’s team of about 10,000 associates ensures every product is handpicked at peak freshness, delivering exceptional quality and flavor to supermarkets across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Its mission is to transform the lives of agricultural workers in North America through a profitable business model that encourages other companies to replicate it. With a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, NatureSweet has earned B Corp, Fair Trade, and Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.

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Harvesting Impact: NatureSweet Releases 2024 Sustainability Report