Whole Foods Introduces Ethically Sourced Frozen Fruits

SHARE:

Email

Print

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

June 21, 2011

Whole Foods Market unveiled EARTH University frozen pineapples and bananas, which are ethically sourced and will support EARTH University

Customers who purchase the fruits will help prepare young leaders in sustainable agriculture, ethical entrepreneurship and community development at EARTH University, Whole Foods said in a statement.

The majority of EARTH University’s students come from poor, rural communities in the tropics, and sales of the new frozen fruits will provide funding for student scholarships and finance research and investment in organic and sustainable agricultural production.

“EARTH University has been leading the charge in sustainable production methods for nearly 20 years,” said Michael Besancon, senior global vice president of purchasing, distribution and communications for Whole Foods.

Located in the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica, EARTH University has operated a commercial banana farm since its inception. The Rainforest Alliance Certified farm produces about 600,000 boxes of sustainably grown bananas a year, almost all of which are sold at Whole Foods Market and are now available frozen.

EARTH also sources pineapples for Whole Foods from a Rainforest Alliance Certified farm and is working to advance sustainable pineapple production.

Both of the frozen fruit options are grown on farms and are harvested and frozen at the peak of freshness, ensuring great flavor, according to Whole Foods.

The new frozen fruits are also part of the grocers’ Whole Trade program whereby growers must be certified that they ensure fair wages and safe working conditions while caring for the environment.

Most Read

Guest Columns

Grocery Aisle Innovation Key to Retailer and Consumer Cost Savings

Retailers are redesigning the aisle, appealing to environmentally friendly consumers and capitalizing on market trends to make their private label brands more competitive.

Source: Tetra Pak Inc.

How to Develop a Private Label Expression Aligned with Retail Brand Strategy

By creating private label as a marketing tool rather than just a price alternative, retailers gain the opportunity to tell a complete brand story while simultaneously boosting customer loyalty.

Source: CBX

Using the Store Banner to Endorse Private Label Architecture

Although the economic downturn accelerated private label growth in Europe, there was another key driver -- retailers started to brand their stores.

Source: IPLC

See All Guest Columns »

Press Releases