Seald Sweet International has announced in a press statement that it will begin importing Fairtrade-certified citrus this year in a bid to further advance the company’s commitment to socially responsible growing and marketing practices.
The deal will see Seald Sweet become one of the first companies in the US to offer Fairtrade citrus, certified by Transfair USA, and sourced from certified grower partners in South Africa.
“We feel it is a privilege and our duty to be part of this movement, which ensures that the growers, farm workers and their families not only receive equitable returns for their products but are also positively impacted by the benefits of this program,” said Mayda Sotomayor, CEO of Seald Sweet International.
“Our commitment to this program is another way we can give back to our grower partners and their communities as a socially responsible way of conducting business.”
Seald Sweet’s partner in South Africa, Mouton Citrus, has been Fairtrade certified since 2007 and through the company MGRO (Empowered Growth) gives direct shareholding to permanent personnel.
On these farms, workers not only share ownership in the agricultural enterprises but their communities also benefit from the social structures that have prospered around the farms, including housing, health care, scholarships and child care facilities.
“We are proud to have this opportunity,” added Ms Sotomayor, “and feel fortunate to be in a position where we can make a difference in the lives of those who play an integral role in our organization’s production.”
Seald Sweet joins several other certified production and global produce companies within the Univeg Group, their Belgium-based parent company, advancing the global Fairtrade movement.
Seald Sweet’s offering of Fairtrade-certified products commences with the summer citrus season and includes navel and Midknight Oranges, clementines and other easy-peel varieties from South Africa.
The group also plans to continue developing its Fairtrade program in other regions.
