Sustainability may be seen as an option for some companies but not for Jac. Vandenberg and its Sunrays® brand. Since 2014, Vandenberg has understood the importance of cultivating sustainability throughout its supply chain, and today they take a huge step forward in its sustainability commitment.
Vandenberg’s first Peruvian grape grower-partners have achieved Sustainably Grown certification. Sustainably Grown certification is administered by SCS Global Services.
“This is no easy achievement and it’s really a testament to the growers we partner with for our Sunrays brand,” says John Paap, brand manager at Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. “These are growers exercising the highest standards of sustainable farming practices that all in our industry can aspire to.”
Peruvian grape growers, Uvica and Agrolatina, are the very first Peruvian grape growers to achieve this certification.
While not all Sunrays grapes will carry the Sustainably Grown seal this season, Sunrays grape growers are all active in the process of achieving the Sustainably Grown certification.
“It is a source of pride to have achieved this certification. It also means a great opportunity, since it allows us to strengthen our management systems in order to have continuous improvement in all our processes, with a focused view on the impact that we may have on our ecosystem,” says Frank Michell of Uvica.
At Agrolatina, this certification presents another tool for achieving the highest level of sustainability.“For Corporación Agrolatina, Sustainably Grown and the other socio-environmental certifications represent a great tool when evaluating hazards and mitigating risks, all with the goal of achieving sustainability and demonstrating our commitment to the world,” says Katherine Paredes Chuquiruna of Agrolatina.
“When we say we’re doing things sustainably, we’re serious and we now have the certification to back it up,” says Paap. “Transparency is everything, and it is important to us and our grower partners that the consumer understands that our claims are substantiated.”
New packaging will include a QR code that will give the information behind that package of grapes.
While not all Sunrays grapes will carry the Sustainably Grown seal this season, Sunrays grape growers are all active in the process of achieving the Sustainably Grown certification.
Vandenberg continues to work in areas of transparency. Consumers and retailers alike will be excited to learn of a new interactive feature coming to Sunrays grape packaging this season.
New packaging will include a QR code, unique to every SKU that will give the information behind that package of grapes. "We are giving the consumer full visibility of the bag/clamshell they pick up,” says Paap. “We want folks to engage more deeply with their purchase.”
Jac. Vandenberg will be exhibiting at booth #2778 at the IFPA Global Product & Floral Show in Orlando later this month.
For more information:
John Paap
Jac. Vandenberg, Inc.
Tel: +1 (914) 964-5900
jpaap@jacvandenberg.com
www.jacvandenberg.com