Chiquita Announces New Updated 2021-2022 Sustainability Report
New Sustainability Report Details the Brand’s Commitment to Sustainability and “30BY30” Carbon Reduction Initiative
Fort Lauderdale, FL – April 4, 2022 – For nearly three decades, Chiquita has led the industry in sustainability practices through its “Behind the Blue Sticker” approach to business. Today, the brand released its updated 2021-2022 sustainability report, spotlighting both its longstanding and most recent initiatives that support sustainability from farm to table, including its “30BY30” Carbon Reduction Program.
“Chiquita is committed to long-lasting change in local communities in which we cultivate our bananas and the planet as a whole,” said Peter Stedman, Chiquita’s Director of Sustainability. “The brand has implemented a variety of strategies, including a detailed guide to reduce our carbon emissions, as we set out to achieve a more sustainable future.”
Chiquita recently welcomed Peter Stedman as Sustainability Director to further its commitment to sustainability. Stedman’s extensive career spans 14 years and ranges from farming to responsibly sourcing materials to consulting for global brands. Peter’s experience and insight from the length of the supply chain will be invaluable in shaping Chiquita’s strategy for sustainability going forward. In his role, Stedman will oversee the brand’s Behind the Blue Sticker approach, optimizing the delivery and communication of these efforts to consumers and stakeholders.
Under Chiquita’s “Behind the Blue Sticker” initiative is a promise of quality and positive impact, as it represents a set of values: For the Greater Good, the Farmer’s Code and Being a Good Neighbor.
For the Greater Good
Earlier this year, Chiquita introduced the ‘30BY30’ initiative, a major program aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the entire brand’s operations by a total 30% by the end of 2030. The brand recognizes climate change as an imminent threat to banana crops, valued farmland, and our planet. The “30BY30” sustainability program and aggressive climate target goals were approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), making Chiquita the first global fruit company to be recognized by SBTi.
Farmer’s Code
Chiquita’s Farmer’s Code consists of farm rejuvenation and reengineering, which aims to improve efficiency and increase yield while reducing Chiquita’s environmental impact. These processes maximize the use of water and nutrients in the soil and ensure that all operations are as carbon efficient as possible.
Being a Good Neighbor
Biodiversity is a pivotal part of forest restoration and Chiquita is taking decisive action to preserve and enhance biodiversity using three pillars: protecting diversity on its farms, minimizing its operation’s impact on the environment and pioneering reforestation partnerships with its stakeholders. These efforts have produced the Nogal resort in Costa Rica, promoting the conservation and protection of biodiversity.
Since starting the Nogal project, Chiquita has worked to inspire and involve local communities by coordinating environmental education programs. So far, over 30,000 students and farmers have taken part in these programs, improving their knowledge about biodiversity, waste management, ecosystem services and conservation. As well as these resources, Chiquita helped to build a school cafeteria, open-air gym and library with community internet access.
To download the sustainability report please click here.
High-res images can be found here.
For Media Inquiries: Jessie Stivers, jstivers@coynepr.com
