WATSONVILLE, CA – May 23, 2024 – California Giant Berry Farms is proud to announce it is now a supplier of Fair Trade Certified strawberries. This initiative reinforces California Giant Berry Farms’ commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices and underscores the company’s mission to deliver the best quality berries and nourish its communities.
“We’re thrilled to pioneer the production of Fair Trade Certified strawberries within California,” remarked Joe Barsi, president at California Giant Berry Farms. “This represents a significant milestone in our continued journey towards sustainable and socially responsible agriculture. By obtaining Fair Trade USA’s certification, we’re not only ensuring fair compensation for workers but also empowering our local communities.”
California Giant Berry Farms represents the first large-scale berry operation to achieve Fair Trade USA’s certification for California-grown strawberries. This accomplishment underscores the company’s dedication to fostering positive social and environmental impacts throughout its supply chain.
The inaugural pick of Fair Trade Certified strawberries took place this Saturday in Watsonville, California.
“We are thrilled to partner with California Giant Berry Farms to deliver the first Fair Trade Certified strawberries from California. When we launch a new product, we always look for a partner who is values-aligned and has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. It has been wonderful to work with California Giant Berry Farms to bring the program to life with their workers and leadership”, said Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with California Giant Berry Farms’ broader sustainability program, furthering its commitment to providing sweet, sustainable berries to consumers. By integrating Fair Trade USA Certified strawberries into its product offerings, the company continues to prioritize environmental conservation and social responsibility.
###
About California Giant Berry Farms
At California Giant Berry Farms, the difference is Giant. As the most resilient berry company in the world, we strive to deliver premium berries while nourishing our communities. Our year-round supply of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries set the standard for quality and consistency and provides retailers, foodservice, and consumers with the best berry experience. Over four decades, we have evolved into a global family united by a passion for delivering excellence. Quality, consistency and community inspire the mission and values that sustain us.
About Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade USA™, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading certifier of fair trade products in North America. Offering award-winning, rigorous, and globally recognized sustainable sourcing certification programs that improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and build resilient, transparent supply chains, its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ seal on a product signifies that it was made according to stringent fair trade standards. Fair Trade USA is building an innovative model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, and shared value to eliminate poverty and enable sustainable development for farmers, workers, their families, and communities around the world.