At NatureSweet, we're not just growing tomatoes. We're growing futures. We are dedicated to increasing the sustainability of the land and the lives of all those surrounding our product. Because we know that goodness doesn't come from just one place. Goodness comes from a world of efforts that we are proud to be a part of. Watch our video and you'll see that at NatureSweet we are clearly on a mission from good.
The quality of our product is maintained not only through our unique processes but also by the dedication of our farmers. Generations of experience gives them an inherited pride for their craft.
Welcome to the third annual sustainability report! After our first report in 2008 we launched unprecedented change within the NatureSweet organization, focused on maintaining the highest quality standards in our growing practice and on becoming the “Best Company to work For” in Mexico. Read More
NatureSweet has implemented a food safety program based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Read More
“Your little tomatoes are the best I’ve ever tasted. My mom kept raving about them and pestering me to try them. I finally did and I couldn’t believe how good they are! Thanks for making my lunches brighter, tastier and healthier. Now I can’t imagine ever eating another type of tomato! Keep up the good work and thanks again!”– Althea H. Seattle, WA
The management team has built a firm foundation on which to build the company, as evidenced by continuing growth in revenues and earnings. In addition to financial success, NatureSweet has made much progress in the areas of hiring talented and knowledgeable managers with produce and packaged goods experience in all areas of our operations.
Bryant Ambelang is our Chief Executive Officer and President. With a BA in Government and Politics from University of Texas, Dallas and an MBA from University of Denver, Bryant has used his expertise to grow the NatureSweet brand for more than ten 10 years. Prior to joining our team, his successes included brand management and sales for Kellogg’s, Pace Foods and Campbell Soup Company.
Adrian Almeida is our vice president of manufacturing and human capital. He gained his education from a number of schools, including a BA in business administration from Instituto Technologico de Merida, a master’s degree in organizational development from INESPO and several graduate studies from Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey and York University among others. Since 2005, Adrian has been dedicated to “Unleashing the Power of People” through strategic management of human capital, manufacturing, and organizational effectiveness. His past experience includes director of human resources and strategic planning for Grupo Desc and director of human resources and communications for Rhodia.
Kathryn Ault is our vice president of sales. Kathryn joined NatureSweet in 2002, and currently leads a team of Divisional Sales Managers throughout the United States and the management of the executive relationship with our customers. Kathryn was Marketing Director with NatureSweet before assuming responsibility for the Sales team. Prior to joining NatureSweet, Kathryn spent 15 years working for Pillsbury Europe and 2 years at the Minneapolis HQ of Pillsbury. She holds a BA Hons. in Geography from Liverpool University, England.
Armando C. Llanes is our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President. Armando joined NatureSweet in 2001. He is responsible for all aspects of the financial function, both in the U.S. and Mexico, including treasury operations, credit collections and banking relations; financial reporting; accounting; audit; fiscal planning and taxation; financial planning, as well as overseeing Business Technology. Before joining NatureSweet, he held during 20 years, positions of increased responsibilities in finance and business development in North America, Central America, South America and Europe, with consumer packaged goods companies such as Wyeth Laboratories, Seagram’s International, Tropicana International, PepsiCo and Pennzoil Quaker State International. His education includes a BA from Queens College; MBA in international finance from Adelphi University; executive management program at INSEAD; certified public accountant, State of New York.
Dave Shaver is our vice president of quality assurance and packing. With a BS in food science from Cornell University, Dave launched his career working for brands such as Pace Foods, Kraft Foods and Lender’s Bagels. His experience includes everything from quality control to production to industrial engineering to human capital. Dave joined NatureSweet in 1999 and since then has overseen all operations within our packing facilities and has been responsible for our quality assurance and food safety processes.
NatureSweet has implemented a food safety program based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines. All aspects of the growing and packing process are monitored and audited by outside agencies. Procedures are in place, affecting every aspect of the operation from growing, employee training programs, equipment and other quality measures.
NatureSweet tomatoes are grown in a controlled growing environment, from the seeds to the growing medium to the water that is used. NatureSweet tomatoes begin with seeds that have been selected for their superior taste and all plants are nurtured with a “secret recipe” of water and nutrients.
Water for irrigation at all of the greenhouses is drawn from NatureSweet’s own water wells, drilled hundreds of feet deep and monitored regularly for purity. In addition to controlling the water supply, NatureSweet tomatoes are grown with natural and biological methods to control insects.
NatureSweet tomato seeds are developed by traditional methods and are never genetically modified. All pesticides that are used meet all U.S., FDA and EPA regulations.
Four years ago, we at NatureSweet made a commitment on how we would measure success. Our new mandate was to “make a positive impact on our associates’ lives and the communities we serve through growing the best tasting tomatoes in the world.” We are proud of not only how our tomatoes taste, but the way we grow them.
When we first commissioned an independent sustainability audit to benchmark the metrics of our success, we were able to immediately turn our attention to the social aspects. Our focus on increasing our associates’ salaries, training opportunities, and education, and improving their communities has continually demonstrated improvements, of which I am proud. The audit is all encompassing, reviewing our processes, interviewing our associates at home and in their community to receive feedback, on what we need to continue doing, and also where we need to improve.
During the past three years we have steadily implemented new technology to enhance our reporting systems, and last year we completed our “sustainability data quality management platform”. That means this year’s sustainability report is based on more than 4,000 separate data points from 87 collectors throughout all NatureSweet facilities. Each measure can be mapped back to the specific person and job title that owns the information. This serves as the basis for initiatives that can, in fact, improve the lives of associates, generate resource efficiencies, ensure highest quality inputs and allow us to continue to sell the best tasting tomatoes in the world. In other words, we are applying the same discipline to our sustainability efforts as we do to operating our business.
Water, and its intrinsic link to the quality of our product, enables us to grow the best tasting tomatoes, every day. This precious resource, a core to every global sustainability conversation is of paramount importance to NatureSweet. We will continue to focus on this important area, through the establishment of our water conservation committees at each site to make an impact on our water consumption. A comprehensive water audit conducted in 2011 sets the groundwork for decisions that will help us conserve w where we can and ensure its quality for generations to come.
Now more than ever, we are convinced that there is no contradiction between commercial success and making a positive impact on the lives of our associates and the communities they live in. We continue to request feedback from our associates, our suppliers and from consumers who desire to help us improve in the way we conduct our business. Growing the best tomatoes in the world is our passion, making a positive impact on our community is our commitment.
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NatureSweet is the number-one brand of tomatoes in the United States and our growing operations could use your help. We’re looking for passionate team players dedicated to delivering the freshest, highest-quality tomatoes. Check out our openings below. We look forward to hearing from you.
January 28, 2013
NatureSweet Limited Announces Intent to Acquire EuroFresh Farms’ Assets
Acquisition would expand NatureSweet’s branded product offeringsSAN ANTONIO, Texas, January 28, 2013 – NatureSweet® Limited, the leading grower of premium fresh tomatoes in North America under the NatureSweet® brand, today announced the company intends to purchase substantially all of the assets of EuroFresh Farms, based in Willcox and Snowflake, Ariz. NatureSweet and EuroFresh Farms are two of the leading producers of high-quality tomatoes in North America. EuroFresh Farms is also a leading U.S. grower of greenhouse cucumbers.
On January 27, EuroFresh filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with the Federal Bankruptcy Court in Tucson; the acquisition will then take place through a 363 sale. A 363 sale allows a company filing for bankruptcy to immediately market its assets to bidders, with the approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court.
“Bringing EuroFresh products into the NatureSweet family provides us with new product offerings and U.S. growing facilities that we are confident will provide significant value to our customers,” said Bryant Ambelang, chief executive officer and president of NatureSweet. “This acquisition is a great opportunity to continue our growth while providing customers with the premium branded tomatoes they have come to expect from NatureSweet. For the company, our customers and our associates, this is the right thing to do at the right time.”
Johan van den Berg, chief executive officer of EuroFresh Farms, added, “We are pleased to have received this offer from a financially strong organization that will continue to invest in the business of growing and selling greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers.”
The court filings are not expected to affect EuroFresh Farms’ ability to operate its business and deliver on current or future customer orders.
About NatureSweet
NatureSweet®, LTD, is the leading grower of premium branded fresh tomatoes in North America under the NatureSweet® brand. NatureSweet tomatoes are distributed throughout the United States at major grocers, club stores, and foodservice operators. Always vine-ripened, hand-picked, and carefully packaged, NatureSweet tomatoes consistently deliver the best taste with year-round availability. As the number one brand of tomatoes in the United States, NatureSweet’s growing operations proudly employ more than 5,000 associates year-round. For more information about NatureSweet tomatoes, visit www.naturesweet.com.
About EuroFresh Farms
EuroFresh Farms is a leading year-round producer and marketer of greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers in the United States and a leading innovator in the branded, high-end fresh tomato and cucumber industry. Premium quality, safe and flavorful products are grown in two greenhouses in Willcox and Snowflake, Ariz. by 1,100 employees. For more information, visit www.eurofresh.com.
