fair trade certified

do good, eat sweet

You’ll find the Fair Trade logo on every pod of NatureSweet tomatoes. Fair Trade is a way of doing business that creates meaningful change in farming, fishing, and other industries, and it’s one we’re proud to support.

What Is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a global movement that improves the lives of farmers and workers in developing countries by ensuring they receive fair prices for their products. It also seeks to improve working conditions, promote local sustainability, and reduce poverty.

At NatureSweet, we grow produce with the goal of transforming the lives of our Associates. Being Fair Trade Certified™ is one more way to show our commitment to them.

The Fair Trade Cycle

From the vine to your family and back to growers’ families.

NatureSweet is a Fair Trade certificate holder. We ensure our actions are compliant and sell our produce to market partners.

Market partners buy our Fair Trade produce and sell it to you.

You support ethical practices and sustainable livelihoods with your purchase.

However!
Instead of you or the store paying the Fair Trade premium (the extra cost that goes back to the farmers via the Community Development Fund), NatureSweet covers it.

Farmers and workers collectively invest this money into a Community Development Fund.

An elected group of representatives manages the Community Development Fund.

Workers and communities identify which projects to fund, from housing and healthcare to education.

Fair Trade,
the NatureSweet Way

We do things differently for the good of our people and produce. Here’s how our Fair Trade stands out.

You shop, Associates thrive

Every purchase makes an impact

A portion of each pod sold goes back to the Community Development Fund

Better benefits for Associates

Our community fund is more robust

Since the fund began, it’s generated nearly $4 million

We help beyond our greenhouses

10,000+ workers impacted

We expanded our Fair Trade program to other industry partners

Transforming Lives

To date, more than 2,100 NatureSweet Associates and their families have benefited from projects made possible by the Development Fund.

Dental Care

Routine dental cleaning and other services.
Vision Services

Free eye exams and glasses.
Nutrition Counseling

Access to a dietitian and a healthy food pantry.

Are these statements true or false?

Flex your Fair Trade knowledge.

Shoppers can directly impact the lives of Associates

TRUE. When you buy NatureSweet tomatoes, you’re supporting the Community Development Fund which helps us transform the lives of Associates.

Only produce is Fair Trade Certified

FALSE. Many kinds of organizations can be Fair Trade Certified, including fashion and beauty companies. These organizations agree to adhere to rigorous standards across working conditions, sustainable income, better workforce engagement on key issues like hours and benefits, and safeguards against forced or child labor.

All NatureSweet snacking tomatoes are Fair Trade Certified

TRUE. Everywhere we grow tomatoes, we employ the ethical farming and labor practices that our Fair Trade certification calls for. Not just because we have to, but because it’s the right thing to do for a brand whose purpose is Raised Right.

Slavery is a thing of the past

FALSE. There are an estimated 400,000 people living in modern-day slavery in the US, primarily in the agriculture industry. And in Mexico, the industry is rampant with slavery and human rights abuses against workers. This includes many of the big tomato fields that supply popular U.S. retailers with produce.

When you choose NatureSweet and other Fair Trade brands, you’re helping to fight back against unfair labor practices.

Buy Fair Trade Certified

Make a conscious choice for a better world