13th Annual GROW Month Debuts in September
Organics Unlimited, San Diego-based grower and distributor of organic tropical fruit, will celebrate its 13th annual GROW Month throughout the month of September.
Starting September 1, the initiative focuses on partnering with retailers and media to create consumer awareness of GROW’s social responsibility programs. These programs promote sustainability, education and health care to underserved communities in banana growing regions of Mexico and Ecuador through the sale of organic bananas.
Since 2005, through retailer and distributor support, GROW organic banana purchases have provided more than $2 million in aid. A percentage derived from the purchase of each box of GROW organic bananas is earmarked for the GROW fund. These funds are used for youth educational programs, health clinics and dental and vision care in Mexico; clean water and early childhood education programs in Ecuador; disaster relief and environmental initiatives.
“Our social responsibility programs help create positive change in places where health care, social services and environmental education are greatly needed,” said Mayra Velazquez de León, president and CEO of Organics Unlimited and GROW. “During GROW Month, we want consumers to connect with and really understand the meaning of making a major impact in the lives of the less fortunate. We want them to know that their GROW banana purchases are making a significant difference in communities around the world and recognize that they are helping to change peoples’ lives.”
Consumer demand continues to grow for organic produce that is sustainably and ethically grown, but also contributes to positive social change. Since its founding in 2000, Organics Unlimited has been committed to providing a truly organic and sustainable product to consumers in the United States, Canada and Asia.
Retailers can participate in GROW month throughout September to raise awareness of GROW’s humanitarian work by purchasing GROW labeled organic bananas and sharing hashtag #GROWmonth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For additional materials and retailer support, contact organics@osterads.com.
Consumers will also see outdoor advertising that promotes GROW organic bananas in select U.S. cities throughout GROW Month.
To learn more about our organic bananas and how you can offer Organics Unlimited and GROW organic bananas in your store, please visit OrganicsUnlimited.com. You may also follow Organics Unlimited on Facebook and Twitter for more news.
Organics Unlimited Welcomes New Member!
Organics Unlimited is proud to announce the addition of Daniella Velazquez de León as its new logistics manager. She is a fourth-generation member of her family with its roots planted firmly in growing organic bananas.
“It’s so exciting to be working at a place that’s truly making a difference,” said Velazquez de León. “I’m genuinely passionate about what we do here and about our GROW social responsibility program. We have so much potential ahead of us as a company, and to finally be here, I am where I’m meant to be.”
Joining the family business wasn’t a set expectation for Velazquez de León or her siblings. Her parents wanted their children to find their own way, which eventually led her back to Organics Unlimited.
“I’m obviously extremely happy to have my oldest daughter, Daniella, join the company that we’ve built over the past 18 years,” said Mayra Velazquez de León, Organics Unlimited President and CEO. “She’s going to be learning the ins and outs of what we do here on every level, from logistics to accounting and sales to marketing. We’re proud to have her onboard and passionately giving it her all.”
Prior to joining Organics Unlimited, Daniella worked in a number of roles for Amobee (and Adconion Direct prior to being acquired by Amobee) over the past seven years. While at Amobee, she began on its social media team overseeing Facebook ads and worked on display, mobile and video ads where she helped integrate these digital components into client campaigns. She then helped create and oversaw all aspects of the company’s Pinterest team building interest in its advertising channel along with its Snapchat programs.
A graduate from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance degree, Velazquez de León has worked on a wide range of campaigns for Fortune 500 companies like Airbnb, among others. She envisions building on the lessons she learned during her time at Amobee, including fostering a fun company culture and pursuing opportunities to innovate, as Organics Unlimited prepares for the future.
The future of Organics Unlimited is very bright as millennials, America’s largest demographic, have fully embraced healthy, organic produce as part of their daily lives and actively seek to support companies that care about being socially responsible – both aspects are Organics Unlimited strengths. Expanding on these strengths, Velazquez de León believes in keeping an eye on trends and staying on top of things. Demand for organic produce will drive future growth, while educating distributors and consumers on why organic is better for overall health will continue.
“My dad always encouraged me to follow my heart and that advice has led me here,” said Velazquez de León. “I don’t know where my path is going to take me, but I trust the process of following opportunities along the way. I still have so much to learn, but I’m very excited.”
To learn more about our organic bananas and how you can offer Organics Unlimited and GROW organic bananas in your store, please visit OrganicsUnlimited.com. You may also follow Organics Unlimited on Facebook and Twitter for more news.
