Organics Unlimited Celebrates Ninth Annual GROW Month this September
San Diego, CA – Every September Organics Unlimited celebrates GROW Month, a time when more emphasis on the GROW program is placed on consumer awareness. Having raised over $1 million in support for scholarships, educational programs, and health clinics in the banana growing regions of Ecuador and Mexico, GROW Month has become a very important part in retailer promotions.
“Every year we see GROW Month expand among our customers,” states Mayra Velazquez de Leon, President and Founder of Organics Unlimited and GROW. “I have nothing but gratitude towards the enthusiasm and support our customers show for GROW.”
From 2012 to 2013, GROW support increased by almost 250 percent. This year, GROW has raised almost $200,000 in funds to help continue their efforts in social responsibility. Proceeds of the funds go to Children International and Project Amigo to help build opportunities for the workers, their families and their communities.
“It is very important to us that our customers have all the essential tools and information they need to raise the awareness of the GROW program to encourage the efforts supported with the purchase of every organic GROW banana,” says Velazquez de Leon. “We are all working together to change lives for the better.”
Organics Unlimited continues to offer free point-of-purchase materials to their customers. Complete with header cards, recipe cards, and other signage, all items in the free online store by Organics Unlimited is available for free download for self-printing. Printing is available at a reasonable cost. Banana bags are also available for special order.
GROW by Organics Unlimited Partners with Produce for Kids
San Diego, CA – The GROW Fund, a non-profit certification developed by Organics Unlimited in 2005, has partnered with Produce for Kids in their Power Your Lunchbox Pledge. This one-of-a-kind digital marketing program will take place from August 11 through September 15, inspiring more health conscious lifestyles.
The Power Your Lunchbox Pledge encourages families throughout the U.S. to take a pledge to pack healthier lunches for their children utilizing GROW bananas as one of the participating organizations. For each pledge taken, Organics Unlimited will make a donation to DonorsChoose.org in support of programs that focus on health and wellness classroom projects across the country.
“Organics Unlimited is always looking for new, innovative ways to express the benefits of healthy living through organic bananas,” states President of Organics Unlimited, Mayra Velazquez de Leon. “We are very excited to join Produce for Kids in their efforts to create a healthier nation.”
Tie-ins with back-to-school messaging and healthy eating will be at the forefront of the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge website. A Twitter party will also be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, for anyone interested in communicating with the participating produce companies first-hand.
Organics Unlimited Adds 370 Acres for Organic Banana Farming
San Diego, CA – Organics Unlimited has added 370 acres of certified organic banana production in Michoacan, Mexico to increase their supply of bananas. This new acreage will provide an additional six to seven loads of product per week in the summer and about four loads per week in the winter. This translates to a low in winter of 3840 cases, and a summer high of 6860 cases of bananas.
“We are very excited to expand Organics Unlimited to not only increase production for our customers, but also to ensure the growth of organic bananas in the marketplace,” says President of Organics Unlimited Mayra Velazquez de Leon. “As demand in organic produce continues to grow, this new farm will help continue to support the industry in providing more sustainable and healthy bananas to consumers.”
According to a survey run by the Organic Trade Association, organic fresh produce accounts for 90.8% of all organic fruit and vegetable sales. Organic fresh produce also saw an increase in sales by a little more than 13% in 2012 to $9.7 billion, and it is expected to increase this year.
“Adding more acreage in Michoacan will help provide current and future customers the opportunity to request more produce at a convenient location,” states Manager of Operations and Logistics of Organics Unlimited Marco Garcia. “Having our farms near the U.S. and Mexican border allows for lower carbon footprint and quicker distribution for a fresher product.”
