Port International, one of the leading importers in the fruit and vegetable industry, has entered into a pioneering partnership with the international climate action NGO WRAP, the IDH, and other businesses to support and co-finance a collective action project aimed at promoting sustainable water management, advancing into water stewardship in Southern Spain. The project is led in Spain by local experts of Good Stuff International with the initial focus on the regions of Doñana and Murcia, where the risk of water scarcity is particularly high.
“These regions are of crucial importance to our business, which is why our participation in the project represents a significant step in our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing,” said Philippe Peiró, Managing Director of Port International European Sourcing GmbH.
In collaboration with 25 other forward-thinking companies from the food and beverage sector, Port International is set to increase its investment in addressing water-related risks within its supply chain. This is one of several collective action projects on water stewardship and is part of WRAP’s Water Roadmap which aims to drive positive changes and sustainability in the food and beverages industry.
Port International recognizes the importance of water as a finite resource and is determined to protect it for future generations. Participation in this project, initiated through Port’s membership in the Sustainable Initiative for Fruit and Vegetables (SIFAV), reflects the values of the company and its ongoing efforts to make the supply chain more sustainable. The goal is to increase transparency and develop individual measures in collaboration with producers in particularly water-sensitive areas. Philippe Peiró is convinced, “Together, we can make a significant contribution to preserving water resources.”
Rowen West-Henzell, Senior Specialist on Water at WRAP adds, “Water is essential to life and food production. Agriculture accounts for 72 % of global freshwater withdrawals. However, this shared resource which is critical for sustaining our ecosystems and communities becomes increasingly fragile. Due to this and because the water risk continues to rise, we are thrilled to welcome Port International to our collective action project in Southern Spain, the garden of Europe. Together we can develop solutions to protect this vital shared resource.“
About WRAP:
WRAP is a climate action NGO working around the globe to tackle the causes of the climate crisis and give the planet a sustainable future. WRAP believes that our natural resources, including food, must not be wasted, and it brings together and works with governments, businesses, and individuals to ensure that the world’s natural resources are used more sustainably.
About Port International:
In 1875, the Port family founded the company T. Port and by doing so laid the foundation for today’s corporate group. As a fruit importer with international locations, Port International supplies wholesalers and supermarket chains worldwide with fresh fruit and vegetables from all continents. Port is one of the market leaders for organic and Fairtrade products in Europe and launched BE CLIMATE, the first brand for climate-neutral fruit and vegetables, in 2019. At the end of 2021, the company was awarded the Sustainability Heroes Award in the category “Carbon Footprint”.
Contact:
Carolin Pahmeier
Head of Marketing
carolin@port-international.com