Calavo Growers, Inc.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020, 2021)
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:22,399 tCO2e
Scope 1 Emissions:22,399 tCO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:17,198 tCO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed
Renewable Energy Share:0%
Total Energy Consumption:177,697 GJ
Water Consumption:142,000 m3
Waste Generated:Not disclosed
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Undertook first corporate carbon footprint analysis with 2019 as a baseline.
- Converted two facilities in Santa Paula, California to 100% LED lighting (92,000 sq ft).
- Installed an electric vehicle charging station at corporate headquarters.
- Joined a group of the world’s largest food retailers and providers to eliminate food waste from the supply chain, committing to a 50% reduction target within their own operations.
Social Achievements
- Implemented a strategy to reduce overtime work in Mexican facilities, reducing overtime from approximately 12% to effectively zero.
- Honored 10 employees at Uruapan, Mexico facility for living the “passion for excellence” value.
- Worked with USEM Ciudad de Mexico to assess the quality of life of Mexican workers and their families, resulting in support for infrastructure and sanitation improvements in their communities.
- Created a new position, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, at their Uruapan, Mexico facility.
Governance Achievements
- Formed the Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee of the Board of Directors.
- Undertook significant upgrades to information technology systems to ensure robust data protection, security and privacy.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
- Not disclosed
Short-term Goals:
- 50 percent reduction target in food loss and waste by 2030
Environmental Challenges
- High baseline water stress in ten manufacturing facilities (60% of total water use).
- Potential impacts of climate change on ingredient sourcing (avocados, tomatoes, etc.).
Mitigation Strategies
- Focusing water optimization efforts on facilities in water-stressed areas.
- Diversifying suppliers, seeking weather-adapted plant species, and providing technical support to farmers implementing water efficiency technology.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- Responsible sourcing, including a supply chain free from forced labor and human trafficking.
- Vendor Code of Conduct with similar expectations for suppliers.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- California droughts
- Rising sea levels impacting papaya growers in Hawaii
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Greenhouse-grown tomatoes having a competitive advantage as rain patterns change in Mexico
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: SASB
Certifications: BRC AA rating (all facilities)
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Not disclosed
Awards & Recognition
- Uruapan, Mexico facility received its Clean Industry Distinction for the 10th year in a row.
Reporting Period: 2021
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:12,064 tCO2e
Scope 1 Emissions:12,993 tCO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:9,399 tCO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:18,341 tCO2e
Renewable Energy Share:0%
Total Energy Consumption:213,064 GJ
Water Consumption:282,000 m3
Waste Generated:44,050 metric tons
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced energy use through electrification of forklift fleet, LED lighting upgrades, and participation in local energy demand response programs (resulting in $10,200 in savings)
- Diverted 69% of waste from landfill (30,792 metric tons)
Social Achievements
- Achieved gender parity within senior management in Mexican facilities
- 2021 starting wages at least 49% higher than the minimum wage in Mexico
- Launched "Talent Bootcamp" for local university students in Mexico
Governance Achievements
- Hired a new corporate officer with formal responsibility for ESG
- Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee of the Board of Directors met eight times with 73% average attendance
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
- Not disclosed
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce food loss and waste by 50%
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 pandemic
- Working with dozens of vendors using different waste quantification methods
- Need to improve the rigor, scope, and frequency of ESG data management systems
Mitigation Strategies
- Implementing new technology solutions to standardize data collection
- Strategic review of ESG programs to develop a new vision and strategy for the next ten years
- Integrating climate adaptation strategies into the business model (diversifying suppliers, seeking weather-adapted plant species, providing technical support to farmers)
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Three social responsibility audits and three SMETA audits in 2021
Responsible Procurement
- Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; Vendor Code of Conduct; responsible sourcing practices; prohibiting forced labor and human trafficking
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: SASB
Certifications: BRC Global Standards Audit
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Fair Trade, organic, and non-GMO products
Awards & Recognition
- Not disclosed