Water is a natural part of growing berries that burst with goodness

Water, one of the most essential resources on Earth, plays a pivotal role in the fresh produce industry, particularly in the cultivation of berries. We recognise that sustainable water management is crucial not just for the individual farms where our berries are grown, but throughout our entire supply chain. We acknowledge the need to use water responsibly, ensuring that this vital resource is available for future generations. Therefore, we are committed to implementing and promoting sustainable practices that will reduce our water footprint, and encourage all stakeholders within our supply chain to do the same.

To keep our world turning, we must keep our water supply running.

Our Way with Water

Water management is crucial for our sustainability, from mitigating risks related to water as part of our sustainability strategy, to implementing and investing in water-saving technologies. Our goal is to reduce water consumption and minimise the risk of water scarcity across our berry world.

Our proactive strategy focuses on:

💧 Understanding and assessing our water related risks (such as physical and regulatory), with help form the WWF Water Risk Filter.

💧Developing approaches to mitigate, or limit, physical risks (like drought, flooding and water quality).

Our water plan to help growers adapt to climate change links mitigation and adaptation in the form of remedial action. It's a working practical approach, and not just a document in a cabinet, our philosophy is that we are sustainability ‘doers’ rather than ‘preachers’. Here are a few examples from across our berry world:

💧Rain water harvesting and off season water storage to stabilise demand during peak production.

💧Implementing efficient irrigation systems that only water berries when necessary, using the minimum amount of water.

💧Creating a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certified distribution centre for environmentally-friendly design which included water use.

💧Encouraging grower participation in regional water projects, such as the Holistic Water for Horticulture Project.

💧Supporting growers with widely recognised water certifications such as SPRING & LEAF.

💧 In partnership with Cranfield University and with funding from Innovate UK, we're helping to develop a tool to help berry growers assess the benefits and feasibility of rainwater harvesting systems. This project, builds on previous successful collaborations with out growers and aims to increase water sustainability in berry production, promoting efficient water use, cost savings, and greater resilience to water-related risks.

EVERY DROP MATTERS

Water is a vital resource in our berry cultivation process, and we are committed to its sustainable management in every aspect of our supply chain. Our approach includes understanding regulatory risks, developing ways to manage physical risks, and helping our growers adapt to climate change through a variety of practical strategies.

We strive to be sustainability 'doers', not just 'preachers', and we understand that every drop of water matters.