SONO has established quality relationships with farmers around the world. By helping them to produce more sustainably, SONO is able to contribute to the development of local businesses, communities and the environment.
We work closely with our local famers, supporting them with resources and expertise to help lower production costs, and improve quality and crop yield.
Through our commitment to innovation in the supply chain, we extend into new areas of supply, introducing new investment and trade. By opening new markets and partnering with fruit farmers to sell their crops directly, without having to sell through local buyers at lower prices, contributes directly to local economies and sustainable relationships.
In addition to the uplifting the sustainable standards of our supply chain, we have introduced innovate, sustainable agricultural practices on our own farmland. Using data driven management techniques, we are working to minimise resource use enhance natural functions in order to maximise agricultural productivity.
Listed below are examples of our commitment to a sustainable future.
We are certain that the incorporation of our sustainability strategy
will lead to the enhancement of our current and future projects.
We have worked alongside an impact data collection company, 60 Decibels, with the aim of improving the understanding, communication and contact with our farmers and suppliers. Critically, the data collected will highlight areas where we can provide more assistance to our farmers. This data will also assist us assessing how we can make a more meaningful impact to the lives of our suppliers, bringing about a positive improvement in individual and community well-being. We aim to expand upon this initiative by integrating the SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) into our supplier screening process, in order to maximise our knowledge of our supply chain.
In April 2023, Sono Ghana agreed a partnership with the GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) for Sustainable Citrus and Passion Fruit Production & Processing. Together, a sum of over 578,000.00 EUR, between March 2023 and March 2025, will be invested into sustainable development and job creation initiatives in Ghana. These projects include:
In Ghana, SONO has collaborated with the international charity Arms Around The Child to enhance Becky’s Home Orphanage and empower young adults. Our apprenticeship program, Fruitful Futures, integrates young adults into various operations, offering valuable work experience and aiding their transition to independence. SONO also contributes to the growth of Becky’s Home food forest, a sustainable agriculture initiative that provides the home with food and offsets the carbon footprint of international volunteers. Through our partnership with Arms Around The Child,, we demonstrate our commitment to improving the well-being of the communities we serve.
Addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution stemming from our reliance on single-use plastic water bottles and sachets, SONO has taken proactive steps. Through strategic investments in reverse osmosis filters in Ghana, we have successfully transformed tap water into a safe and potable alternative, leading to a remarkable 80% reduction in our plastic consumption.
We have been certified by Enel and The International REC Standards, as a consumer of energy that is 100% generated from renewable (hydroelectric) sources. This showcases our ongoing commitment to clean energy consumption and the reduction of our carbon footprint.
We aim to initiate infrastructure projects in both Ghana and Brazil each year, making small improvements to the daily lives of our employees, farmers, and the local communities. Our most recent examples include:
In Brazil, we host annual healthcare weeks for our workers. The events are arranged to ensure an understanding of basic healthcare needs and provide necessary services as such. Facilitated through interactions with health professionals, psychologists and nutritionists who disseminate knowledge and awareness about chosen themes, as well as provide them with a healthcare package on the day. Recently, we have incorporated environmental awareness into our healthcare events, inspiring workers to act diligently for the environment as well as their health.
We are continually striving for positive change both within SONO and for the communities in which we operate. We have established internal sustainability procedures, facilitated by the company Sustainability department. We look to improve sustainability education and communication throughout all avenues of the business. We believe positive impacts from projects such as these are a fundamental step towards the sustainable future we desire.