SACRAMENTO, CA - Produce distributor General Produce has begun ramping up and focusing its efforts on the area of sustainability. Improving daily operational targets and establishing a company commitment to achieve “green certification” by year end is an aggressive but worthy goal. 

“The terms ‘sustainability’ and ‘green’ are often interchanged, but we’ve learned through the initial evaluation process that true sustainability encompasses much more,” said Linda Luka, Director of Marketing and Communications for General Produce. “We’ve partnered with Green Plus for our official certification and are very pleased with the assessment results. While we have some worthwhile work ahead of us for certification, we can also take credit for many practices already in place that contribute to our sustainability efforts.”

Green Plus is a third-party certification company described as a “business improvement program focusing on business education, networking, and recognition.” The company’s process aims to conserve natural resources, increase recycling and reuse to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. But the environment is just one element of General Produce’s sustainability initiative.

“We are committed to not only meeting the basic requirements set forth by Green Plus for certification, but aspire to surpass them. Broadly stated, our industry has not typically been a leader in sustainability. We would like to set the bar high as we join forces with like-minded legacy companies," says Daniel Chan, President of General Produce. "We understand the importance of innovation and adaptability. We have an imperative to pass along a strong and enduring company for the next generation.” 

The full Green Plus process also includes a review of the company’s engagement and effects with people, planet and profits. The sustainability certification encompasses a review of the social, economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of the total business practices.

General Produce