Social Responsibility
We positively impact the communities where we produce our products by generating jobs with fair wages, respecting the human rights of our collaborators, rejecting child labor, and fostering a discrimination-free environment.
Additionally, we engage in student social projects and drive the economy in the regions where we operate, creating a significant number of indirect jobs.
The adoption of new technologies has been a key factor, including solar panels, reduced use of agrochemicals through drones, and plastic recycling for transformation into new reusable products.
Our production adheres to Global GAP, Rainforest Alliance, FDA, PGFS packaging, Sustainably Grown, FSMA, Carbon Neutral, BASC, and GRASP Risk Assessment standards, as well as audits to verify compliance with clients’ stricter policies.
To demonstrate our commitment to transparency, in 2024 we published our first Sustainability Report, focused on communicating our current achievements and outlining future strategies in social, environmental, and governance matters.
Social responsability
Creamos Futuro Program
Programs such as “Creamos Futuro” (We Create the Future) allow us to have an impact on areas such as education, health, economy and safety in the Atlantic region of our country.
At Grupo Acón, we manage our operations responsibly and comprehensively to contribute to the sustainable development of the communities where we work, as well as to improve the quality of life of our collaborators.
Solar Energy Project
Grupo Acón has developed the largest interconnected Solar Panel Installation Project in the country
Grupo Acón´s commitment to sustainable growth motivated the planning and approval of the largest private photovoltaic power generation project in the country, which included the installation of solar panels in all its fruit processing plants. The first stage started in the banana packing plants in August 2017 and 30 projects are now in operation.
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Drone project
Grupo Acón, seeking solutions to minimize environmental and community impact during the fumigation process, finds an opportunity in technology to make it more efficient and effective. High application effectiveness is achieved, as flying at low altitudes allows for more focused dispersion in the fields.
This technology will continue to improve its efficiency as agricultural software is updated, along with the capabilities and specialization of the units.
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Recycling program
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as of 2018, Costa Rica’s plastic industry was the third largest within the country. Our company has made a new stride to help combat the country’s renewable waste program by recently launching the operations of our recycling plant. In the past years, we have made intentional efforts to reduce our waste and recycle 100% of the plastic that we use in our operations. A total 3,5 tons of plastic will be recycled per year.
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Books for all
Investing in education is one of the pillars of our sustainability strategy. Through a multi-stakeholder approach, where the public and private sectors work together, the company aims to. Our work with the program “Books for all”, began in 2013, providing materials for 6 schools in the province of Limón, Costa Rica. However, each year, we have reached our goal to add more schools and more cities to the program. By 2022, 32 educational centers have been benefited, with a totala total of 17,172 books for 4,293 students from the I and II cycle.
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Rainforest conservation
For many years, all our farms have been certified by Rainforest Alliance, preserving biodiversity and promoting the best industry practices. We also maintain over 1,719 hectares of protected forests, helping to provide endangered species with biological corridors for genetic improvement, preventing inbreeding, and offering safe havens from hunters. According to the study by SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas, MINAE), the protection zone is home to approximately 734 plant species, 442 bird species (including migratory ones), 138 mammal species, 118 reptile species, 58 amphibian species, and 460 arthropod species.
New features
Carbon neutrality
Aligned with Costa Rica's vision of sustainable development, our company has led and implemented various initiatives and projects within its operations as part of its commitment to a sustainable future. Our carbon neutral certification, which guarantees the compensation of all the carbon emissions that are generated from our daily farming operations. The Banana Division, with more than 9000 hectares (close to 23000 acres) under production, began the certification process in 2017 and successfully achieved it, as the goal was set, in 2021.
Workforce
Our people are the driving force of Grupo Acón, which is why we treat all our employees as fundamental team members. Concrete actions to improve our work environment include:
- Non-discrimination
- No child labor
- Equity in personnel hiring
- Clear policies against workplace harassment and annual training to prevent such situations
Our sustainability priorities are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Cultivate a healthier world
To enhance the health of people around the world by growing and delivering delicious and healthy food.
Inspire sustainable growth
To lead the way to implement sustainable practices in every step of the way and build meaningful partnerships for the future.
Nurture people's potential
To leverage the potential of people by contributing to the development of our teams and communities through education.
Purpose — Healthier world.
Purpose — Sustainable growth.
Purpose — Sustainable growth.
Purpose — Nurture the potential.
working together
Partnership for the goals
These goals can only be met if we work together. Sharing ideas and building partnerships to work towards sustainable development is key.
