Rabobank Celebrates Sustainability Leadership at Annual Summit Honoring The Wonderful Company

Rabobank Honors The Wonderful Company at Annual Leadership Summit

The Rabobank North America Leadership Summit celebrated exceptional contributions to the food and agribusiness sector, awarding The Wonderful Company the prestigious Rabobank Award for Leadership in Sustainability. This event took place in New York City on December 5, 2024, drawing attention to the critical link between agribusiness and sustainability.

Having served the food and agribusiness industry for 125 years, Rabobank, known as a leading financier in energy transition, aims to honor organizations that prioritize sustainable practices. The Wonderful Company, a major player in agriculture and consumer packaged goods in the United States, continually demonstrates a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, representing a model for transformative leadership in the industry.

For the past five decades, The Wonderful Company, under the guidance of its co-owners Lynda and Stewart Resnick, has dedicated its resources to promoting healthy food products derived from sustainable agricultural practices. This commitment is coupled with significant philanthropic efforts, directing over $2.5 billion to education, health, and community development initiatives in regions such as California's Central Valley, Fiji, and beyond.

The company's extensive portfolio includes well-known brands like FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, and Wonderful Pistachios. Recognizing their performance during the Leadership Summit, Rabobank praised the company for its innovative integration of sustainability in their operational framework. Rabobank’s Chief Sustainability Officer Terryn Lawrence expressed excitement over honoring an organization exemplifying the seamless blend of agriculture and sustainable practices.

In his acceptance speech, Stewart Resnick emphasized their mission to embed sustainability into their supply chain, operations, and all aspects of production. He spoke about initiatives like converting fallowed land into solar farms and ensuring 100% renewable energy use within their operations, as essential strategies for confronting climate change.

During the celebration, Rabobank also presented awards to emerging leaders in various sectors, with recognition given to Lineage for excellence in corporate leadership and Flashfood for innovation in grocery development. A rigorous evaluation by an independent panel ensured that only those organizations demonstrating profound impact and commitment to sustainability were honored.

The Leadership Awards continue to spotlight corporations and startups that set benchmarks in terms of governance, social responsibility, and innovation, reflecting the current global economic climate and the need for robust community engagement.

Rabobank, as a leading global player in financial services for food and agribusiness, continues to invest heavily in the future, emphasizing sustainable banking practices. Their commitment, paired with The Wonderful Company’s initiatives, showcases a partnership rooted in shared responsibility toward building a more sustainable world, tackling pressing concerns of climate change, and leaving a better planet for future generations.

For more information about these organizations and their sustainability efforts, visit Rabobank and The Wonderful Company.