Goal For The Green

Last week, was a busy and hopeful week for Haiti.

Odwalla  announced plans on March 31,2010, to donate 100 percent of the profit from sales of its new Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid, to help provide training and better market access to 25,000 mango farmers in Haiti. This is  part of a long-term investment in the country’s economic development and infrastructure.

Odwalla Inc., is the nation’s leading natural health beverage company, and delivers healthy nourishment, coast to coast.  They have been making juices, and innovative natural health products and beverages, for nearly 30 years.

Odwalla’s contributions will aid Haiti, in it’s recovery from January’s devastating earthquake.  Supporting the island nation’s long-term development and reconstruction plans, is part of the Haiti Hope Project, a large-scale, five-year initiative spearheaded by The Coca-Cola Company.

The launch of  Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid, is the first in a series of initiatives by The Coca-Cola Company, that will support the Haiti Hope Project, over these next five years. With sales of this new flavor, Odwalla hopes to raise more than $500,000 to benefit the cause.

The main goal and mission, of the Haiti Hope Project, is to create opportunity for  these 25,000 Haitian mango farmers and their families. By helping to develop a sustainable mango juice industry, The Haiti Hope Project, seeks to double the income of these farmers, and raise their standard of living.

The introduction of the new product, is being supported by reallocating resources, and leveraging several of The Coca-Cola Company’s, already existing advertising assets. Efforts in marketing, will include the Coca-Cola Outdoor Digital Advertising Network, as well as targeted print and online campaigns.

Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid, is currently available in the refrigerated section of natural food stores, select supermarkets, as well as, specialty outlets throughout the United States.

“Odwalla is all about sustainable living and doing good things for the community, and the Haiti Hope Project fits perfectly with our mission,” said Chris Brandt, vice president of marketing, Odwalla. “This isn’t a one-time donation. This is a long-term commitment that will gain strength with every refreshing Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid drink, enjoyed by thirsty consumers.”

Currently, it is estimated that Haiti reaps only 20 percent of the potential value of its mango crops.  Mangos are one of the country’s top three exports. The Haiti Hope Project, brings together a coalition of private and public sector partners that are being  brought together by TechnoServe, a non-profit that empowers entrepreneurs in the developing world. This Project will create opportunities for the 25,000 Haitian mango farmers, to double their incomes, with a focus on growing crops more efficiently, and improving their access to world markets.

The Haiti Hope Project will  also, support research to identify mango varieties that are best suited for processing into juice.  This step, will    encourage investments in local juice processing capacity, and improvements in related transportation infrastructure. Haitian mango farmers, also will receive technical training and guidance, on how to diversify their income-generating activities, and ensure responsible environmental, and labor practices at the farm level.   The hope is, not only to get mangos growing in groves, but to get Haiti growing more exportable crops, so that they can have a thriving and sustainable economy.

“We invite everyone to raise a bottle to a more fruitful future for Haiti,” Brandt said. “It’s a perfect opportunity to savor some real Odwalla goodness while doing something good at the same time.”

Your puchase of Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid, can support the Haiti Hope Project, by texting the word “Mango” to 50555.  A donation of $10 will be added automatically to your mobile phone statement. If you donate , you also will be able to opt in, to receive up-to-date information on the Haiti Hope Project, throughout the life of the initiative.

To learn more about Odwalla products and Odwalla’s commitment to the environment, please visit www.Odwalla.com : or call 1.800.ODWALLA.  ow Odwalla is alsoon Facebook and Twitter (@Odwalla).

About TechnoServe

TechnoServe is a leader in a movement that empowers people in the developing world, to build businesses that break the cycle of poverty.

Growing enterprises generate jobs, and other income opportunities for poor people, enabling them to improve their lives and secure a better future for their families. Since its founding in 1968, the U.S.-based nonprofit has helped to create or expand thousands of businesses, benefiting millions of people in more than 30 countries.
Charity Navigator also has awarded its highest Four Star ranking to TechnoServe. Please visit their website at www.technoserve.org : .