Posted: Wednesday, February 19th, 2020
Del Rey Avocado along with 31 other brands are celebrated for outstanding quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation, purpose and partnership
Fallbrook, CA – Whole Foods Market has announced the winners of its eighth annual Supplier Awards, honoring 32 of the company’s suppliers which include Del Rey Avocado, for their outstanding achievements in 2019 and ongoing commitments to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation, purpose and partnership. This year’s honorees include local, regional and national brands across all product categories. The winners were named at a reception held in Austin, Texas, on February 18, 2020. Bob Lucy, President of Del Rey Avocado said; “It was a great night for Del Rey Avocado and our partnership with Whole Foods, truly a humbling experience for the entire Del Rey Family.”
“We’re honored to work with and celebrate the remarkable contributions of these suppliers that embody Whole Foods Market’s core values and consistently raise the bar in our industry,” said Don Clark, Senior Vice President of Non-Perishables Merchandising at Whole Foods Market. “Their dedication to excellence, quality, innovation and partnership is critical to our success and delivering on our mission to nourish people and the planet.” (Pulled from Whole Foods Company News)
Del Rey Avocado was recognized by Whole Foods in the “Service & Partnership” category for “exceptional partnership and attention to service, which have made the company a top avocado supplier. In addition to always being readily available and providing transparency, the Del Rey team is committed to high quality and social responsibility by creating economically viable business relationships, utilizing technologies that minimize waste, and practicing environmentally sound agricultural practices in growing their avocadoes.”
Del Ray Avocado is an industry leader in the organic avocado category with year-round supplies. Headquartered in Fallbrook, California, the family-owned operation has been in business for over 50 years. Del Rey Avocado is one of few California-based companies that owns facilities on both the West and East Coasts. The company runs seven packing & distribution centers strategically located throughout North America—including a new state-of-the-art facility which utilizes the latest technology, reducing waste and operates in highly environmentally efficient manner in Vista, California.
The family owned company has a long history in being an outstanding corporate citizen as demonstrated by a long-standing commitment to the Fair Trade Certified™ program, Del Rey Avocado is a leader when it comes to social responsibility. Patrick Lucy, Vice President of Sales says, “When you choose to purchase Fair Trade products, you are helping families in Mexico improve their lives. Workers are able to earn fair wages, work in safe conditions, protect the environment and keep their kids in school. It’s an easy way to support the hard-working people who grow the products consumers love.”
Del Rey Avocado is further committed to improving all aspects of its business practices, including good ethical behavior, concern for employee health and safety, care for the environment and community involvement. “We recognize that our social, environmental and ethical conduct has an impact on our reputation,” says Patrick Lucy, Vice President of Sales. “Therefore, we commit to continual improvement in our performance, efficient use of natural resources and aspire to Zero Harm to people and the environment.” The company has already converted several ranches to solar power and is in the process of converting its Southern California packing facility and is committed to expanding solar in the future.
The family-owned company has been in operations since 1969 and is headquartered in Fallbrook, California which is in beautiful northern San Diego County. Del Rey Avocado is one of the few California based companies that owns its facilities both on the West and East Coasts and has a total of five packing and distribution centers strategically located throughout North America. Additionally, the company grows in five unique geographic regions, three of which include Mexico, Peru and Chile.