Global technology leader Verder Group is marking its commitment to environmental and social responsibility and has chosen the multi-award-winning Mardouw Olive Estate to plant, for each of its employees around the world, a massive 2 000 olive trees at the estate.
SA Olive Industry Association CEO Wendy Petersen is delighted by the news and says, "The planting of new olive trees is a fantastic initiative with numerous long-term benefits for our industry. There is a worldwide demand for excellent olive oils and table olives, and meeting this demand through increased production can be highly lucrative."
A ceremony to mark the occasion was held recently at the Mardouw Olive Estate.
It was attended by:
- Cape Town executive mayor Schalk van Eeden
- Richard Hattersley
- MD Of Verder Scientific SA
- Nina Verder representing the Verder family, and
- Mardouw executive chairperson Gerbrand Nijman.
Hattersley says, "This signifies our commitment to sustainability and our belief in the power of collective action for the greater good. In partnership with Mardouw Olive Estate, one of South Africa's premier producers of quality extra virgin olive oil, this project symbolises our dedication to reducing our ecological footprint."
"And we have planted more than 2 000 trees here at Mardouw because we are always expanding, and we will soon have more than 2 000 employees," adds Hattersley.
Mardouw's Gerbrand Nijman says the trees will contribute to a better environment.
"We will take pride in taking good care of these trees, which will of course contribute to making more of our award-winning extra virgin olive oil. As South Africa's most decorated olive oil brand, our high standards of high quality have been — like Verder Group's — recognised around the world as evidenced by our platinum and gold awards not only in South Africa but also in Europe, the United States of America, and South America. It will be our honour to nurture these trees," adds Mijman.
"Beyond the economic benefits, planting olive trees is crucial for sustainability and environmental stewardship. This initiative has significant social implications, particularly in terms of job creation. The process of planting, cultivating and harvesting olives provides numerous employment opportunities. This is a wonderful turnkey solution, offering a comprehensive approach to long-term sustainability," concludes Peterson.
For more information, visit www.verder.com.
*Image courtesy of contributor