The Azura group announced on Wednesday that it has obtained the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification for its horticultural sites in the cities of Agadir and Dakhla, in recognition of its sustainable water resource management strategy.
This certification aims to generate social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits at the site and watershed levels, the group stated in a press release.
This major milestone is the result of more than 4 years of close collaboration and coordination between the Azura group teams and the AWS teams for the design and implementation of a comprehensive sustainable water management strategy in the cherry tomato production farms in Agadir and Dakhla, and the packing station in Agadir.
As part of the AWS certification process, independent auditors examine various factors related to the watersheds where the sites are located, such as water quality, water quantity management, and engagement with key water-related stakeholders.
“Since its creation over 30 years ago, the Azura group has been committed to ‘Cultivating good for all’ for the planet, for consumers, for society, and for employees. This defines our past and present and shapes our ambition for future generations,” the group stated.
Azura’s ambition is to be a positive and proactive player that inspires and fosters positive change. To achieve this, the teams are convinced that implementing the development strategy, in perfect alignment with a voluntary CSR strategy and in partnership with all stakeholders, will help address the social, environmental, and societal challenges the group faces.
“The Azura group is proud to obtain the AWS certification, globally recognized as the most rigorous standard for sustainable water management for businesses. Water is essential to our business and the communities where we operate. We are indeed committed to ensuring sustainable management of this vital resource by improving governance, quality, and contributing to ensuring access to water for all. Our commitment to addressing the challenges of tomorrow is even stronger,” said Hicham Harakat, Chief Executive Officer of the Azura group, as quoted in the press release.
Azura is a privately owned Franco-Moroccan family group established in 1988, specializing in the fruit & vegetable and aquaculture sectors, and is one of the world’s leading producers of tomatoes, recording a turnover of 500 million euros in 2023.
With its 18,000 employees and unique expertise, the group offers its consumers high-quality products (tomatoes, aromatic herbs, edible flowers, and clams).