Produce importer highlights importance of global resource during World Water Day

Continental Fresh, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America, is teaming with Florida-based nonprofit Blue Missions to celebrate World Water Day on March 22.

The annual United Nations observance day highlights the importance of fresh water and the sustainable management of freshwater resources. According to the UN, 2.2 billion people worldwide live without access to safe water.

Continental Fresh sells mangos under its Water For All brand. With every Water For All-branded box of mangos sold, a percentage of proceeds is donated to fund clean water and sanitation projects in Latin America through Blue Missions.

“While we’re a produce importer and we’re in the business of selling fresh, quality produce on time and in peak condition, we’re also in the business of making a difference,” Continental Fresh founder and CEO Albert Perez said in a news release.

In partnership with the city of Coral Gables, Florida, and Vaco Studies, Blue Missions will unveil a public art installation on March 22 to raise awareness about water issues. “The Water Below Us,” on Giralda Plaza in Coral Gables, uses augmented reality to allow viewers to reveal a hanging “well,” explore the water cycle and visit South Florida wetlands using cell phones.

“Water is the basic foundation of a community,” Perez said. “Many young family members walk hours to collect it, and oftentimes the water they find is not safe to drink. Without clean water, families are locked in cycles of poverty, sickness, and low education levels.

“By funding water projects in rural communities, we are taking a huge step in breaking the poverty trap while bringing empowerment, health and opportunity to local communities.”