One Banana, a family-owned, vertically integrated agricultural company with operations across Latin America, has been honored with Walmart’s esteemed TRUST Award. The recognition was officially presented during the Produce Growth Forum held in Bentonville, Arkansas, and it affirms One Banana’s leadership in producing high-quality bananas through sustainable, safe, and innovative agricultural practices.
This distinction is not just a reflection of current achievements but also a continuation of the company’s long-standing relationship with Walmart and its enduring commitment to excellence. Over the years, One Banana has earned a solid reputation for its environmental stewardship, product quality, and community engagement. In 2013, the company was named Walmart’s Supplier of the Year, was a finalist in 2015, and more recently received the “Giga Gurú” title in both 2023 and 2024 under Walmart’s Gigaton Project, which recognizes suppliers that actively drive emissions reductions and sustainability innovation.
A Deep Commitment to Responsible Agriculture
Founded on principles of environmental responsibility, food security, and community development, One Banana is more than just a banana producer. The company oversees every stage of production—from growing and harvesting to processing and exporting—which enables full traceability, food safety, and control over quality. Its farms are strategically located in Guatemala, Ecuador, and Peru, countries known for their ideal banana-growing climates and rich biodiversity. These locations also allow the company to maintain a consistent and reliable supply of fresh bananas to global markets.
The TRUST Award highlights how One Banana has embraced a holistic approach to farming, incorporating both traditional agricultural values and modern regenerative techniques. This approach centers around three major pillars: environmental conservation, resource optimization, and social responsibility.
Bee One for Change: Protecting Pollinators for a Healthier Ecosystem
One of the standout sustainability initiatives praised by Walmart is One Banana’s Bee One for Change program. This effort was launched to address the global decline in pollinator populations—a trend that poses a serious threat to food security and ecosystem health. Through this initiative, One Banana has created large-scale Macro-Sanctuaries dedicated to the protection and conservation of native bee species in the regions where it operates.
These sanctuaries provide safe habitats and support the reproduction and health of bees, which play a vital role in natural pollination. The initiative enhances biodiversity on One Banana’s farms and is integrated into a larger regenerative agriculture model that promotes soil health, water conservation, and ecological balance. The company’s efforts also serve as a model for other producers aiming to make pollinator protection a central part of their agricultural strategy.
Upcycling and Circular Economy: Turning Surplus into Value
In line with its mission to reduce waste and maximize the value of every banana harvested, One Banana has implemented a forward-thinking upcycling program. At its state-of-the-art Natural Ingredients Processing Plant, the company repurposes surplus bananas—grown sustainably on certified plantations—into high-value food ingredients. These include banana purées, flakes, and powders that are used by food and beverage manufacturers around the world.
This initiative not only helps prevent food loss but also demonstrates how by-products from agricultural processes can be transformed into economically viable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Second-grade bananas that may not meet the cosmetic standards for fresh produce markets are also rerouted to beneficial uses. For example, Walmart’s operations in Guatemala receive these bananas, ensuring good-quality food doesn’t go to waste simply because it doesn’t meet visual perfection.
This model aligns perfectly with circular economy principles and underscores the company’s goal of doing more with less. By finding practical uses for imperfect or surplus products, One Banana contributes to a more efficient and responsible food system that values every part of the supply chain.
Healthcare and Human Development: Investing in Communities
Beyond the fields and processing plants, One Banana is deeply invested in the well-being of the people who help bring its products to life. Through its Human Development Center (HDC), the company has taken bold steps to uplift rural communities by offering essential health and wellness services. The HDC provides access to medical care, nutritional support, and early childhood education programs for families in some of the most underserved areas near its farms.
These services are designed to promote holistic development and long-term resilience. Nutrition education helps combat malnutrition, while early childhood interventions support cognitive and physical growth in young children. Health clinics offer routine and emergency care, addressing gaps in public health infrastructure. These social investments reflect One Banana’s broader mission to be a catalyst for positive change, not only in how food is grown but also in how communities thrive.
A Relationship Rooted in Trust and Shared Values
Receiving the TRUST Award places One Banana among a select group of Walmart suppliers that consistently demonstrate outstanding performance in sustainability, innovation, and corporate responsibility. The award is a testament to the collaborative relationship between the two companies, built on shared values of integrity, stewardship, and long-term vision.
“Being recognized once again by Walmart is a true honor, and a reflection of our commitment to doing things right,” said Rob Adams, President of One Banana. “We are proud to be part of the select group of suppliers that, year after year, stand out for their good practices. This recognition validates our main purpose: to create change for the better, One Banana at a time.”
As the food and agriculture industry faces increasing pressure to combat climate change, ensure food security, and reduce waste, companies like One Banana are proving that responsible business can also be good business. With their continued investment in sustainability, innovation, and human development, One Banana exemplifies how a family-owned company can have global impact—one banana at a time.
