SUSTAINABILITY

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When sourcing its vanilla from Madagascar or even its blood oranges from the slopes of Mount Etna , Gusto ’ s commitment to organic produce has been unwavering . This has also become a pressing priority for consumers too who are increasingly backing the organic market with their wallets . In the UK alone , sales of organic food and drink rose by 6 % last year to a record £ 2.2bn ( US $ 2.8bn ). Yet , as Fugard highlights , this is not just a financial advantageous proposition , it also a key part of the company ’ s ethos .

“ There are no two ways about it , organic is part of our DNA ,” Fugard says . Today , the firm is heavily overseen by bodies like the Soil Association to uphold this organic certification and it also doesn ’ t use unnatural flavours or ingredients like phosphoric acid . This gives consumers a strict level of confidence that they know exactly what they ’ re drinking .

“ To put it simply , the organic certification mark is the most credible sign you can get that ensures a customer is going to get a product that has been treated with as few pesticides and fertilisers as possible ,” comments Fugard . “ It ensures the ingredients come from land that is farmed with proper land stewardship .”

“ I think consumers are getting more

— William Fugard , Chief Executive Officer , Gusto

SEPTEMBER 2019