For the nut and dried fruit industry, sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a strategic priority. That’s why the INC launched the INC Sustainability Institute: a global platform helping to raise sustainability standards within the industry, share expertise, and accelerate meaningful progress across the supply chain.
At the heart of this initiative is the INC Sustainability Certification, a powerful investment to help your business turn its sustainability efforts into real, measurable impact. But, what is it, and how can it benefit your company?
What is the INC Sustainability Certification?
The INC Sustainability Certification is an industry-specific program developed to recognize and promote sustainable practices across the entire nut and dried fruit supply chain. As the centerpiece of the INC’s broader sustainability initiative, the INC Sustainability Institute, this certification is uniquely tailored to the realities of the nut and dried fruit industry.
Unlike generic or region-specific programs, the INC Sustainability Certification is uniquely designed with expert input to deliver practical, actionable standards across the entire nut and dried fruit supply chain. It addresses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions, aligning with globally recognized frameworks such as the GHG Protocol, relevant ISO standards, and other private Certifications. This comprehensive approach ensures the certification is both rigorous and accessible, empowering businesses to advance sustainability with credibility and confidence.
This data-driven certification program uses a quantitative scoring system, providing companies with a clear and transparent snapshot of their sustainability performance while highlighting opportunities for continuous improvement.
What Does Being Certified Mean for a Company?
Understanding that sustainability challenges vary across the supply chain, the INC Sustainability Certification applies tailored standards across different segments of the supply chain as well as different products. Earning the INC certification is more than just a label, it’s a powerful statement of leadership and commitment. As a B2B Certification, companies will enjoy:
- Competitive Market Differentiation
In a growing market where sustainability drives purchasing decisions, certification helps your company stand out, opening doors to new customers and key business opportunities.
- Alignment with Global Standards and Buyer Expectations
The INC Sustainability Certification is specifically tailored to the nut and dried fruit sector while aligning with leading international ESG frameworks. It supports your company in meeting evolving expectations and regulatory requirements globally, while also acknowledging and validating the sustainability efforts you’ve already implemented.
- Enhanced Credibility and Trust
The certification gives your company a trusted seal of approval that shares your genuine commitment to sustainability positions your business as a leader in the field.
- Structured Roadmap for Continuous Improvement
The certification process provides clear criteria and guidance, supporting your company in measuring, managing, and improving sustainability performance over time for lasting impact.
It turns strategy into execution and execution into real, measurable impact.
Who Can Become Certified?
The certification is exclusively available to INC member companies, whose operation lie in the following segments:
- Growers
- Processors and manufacturers
- Global Trade Specialists
The program uses tailored criteria to evaluate each business type, recognizing the diverse roles and sustainability challenges across the value chain.
How to Apply
Getting started is simple:
- Click the “I’m Interested” button.
- Fill out the form with some details about your company – we’ll review it and get back to you promptly.
Position your company at the forefront of sustainable leadership in the nut and dried fruit industry. Have questions? Check out our FAQs for more information.
