The new product will help in Coca-Cola's goal to support the development of a sustainable mango juice industry in Haiti. This five-year project, currently estimated at $7.5 million, seeks to double the income [image-nocss] of these farmers and to raise their standard of living, while contributing to the long-term development and revitalization of Haiti.
"This project is a great example of how lives can be changed when business, civil society and governments work together to build sustainable communities and help to create economic opportunity," said Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO, the Coca-Cola Co, Atlanta.
The project has garnered support from President Bill Clinton, co-chair of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and currently UN Special Envoy for Haiti, for its long-term commitment to the Haitian people. "The Coca-Cola Co. responded to Haiti's urgent immediate needs with financial support and beverages," said Clinton "The Haiti Hope Project goes a step further and exemplifies the innovative role that partnerships with the private sector can play in the reconstruction of Haiti."
The Project will also improve the participation of women in fruit production and develop opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish value-adding businesses in the Haitian mango sector. "This Project will produce long-lasting benefits for Haiti," said Bruce McNamer, president and CEO of TechnoServe, nonprofit dedicated to creating income, opportunity and economic growth in the developing world through entrepreneurship. "This public/private partnership will build on TechnoServe's strong track record of similar partnerships underway across the world, including banana, cashews, cocoa and coffee. It will bring world-class business and industry expertise to develop the private sector and improve Haitian livelihoods for many years to come."
Consumers can contribute by purchasing Odwalla Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid launched in the United States this month and a similar Odwalla Haiti Hope beverage to launch early summer in Canada; 100% of the profits will be directed to the project.
Odwalla is a juice company owned by Coca-Cola Co. that for 25 years has lived by three principles: make great juice; do good things for the community; and build a business with a heart. Odwalla Haiti Hope Mango Lime-Aid is a blend of mango and lime in a refreshing, quencher-style beverage.
The Coca-Cola Co. is the world's largest beverage company with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.
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