Dinant partners with local community members, including Garifuna members, for the sustainable production of coconut oil
Honduran Project helps Small Producers, 70 Members of the Community, Generating Income and Jobs
Members of the local and Garifuna community of Puerto Castilla employ traditional methods to produce coconut oil
DINANT Corporation, a leader in the agroindustry and consumer packaged goods industry in Central America, proudly announces a historic association with the local community including several Garifuna members of Puerto Castilla, Trujillo, Colon. Collaboration to produce sustainable and high-quality extra virgin coconut oil for the new DINANT´S Mazola line of coconut oil products, will provide income and long-term jobs to members of the local and Garifuna community, and a superior coconut oil for consumers. About the Association DINANT is committed to buy all the coconut oil produced at the community of Puerto Castilla. Recognized by its extra-virgin quality, the oil will be an essential part of the new product portfolio of the new DINANT ´s Mazola coconut oil. The community employs traditional methods to produce oil, which highlights the importance of cultural preservation and environmental management. Miguel Mauricio Facusse, CEO, reflected on the objectives of the project: “This association is not only an inclusive business initiative; it is a testimony of the commitment of DINANT towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Working hand in hand with the Puerto Castilla community, we will not only create a high-quality product but also promote economic growth and preserve invaluable cultural practices. This is a model of how companies and communities may join for mutual benefit, and we are excited about the positive impact that this will have in the years to come.” Product Launch and Sustainability The Mazola coconut oil product was officially launched to DINANT´S key customers. DINANT will review the feasibility of the project over the next 6-8 months, the typical timeline needed to evaluate behavior, consumer´s acceptance and determine the long-term feasibility of the project. DINANT´s Support and Development DINANT is providing wide technical support and resources to ensure that the coconut oil produced complies with the high standards of the company. Initiatives include training sessions, the development of a standardized manual for the production of coconut oil and plans to provide machinery to expedite the production process. Inclusive Business Model Providing Community and Environmental Benefits This association brings the Puerto Castilla community the promise of social and economic growth, generation of long-term employment creation and preservation of priceless cultural practices. Benefiting 18 small producers and impacting more than 70 members of the community, it is an inclusive, scalable, and socially responsible business model. The environmentally sustainable approach is aligned with the commitment of both partners in the conservation and responsible management of resources. Ingrid Yamileth Steer, a small independent producer of coconut oil shared her ideas: “Our alliance with DINANT is not only transactional, but a true recognition of our artisanal contributions. This is a dream come true, which improves economic perspectives and shows a cultural respect towards our community.” Future Perspectives Roger Pineda, Director of Corporate Relations, stated regarding the long-term vision of the collaboration: “We see this association as the beginning. With the launching of our Mazola Coconut Oil Project, we are exploring ways to expand our associations to include other communities and diversify the range of sustainable sourced products. Goes without saying that this is growth, but also being able to generate a positive impact in the environment and lives of the people with whom we are working. We envision a future in which our corporate success is firmly rooted in the success of our community partners.” Community Vision Ingrid Yamileth Steer of the Puerto Castillo community said: “I see this project as the beginning for many people within the community and also as an opportunity for us as producers to make ourselves known in Honduras as hardworking individuals eager to succeed.” Ingrid continues, “We have the opportunity to exploit our resources and move forward as communities, regardless of living in rural areas; let´s take advantage of the opportunities and alliances to be made with companies like DINANT, set goals and be persistent in achieving our objectives.” About DINANT Corporation DINANT is a leading manufacturer of consumer goods and agroindustry in Central America, committed to the production of high-quality products with the highest sustainability and corporate responsibility standards. DINANT´s products are sold in Central America and the Dominican Republic. Its operation directly employs almost 7,000 people and supports thousands of contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
