O-Zo Fresh
savewater! award® inspires growth of sustainable businesses
With no access to mains water, O-Zo Fresh Processing in Red Cliffs was honoured in the ‘regional business’ category for creating its own water supply to operate its asparagus processing plant - and recycling 100% of water used.
“As a regional organisation, we were overwhelmed and delighted to be recognised in a statewide awards program. Due to the profile of the savewater! awards®, other local operations learnt of our win and have since approached us to assist and advise them on becoming more water friendly,” says O-Zo Fresh Processing Director, Ms Andrea Minter.
“To have other operations incorporate water sustainability into their practices as a result of our win is the best outcome of all.”
Ms Minter says that O-Zo Fresh Processing’s savewater! award® has helped to motivate staff to continue producing fresh product of a high standard.
She also says that the credibility attached to the awards has been invaluable for the business’ reputation in the marketplace and general community – including positively influencing suppliers of fresh asparagus.
“I believe that today’s consumer is more aware and values products that result from environmentally sustainable practices,” says Ms Minter. “They are asking more questions and looking backwards along the supply chain, not just purchasing from face value on the supermarket shelf.”
O-Zo Fresh Processing is today maintaining its current award-winning practices and improving ways to reduce the business’ impact on natural resources.
“Recognition from the savewater! awards® has made us sit back away from the day-to-day grind and look at the business differently, which is a great benefit,” says Ms Minter.
“However the best thing about the awards is knowing that people recognise and share our passion for water conservation.”