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On 28 September, around 60 participants gathered in Cadaval to bring the “Harvesting with Purpose” initiative to life. Organized by Sumol Compal and Frutus – Central Fruteira, with the support of the Alcobaça Apple Producers Association (APMA) and the Compal Fruitology Center, the event celebrated the connection between agriculture, community, and solidarity.
The initiative took place in an apple orchard at Quinta da Boavista and offered a meaningful harvesting experience designed to bring participants closer to the origins of fruit production, showcase the work carried out by Portuguese growers, and highlight the importance of Portugal’s fruit-growing sector. Throughout the morning, volunteers actively took part in the harvest, strengthening their connection to a value chain that begins in the fields and reaches consumers’ tables every day.
The harvested fruit will be donated to the Oeste Food Bank, helping to support families in the region and extending the positive impact of the initiative within the local community. This charitable dimension brought partners together around a shared cause, reinforcing their collective commitment to the development and well-being of the communities in which they operate.
More than a volunteering activity, the event aimed to highlight the essential role producers play in the supply chain and to underline the importance of partnerships that unite different organizations around a common purpose. The collaboration between Sumol Compal and Frutus is an example of a relationship built on trust, support for national production, and the creation of sustainable value for all stakeholders, from the orchard to the consumer.
The initiative was attended by Diogo Pereira Dias, CEO of Sumol Compal, and Armando Torres Paulo, Founder and Chairman of Frutus, underscoring the importance of this strategic partnership for both organizations.
Following the harvest, participants also had the opportunity to visit Frutus’ facilities, gaining further insight into the company’s operations and the journey of fruit from the orchard to the marketplace.
Through initiatives like this, we reinforce our commitment to supporting Portuguese agriculture, empowering local communities, and building strong relationships that generate positive impact for all. Because when we work in partnership, we create value across the entire chain, from the source of the fruit to the communities that benefit from it.