Fyffes and Ocado Retail Partner to Rebuild Primary School and Pre-School in Southern Belize

Fyffes, in partnership with UK-based online supermarket Ocado Retail, proudly announces the official opening of newly constructed school facilities at Fabian Cayetano R.C. Primary School in Bladen Village, Toledo District, southern Belize. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Fyffes’ long-standing commitment to community investment and access to education in the regions where produce is grown.

Responding to urgent infrastructure and safety needs, Fyffes and Ocado jointly funded the construction of a five-classroom block and a dedicated pre-school building, replacing dilapidated and unsafe structures that previously posed serious risks to students and staff. The modern facilities will now provide a secure and nurturing environment for 271 students – including 22 preschoolers – and also serve as certified hurricane shelters for the village’s 800 residents.

This £192,300 GBP investment, which complements previous classroom block funded by Fyffes, directly addresses the school’s former challenges, which included pest-infested, poorly lit classrooms with broken floors and non-functioning sanitation facilities.

Commenting on the opening, Victor Chique, Country Manager of Fyffes Belize, said: “It’s a priority for Fyffes to support the communities where our people come from. Education is essential for communities to thrive and grow, and we are proud to contribute to that journey.”

Ben I’Anson, Senior Buyer for Fruit at Ocado Retail: “Working with suppliers like Fyffes is essential to ensuring that our supply chains positively contribute towards helping communities in regions where we source from. It is great to provide children with access to safe and happy education where they’ll also be provided with healthy and nutritional breakfast.”

Education is one of the key pillars in Fyffes’ Community Investment strategy, which is part of its broader Vision of Shaping Wellbeing for the World. In 2024 alone, Fyffes’ total investment in community infrastructure in Belize—including a community clinic in another rural village—amounts to over £254,162 GBP.

This partnership between Fyffes and Ocado Retail demonstrates the positive impact that responsible sourcing and long-term collaboration between producers and retailers can have on vulnerable communities, especially in remote agricultural regions.