“A company’s mission should include making the world better,” said Albert Perez, CEO and founder of Continental Fresh. “Water For All grew from a simple belief that good produce can do good for others.” 

He noted that the model is intentionally straightforward, the company sells quality mangos under its Water For All label, and a portion of the proceeds goes directly to Blue Missions, which builds gravity-driven aqueducts in remote communities. 

“Over time, Water For All has characterized and colored everything we do at Continental Fresh,” Perez said. “That includes how we approach trade shows, retail promotions and the service and fundraising trips we organize.”

One of the most visible expressions of that purpose is the company’s annual Water For All Trek — a five-day climb to the summit of Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean. Scheduled for Nov. 21–25 this year, the hike brings together members of the produce industry, partners, customers and supporters for a trip that blends adventure, reflection and direct community engagement. 

“The trek is a proving ground for our purpose,” Perez said. “It puts our team, partners and customers face to face with the people who benefit from our work and the leaders who keep systems running long after we build them. We listen, ask what’s working and hear where they still need support.”

Perez believes the physical challenge of the climb also helps participants emotionally connect with the realities faced by rural families without household water access. 

“While teams carry packs toward the summit, they can reflect a little,” he said. “They begin to understand how taxing it is to carry fresh water from one place to the next. They empathize with rural families in need while understanding the impact of clean water and sanitation.” 

A visit to a nearby community allows hikers to see a water system up close, meet residents and experience the day-to-day difference these aqueducts make. 

“The mix of personal challenge and proximity to the work helps turn supporters into long-term advocates,” Perez said.

To date, Continental Fresh has helped connect more than 36,700 people to clean water. 

Partners and retailers can support Water For All by carrying the company’s blue-labeled mangos or by joining next year’s trek. 

“Small steps, when taken together, can create lasting, meaningful change,” Perez said. 

The company recently launched a retail toolkit with downloadable point-of-sale storytelling materials — including posters, social media graphics and impact summaries — to help retailers communicate how each purchase contributes to clean-water projects. 

“We want to create a direct link between the product, the store and the impact felt in faraway villages,” he said.

Trek participants also help raise funds for the projects by raising at least $750 each, all of which goes straight to material costs and local labor for aqueduct and sanitation systems. 

“We ask that people fundraise even if they have the means to pay their fee,” Perez said. “Rallying support spreads awareness of the need for clean water. Knowing you have backing from caring people in your community also makes the trek more meaningful.”

As purpose-driven brands gain traction in the marketplace, Perez believes Water For All offers a model for the future. 

“We have a trusted product, a clear outcome and a simple invitation to join us in our work,” he said. “By helping others, we help retailers, and they help Continental Fresh. And then we continue helping others. This cycle is a win-win.”