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The soil plays an important role in the food system. According to estimates, 95% of the food that we eat is either directly or indirectly grown in soils. Environmental experts warn that our soils could be at risk in a matter of years if we fail to act. Heinz has launched an S.O.S. to ask Fortnite players for their help in changing the course of events and ensuring that soil health is not compromised.
The creators of the world’s favorite ketchup created an island inspired by the tomato farms all over the globe. The first time that Fortnite Battle Royale and Zero Build have offered, players will be given the task of outrunning “The Storm”. This is 33% faster than normal.
To highlight the rapid decline in soil health, the shrinking safe zone was created. The good news is that playing in the virtual realm will have a positive effect on the real one. Heinz helps to protect 13.5M squares of soil, which is equivalent to over 1600 football pitches.
The game will allow players to experience Heinz’s tomato-growing journey. They can start in greenhouses, where they house young tomato plants. These plants are then transplanted into the fields, where they become mature tomatoes.
This island is a great example of some of the sustainable, regenerative practices Heinz supports in real life. It allows for the cultivation and harvesting of high-quality tomatoes that will be used in making the best-tasting ketchup.
Cover cropping, crop rotation, and maintaining soil cover are all practices that can improve soil health.
The brand committed to further improving its sustainable agriculture practices in 2020 to preserve good food for future generations.
Cristina Kenz is Heinz’s Chief Growth & Sustainability Officer. She stated: “When it involves Heinz it all starts with our delicious tomato. We have committed to ensuring that 100% of our ketchup is made from sustainably grown tomatoes by 2025. This commitment will help us build better soils to not only produce our tomatoes, but also has the potential to store carbon. This is an important pillar of our plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“All of us can play a role, quite literally, in protecting our soil and the delicious foods that grow from it.” It is a fight worth fighting for.
Heinz’s S.O.S. will now be available to players. Tomatoes Island will be available starting March 16th by entering code “1877-1435-632” on Fortnite’s island code page. This Fortnite Creative experience is created by Epic Games and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Epic Games.
