Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, distributors, and marketers of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, announced today that its emissions reduction targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with the levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The 27.5% reduction target covers greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s operations (scopes 1 and 2) and is consistent with reductions required to keep global warming to well-below 2°C.
Fresh Del Monte’s 12.3% reduction target for emissions from its value chain (scope 3) including emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations and employee commuting meet the SBTi’s criteria for ambitious value chain goals, meaning they are in line with current best practice.
“We’re thrilled to receive approval of our emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative, which furthers our commitment to protect the health of our planet today and for future generations,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP of Research & Development at Fresh Del Monte. “The food system is a vital area for climate action and we hope to lead by example and inspire others in the industry to make the commitment toward this much needed change.”
As the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the initiative in 2020, this is a significant milestone for Fresh Del Monte as only a few agricultural producers have developed emissions reduction targets grounded in climate science. Last year, 63% of the company’s capital expenditures benefitted climate action. To help manage its emissions, water, and waste, the company also created a proprietary new environmental action tool and database to track data facility by facility, covering 100% of Fresh Del Monte’s global operations.
Sauter will join industry leaders in a panel discussion on “Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at the Center of Development Strategies – Challenges and Opportunities,” at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
About Fresh Del Monte
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fresh Del Monte markets its products worldwide under the DEL MONTE® brand (under license from Del Monte Foods, Inc.), a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for over 135 years. The Company also markets its products under the MANN™ brand and other related trademarks. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Del Monte Foods, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited, Del Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd. Fresh Del Monte is the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the “Science Based Targets” initiative. Fresh Del Monte Produce is traded on the NYSE under the symbol FDP.
Source: Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
