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 a strong close to the year for its sustainability programs. The company scored an A- in the water security category and B in the climate change and forest categories for its sustainability initiatives by the CDP, an international nonprofit organization that helps companies and cities report their environmental impact. The company has also won in the Environmental Initiatives category in the 2021 SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Business Sustainability Awards for its approach to farming while conserving biodiversity. SEAL is an environmental advocacy organization that honors leadership, transparency, and commitment to sustainable business practices.
“We’re proud to be closing out 2021 on a strong note, receiving recognition for our environmental stewardship on multiple levels,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP of Research & Development at Fresh Del Monte. “We remain dedicated to showcasing our progress transparently, and although we know there is still more to be done, we look forward to an even better year ahead as we improve our sustainability efforts alongside other companies that are leading the movement to achieve a more resilient and sustainable agricultural industry.”
Recently, Fresh Del Monte was also selected as a finalist for Rabobank’s 2021 Leadership in Sustainability award, an award that recognizes a high-impact organization that has achieved unique steps towards business, environmental, social, and governance sustainability. Rabobank’s annual Leadership Awards recognize trailblazing companies across food and agriculture in North America that have demonstrated remarkable strides across innovation, sustainability and leadership.
Fresh Del Monte strives to be part of a new food system where agricultural production and biodiversity are working and thriving together. On the farm, Fresh Del Monte works to conserve and restore forests and wild areas to protect biodiversity while involving and uplifting its communities to enhance biodiversity across entire watersheds. Increasing habit connectivity and protecting wildlife in its operations is also a priority. By 2025, the company’s goal is to plant and donate 2.5 million trees and have 100 percent of its protected areas globally monitored on an annual basis through species inventories.
Progress on CDP rankings, the SEAL Business Sustainability Award, and selection as a finalist for Rabobank’s 2021 Leadership in Sustainability award, are among the latest achievements Fresh Del Monte has accomplished to help protect the planet and its natural resources. After being the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTI) in 2020, the company recently announced its emissions reduction targets were approved by the initiative as consistent with the levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Fresh Del Monte’s 27.5% reduction target covers greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s operations for scopes 1 and 2 and 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.
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. In 2022, Fresh Del Monte Produce was ranked as one of “America’s Most Trusted Companies” by Newsweek based on an independent survey rating companies on three different touchpoints, including customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust. Fresh Del Monte Produce is traded on the NYSE under the symbol FDP.
