Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has released its 2023 sustainability report.
As one of the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative, Fresh Del Monte achieved its SBTi-approved Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas reduction goal well before the 2030 target, according to a news release.
“I am proud of our team for leading by example — large-scale farmers like us need to start showing scalable transformations,” said Hans Sauter, chief sustainability officer, senior vice president, R&D and agricultural services at Fresh Del Monte. “Addressing a warming climate is no longer optional, but an urgent task. Fresh Del Monte remains dedicated to its mission of taking proactive action and working towards a Brighter World Tomorrow. Sustainability only continues to gain traction throughout our company, and I am thrilled to see both our progress and the work that lies ahead of us.”
The sustainability report outlines Fresh Del Monte’s progress towards its long-term environmental and social goals.
Key achievements for the year include:
- Climate — Fresh Del Monte achieved a 28% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, surpassing its SBTi target by 2023, well ahead of its 2030 goal timeline. The company set goals to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 27.5%, using a 2019 baseline, and Scope 3 emissions by 12.3%, based on a 2020 baseline, by 2030. These targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2°C. Fresh Del Monte also exceeded its goal of reducing Scope 1 CO2 emissions from vessel shipping by 10% by 2025, reaching a 19% reduction in 2024.
- Biodiversity — Completion of ecosystem mapping in Guatemala and Costa Rica, with plans to expand to other farms in 2024. Additionally, the company said has planted 2.48 million trees since 2016, reaching 99.5% of its goal to plant 2.5 million trees by 2025.
- Diversity — 69% of U.S. employees are from diverse backgrounds, underscoring the company’s commitment to inclusion.
- Health and community — Fresh Del Monte delivered healthy, nutritious produce to millions while providing health services to hundreds of local workers and communities in growing regions.
- Packaging — Introduction of reusable plastic containers for banana shipments in North America, obviating the use of 758 tons of single-use paper and more than 5 tons of plastic.
In addition to these achievements, Fresh Del Monte said it continues to lead with innovative practices in regenerative agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and waste revalorization. As part of its commitment to extract more value from its biomass and reduce waste, the company extended its partnership with the University of Granada to explore bioactive compounds from fruit residues, contributing to advancements in health and well-being, the release said.
Earlier this year, the company said it also inaugurated a biofertilizer plant in Kenya, in partnership with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas, using pineapple residues to produce biofertilizers. These efforts reflect Fresh Del Monte’s broader vision of harnessing nature’s power to promote sustainable farming and create a more harmonious relationship between people, products, and the environment, according to the release.
“With the release of our 2023 Sustainability Report, we are reminded of the immense responsibility we carry as stewards of the environment,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s chairman and CEO. “As an agricultural leader, we recognize our profound influence on shaping our planet’s future. By embracing our role and working in harmony with nature, we believe we can unlock its full potential, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future that benefits all. This is the focus of our efforts — innovating with purpose, collaborating with partners, and creating a lasting legacy of sustainability that will protect and preserve our natural world for generations to come.”
The full sustainability report, including an executive summary, can be found at freshdelmonte.com/sustainability-reports.
