MIAMI, FL - When I think about the goal of creating a more sustainable future, I am amazed by the steps our industry is taking. Fresh Del Monte Produce is one supplier doing its part, and was recently recognized for its efforts. The company was awarded a 2023 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category and has been shortlisted for a World Sustainability Award in the New Launch category for the Del Monte Zero™ pineapple.

“We’re honored to be recognized by these two leading organizations for our sustainability efforts and the progress we’ve made. Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of everything we do and our reduction in emissions and the Del Monte Zero pineapple showcases how these two go hand in hand,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of R&D. “Sustainability permeates our entire value chain—from farm to market—showing that large-scale agriculture can be responsible too. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve, lessen our impact, and build A Brighter World Tomorrow™—whether it’s through regenerative or conventional agriculture.”

The SEAL Business Sustainability Award was given for Fresh Del Monte’s reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across its agricultural value chain. The company has reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 22.64 percent (according to data from 2021, the most recent data available) in part by upgrading its ocean fleet with six new fuel-efficient vessels and installing solar and wind energy in facilities in California and Costa Rica, respectively.

Additionally, the World Sustainability Award celebrates a newly launched product or service that is having an immediate impact on sustainability. The Del Monte Zero pineapple is a carbon-neutral certified pineapple, which is synonymous with the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability, a press release stated.

Del Monte neutralizes the greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the lifecycle of its Del Monte Zero pineapples through insetting. This was achieved through investments in upgrades to its transportation fleet and by reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, as well as an over 8,000-hectare forest that contains approximately 5 million trees that capture emissions.

The final winners of the World Sustainability Awards will be announced in October.

Check out the official press release here for more info. And stay tuned to ANUK for the latest.

Fresh Del Monte Produce