The Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Guatemala has awarded the Orden Laboral to Bandegua, in honour of the group's achievements in agricultural development.
The award, instituted in 2003, recognises companies for their extraordinary contributions to research as well as labour rights and the development of labour relations and/or economic and social conditions of workers in Guatemala.
Bandegua, a Del Monte Fresh Produce subsidiary, was selected for the 2014 award in recognition of its established and growing role in the banana production and export business.
During the past few years the company has expanded its employee base by 5,000, with the majority of them being members of the labor union SITRABI.
Bandegua has been recognised in the past for its enforcement of policies that protect both the environment and its employees, and is frequently cited as an example of corporate responsibility among Guatemalan companies.
As a major local employer, Bandegua is a major contributor to the economy of Guatemala and continues to be an important source of income to many of its citizens.
