Fresh Del Monte Produce highlighted the strength of a number of its sustainability programmes at the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022.
Del Monte said it had 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 organisation that helps companies and cities report their environmental impact.
The company has also won in the Environmental Initiatives category at the 2021 SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Business Sustainability Awards for its approach to farming while conserving biodiversity.
SEAL is an environmental advocacy organisation that honours 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 senior vice-president of research and 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,' he added.
Recently, Fresh Del Monte was also selected as a finalist for Rabobank’s 2021 Leadership in Sustainability award, an award that recognises a high-impact organisation that has achieved unique steps towards business, environmental, social, and governance sustainability.
'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,' the company stated.
'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 per cent reduction target covers greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s operations for scopes 1 and 2 and 12.3 per cent 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.”
