Fresh Del Monte Produce has appointed Hans Sauter as its first chief sustainability officer.
The American fresh and prepared produce giant said that under Sauter’s leadership, it will drive forward its focus on sustainability throughout the business, 'ensuring the company remains at the forefront of working towards A Better World Tomorrow.'
Sauter has been with the company since 1998, working in a variety of agricultural-focused roles. Most recently he was senior vice president for R&D, QA and agricultural services.
Sauter's role will be to maintain and advance projects and partnerships that commit to the health and wellbeing of the planet, the company explained.
“If there is anything I’ve learned during my time with Del Monte, it is that we have to keep our eyes to the future,” Sauter said. “We want to expand our sustainability initiatives and commit to our performance, people, and our planet. That’s how we build a Better World Tomorrow.”
In its 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report, Fresh Del Monte Produce outlined its key sustainability objectives as:
- sustainably sourced products: increasing its global volume sourced from certified sustainable farms;
- greenhouse gas emissions: lessening its contribution of greenhouse gasses by investing in a new fleet of vessels and in various renewable energy projects, including the installation of solar panels at various facilities;
- protecting wildlife while promoting biodiversity: continue supporting reforestation efforts in the areas Del Monte farms;
- promote growth of communities: providing more educational opportunities to students and adult learners;
- applying responsible farming techniques: preserving the production potential of our lands, conserving water, and reducing waste throughout the supply chain.
