Group’s 2022 Sustainability Report highlights progress in areas such as its first carbon neutral certified pineapple, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and food waste
Fresh Del Monte Produce has released its 2022 Sustainability Report, in which it has ”reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to conserving the planet”.
The fresh produce giant stated that it had been at the forefront of sustainable practices “for decades”, focusing on reducing its emissions and food waste, and adopting regenerative agriculture and smart farming practices.
“As a global agribusiness, sustainability is ingrained in our identity and we recognise the urgency of action needed to continue fortifying our operations against the changing climate,” said Hans Sauter, chief sustainability officer, senior vice president, R&D and agricultural services at Fresh Del Monte.
“Our unwavering commitment propels us to continually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise water usage, combat food waste, and curtail plastic consumption, among other critical endeavours that have a direct impact on our planet.
”We firmly believe that we can instigate transformative change and drive the adoption of innovative technologies for a more sustainable future,” Sauter continued. ”This ongoing journey necessitates investments and partnerships, recognising that the most substantial impact occurs when we collaborate.”
Biggest milestones
Del Monte said that one of its biggest milestones had been the launch of its new line extension, Del Monte Zero Pineapple, a carbon-neutral pineapple that offsets
The group also said that its dedication to customer satisfaction and sustainability was further underscored with the debut of its mini Honeyglow pineapple last year.
Honeyglow was developed based on consumer preferences for conveniently sized pineapples and aligns with the company’s goals to reduce waste and meet customer needs.
The reported highlighted how Del Monte had diverted 93 per cent of food waste from landfills in 2022.
The company became the first grower to join the Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment in 2022 and pledged to reduce food waste across its operations to serve as a model for other suppliers and growers.
Emissions decrease
Last year the group achieved a 26 per cent decrease in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, largely attributed to optimising fertiliser usage, fuel consumption, and facility heating adjustments.
This gave Del Monte a 94 per cent completion rate toward its Science Based Target initiative-approved Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goal of 27.5 per cent compared to a 2020 base year.
Additionally, the company planted 574,800 trees, and 29.7 per cent of its owned farms now implement regenerative agriculture farming practices.
Utilising renewable energy sources was an essential part of its conservation focus, the company confirmed, with 21 per cent of its global electricity consumption coming from renewable sources last year.
Since the installation of solar panels at its Costa Rica banana operation in 2017, monthly kWh usage has been reduced by 46 per cent.
”Fresh Del Monte’s 2022 Sustainability Report underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and serves as a testament to the company leading the way in conservation, sustainable agriculture, and innovation for ’A Brighter World Tomorrow’,” the group added.
