The JUNTOS Project, launched in partnership with GIZ, focuses on landscape restoration, conservation, and community development in Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global leader in the production and distribution of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, has been honored with a 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category for their JUNTOS Project.
This award, highlighting the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship, reflects Fresh Del Monte’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices within their operations.
Initiated in 2021, the JUNTOS Project is a collaborative effort between Fresh Del Monte and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).
This initiative aims to restore and conserve landscapes, particularly focusing on watersheds, and enhance the economic development of local communities near Fresh Del Monte’s banana and pineapple farms in Costa Rica and Guatemala.
The project seeks to empower local teachers and students by integrating educational programs on sustainable land development, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
As stated in a recent report, the JUNTOS Project has achieved significant milestones in its mission. It has successfully reforested 348 hectares of land and proposed over 400 hectares for private wildlife refuges.
Additionally, more than 10,000 hectares have been designated for biodiversity conservation, and the project has forged five alliances to educate local communities on environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer at Fresh Del Monte, expressed the company’s gratitude for the recognition from SEAL Awards. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving the project’s goals.
“We are honored to be recognized by the SEAL Awards and are committed to being a sustainable business leader by promoting conservation and restoration best practices in emerging economies,” Sauter remarked.
The SEAL Awards, which annually recognize 50 leading companies for their sustainability efforts, noted Fresh Del Monte’s holistic approach to sustainability. The company’s integration of sustainable practices across its value chain, from reducing emissions and food waste to adopting regenerative agriculture and smart farming techniques, has set a benchmark in the industry.
Matt Harney, Chairperson and Founder of SEAL Awards, highlighted the impressive synthesis of technology, design, and innovation in this year’s awardees, underscoring the significant impact of these sustainable initiatives.
Looking ahead, Fresh Del Monte plans to expand the JUNTOS Project to other regions with green economies, hoping to provide ecological education and promote sustainable development on a broader scale. The company’s dedication to sustainability is further exemplified by its repeated recognition at the SEAL Awards, having been honored three times for its leadership and innovation in sustainable business practices.
Founded over 135 years ago, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. continues to be a symbol of quality, freshness, and reliability. The company markets its products globally under the DEL MONTE® brand and other related trademarks.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, Fresh Del Monte has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce emissions, minimize food waste, and adopt cutting-edge agricultural practices.
This commitment is reflected in its rankings, being named one of “America’s Most Trusted Companies” by Newsweek and recognized as a Humankind 100 Company for its significant impact on global issues such as access to food and clean water.
