Dr. Haddad to spearhead Fresh Del Monte’s innovation strategy and manage De l’Ora Bio’s groundbreaking biofertilizer production in Kenya.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a leading global entity in the production and distribution of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, has appointed Dr. Nizar Haddad as its new Director of Innovation and Business Development. Additionally, Dr. Haddad will assume the role of General Manager at De l’Ora Bio, a partnership spearheaded by Fresh Del Monte in collaboration with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas. This partnership recently marked a significant milestone by inaugurating a biofertilizer plant in Kenya, which aims to repurpose pineapple byproducts from Fresh Del Monte’s operations.
The appointment of Dr. Haddad aligns with Fresh Del Monte’s broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation in the agricultural sector. His leadership at De l’Ora Bio will be pivotal in advancing the company’s sustainability goals, particularly through the production of biofertilizers that maximize resource utilization and minimize waste. According to a press release from Fresh Del Monte, Dr. Haddad’s expertise is expected to bolster the company’s efforts in setting new industry standards for sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Haddad’s background is both extensive and distinguished, having served as the Director General of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) in Jordan. His tenure at NARC was marked by significant advancements in agricultural innovation, including the introduction of digitalization and smart agricultural solutions. His contributions led to the establishment of the region’s first agricultural innovation incubator, the e-NARC platform, and the National Seed Bank, initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the agricultural sector in Jordan.
At Fresh Del Monte, Dr. Haddad is anticipated to bring the same visionary leadership that characterized his previous roles. His focus will be on steering the company’s innovation strategy, particularly in the realm of biofertilizer production, which is seen as a key area of growth and sustainability. As stated in the report, Dr. Haddad’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Fresh Del Monte’s operational capabilities, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of industry innovation.
Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Fresh Del Monte, expressed confidence in Dr. Haddad’s ability to drive the company forward, noting that his passion for sustainable development and agricultural innovation aligns perfectly with Fresh Del Monte’s mission. “Dr. Haddad embodies the innovative spirit that drives our organization, and I believe that under his leadership and with his expertise, we will continue to break new ground in sustainable agriculture,” Abu-Ghazaleh stated.
The biofertilizer plant in Kenya, managed by De l’Ora Bio under Dr. Haddad’s leadership, represents a significant advancement in Fresh Del Monte’s sustainability initiatives. The facility’s primary focus will be on converting pineapple byproducts into high-quality biofertilizers, thereby contributing to the company’s broader objective of reducing waste and improving resource utilization. This initiative not only underscores Fresh Del Monte’s commitment to sustainability but also positions the company as a leader in innovative agricultural practices.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., known for its vertically integrated operations, markets its products under the DEL MONTE® brand, a symbol of quality and freshness for over 135 years. The company has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, having been ranked as one of “America’s Most Trusted Companies” by Newsweek for three consecutive years.
Additionally, Fresh Del Monte has been acknowledged by Humankind Investments as a Humankind 100 Company for its significant contributions to areas such as access to food, clean water, healthcare, and digital services.
