Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global leader in the production, marketing, and distribution of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, has announced a strategic partnership with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas, a top producer of biotechnological solutions.

This collaboration, named De l’Ora Bio, aims to maximize the use of Fresh Del Monte’s pineapple residues through the production of biofertilizers. The partnership was unveiled with the inauguration of a new biofertilizer plant in Kenya, marking the first step in their biofertilizer production efforts.

The newly established biofertilizer plant is strategically located near Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary, Del Monte Kenya Ltd. The facility will utilize residues from the company’s pineapple cannery to create various types of biofertilizers. These biofertilizers will be used not only by Fresh Del Monte but will also be sold to other growers in Kenya and neighboring East African countries.

Biofertilizers, which are natural fertilizers that utilize microbes to promote plant growth, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. They increase the supply of essential nutrients to plants, enhance soil texture, and improve plant yield.

According to Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Fresh Del Monte, “Fresh Del Monte is committed to creating a circular economy and is taking active measures to repurpose and reuse its residues. We see this collaboration as a transformative turning point that has the potential to revolutionize how the agricultural industry farms. De l’Ora embodies our commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and pursuing boundaries of what is possible in agriculture.”

The global biofertilizers market size is projected to reach approximately USD 9.14 billion by 2032, as reported by Precedence Research. This growth is driven by increasing awareness of sustainable agriculture practices, rising demand for organic food products, and government initiatives promoting biofertilizer usage.

The new plant, which is currently running tests, is expected to be fully operational by June. Del Monte Kenya, the largest single exporter in the country, already employs 6,500 Kenyan workers. The opening of this plant will further support the local economy and enhance the company’s impact in the region.

Through De l’Ora, Fresh Del Monte and Vellsam aim to optimize residue utilization, improve soil fertility, and meet the growing demand from consumers for nutritious, sustainably grown produce. According to the press release, this collaboration highlights both companies’ dedication to innovation and environmental sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to pushing the boundaries of agricultural practices.