Dr. Imad Farhat to spearhead development of nature-derived ingredients, advancing Fresh Del Monte’s sustainability and innovation goals.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has announced the appointment of Dr. Imad Farhat as its new Senior Vice President of Specialty Ingredients. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the food industry.
With Dr. Farhat’s leadership, Fresh Del Monte aims to enhance its offerings by developing nature-derived ingredients, positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly growing market segment focused on health-conscious consumers. The company’s decision reflects a growing demand for products that prioritize sustainability and a return to nature as key drivers for consumer well-being.
Dr. Farhat, who brings almost two decades of experience from dsm-firmenich, will focus on driving Fresh Del Monte’s long-term strategy within the ingredients industry. His work will center on leveraging the company’s existing portfolio, as well as exploring new agricultural products, to create groundbreaking ingredients that align with Fresh Del Monte’s commitment to sustainability. This initiative will incorporate the principles of a circular economy, ensuring that natural resources are maximized and waste is minimized by utilizing residuals from the company’s operations.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and CEO, Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, emphasized the company’s vision for the future. “We believe nature holds the blueprint for a harmonious and sustainable future, and Dr. Farhat’s innovative approach will be key in unlocking its boundless potential while also driving the development of value-added, higher-margin products that enhance consumer offerings,” said Abu-Ghazaleh. This sentiment captures the company’s broader goal of not only improving its product offerings but also promoting environmental responsibility.
Dr. Farhat’s extensive experience in the food industry is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Fresh Del Monte’s mission. At dsm-firmenich, he led initiatives in Sugar Reduction and Encapsulation, particularly in regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His tenure there was marked by significant contributions to the company’s product platforms, and he holds over 70 scientific publications and numerous patents in food science. Additionally, his academic background as an Associate Professor of Food Physical Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom provides a strong foundation for his role at Fresh Del Monte.
As stated in the report, Dr. Farhat’s appointment comes at a time when consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards health-conscious and sustainable options. The global trend towards products that support personal well-being and environmental sustainability is reshaping the food industry.
Fresh Del Monte is positioning itself to meet these demands by sourcing ingredients directly from nature, offering consumers products that are both wholesome and aligned with a sustainable lifestyle. This shift is not only an answer to consumer needs but also a step forward in the company’s efforts to foster a more balanced relationship between people and the environment.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has long been a leader in the fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetable market. The company, known for its commitment to innovation and quality, markets its products worldwide under well-recognized brands like DEL MONTE® and MANN™, with operations spanning across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The company’s dedication to sustainability has also been reflected in its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate science.
