Company Surpasses Emissions Reduction Target Seven Years Ahead of Schedule
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers and distributors of fresh fruit and vegetables, has been recognized with a 2025 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category for surpassing its greenhouse gas reduction targets.
The company achieved a 27.5% decrease in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions an impressive seven years ahead of its 2030 goal, marking the fourth time in five years it has received this distinction.
This notable success reflects Fresh Del Monte’s ongoing dedication to minimizing environmental impact through strategic planning, innovative technology, and measurable objectives tied to global climate commitments.
Although the official ceremony took place on February 19, 2025, the seeds of this achievement were planted much earlier, when Fresh Del Monte set specific science-based goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
These targets were established as part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and approved in 2021, aligning the company’s strategies with the Paris Agreement.
By committing to a 27.5% reduction for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, along with a 12.3% reduction for Scope 3 emissions by 2030, Fresh Del Monte positioned itself at the forefront of corporate sustainability within the global produce sector.
In addition to meeting its primary benchmarks ahead of schedule, Fresh Del Monte continues to push boundaries with a newly announced 30% reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to its 2019 baseline.
“Surpassing our Scope 1 and Scope 2 reduction targets seven years ahead of schedule is a milestone we are proud of, but we know our work is far from over. With a new goal of a 30% reduction by 2030 compared to our 2019 baseline, we remain committed to science-driven solutions that push the boundaries of sustainable agriculture and further minimize our environmental impact.”
Hans Sauter, Global Agricultural R&D and Sustainability Leader / CSO / C-Suite
The decisive progress that led to early achievement of the Scope 1 and 2 reductions can be traced to several focused initiatives.
One key example is Fresh Del Monte’s multi-year effort to modernize its North American ocean fleet, replacing older vessels with six new hydrodynamic ships designed to cut fuel consumption and reduce shipping time.
This investment in more energy-efficient transportation supports the company’s overall approach of lowering emissions, particularly in high-impact areas such as logistics.
Another contributing factor is the introduction of Del Monte Zero® Pineapple, a carbon-neutral product that underscores consumer demand for sustainable produce and points to Fresh Del Monte’s willingness to adapt its offerings to align with environmental goals.
Additionally, the company has used advanced software and on-site technology to monitor plant nutrient requirements more precisely, reducing excess nutrient runoff and corresponding emissions.
“2025 represents our ninth-year SEAL Business Sustainability Award event. This year’s ESG award recipients follow a 9-year trendline of greater impact materiality and deeper granularity. Across all industries and geographies, companies are going deep and granular into materials, chemistry, processes, R&D, supply chains, and more to generate sustainability improvements.”
Matt Harney, Chairperson and Founder of SEAL Awards
For Fresh Del Monte, receiving the award multiple times demonstrates a consistent pattern of forward-thinking strategies designed not just to meet, but to surpass established standards in environmental stewardship.
In practical terms, Fresh Del Monte’s proactive vision is evident in everyday operations.
The company invests in revalorizing agricultural waste, converting byproducts into biofertilizers and other usable resources instead of allowing them to go to waste.
Such projects showcase how sustainable agriculture practices can serve as a catalyst for additional innovations, including methods for regenerative agriculture tailored to tropical crops.
Fresh Del Monte has also integrated digital tools and precise data analytics into its farm management processes, aiming to optimize both yield and resource usage.
In so doing, the company not only contributes to global sustainability efforts but also helps set an example for peers and newcomers in the produce industry.
