Del Monte highlights sustainability efforts through product labeling

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. has announced the launch of an exciting new way  to communicate its ongoing sustainability efforts.

Starting in February, each Del Monte Gold pineapple will feature a new product tag displaying one of six unique Del Monte Fresh sustainability facts about its programs. These facts include statistics surrounding wildlife preservation, recycling initiatives, responsible growth and scholarship programs in local farming communities. With this new initiative, Del Monte Fresh Produce intends to engage directly with its consumers, ensuring those purchasing its pineapples and other Del Monte fresh products know they are doing so from an organization committed to building a sustainable future.

“We are proud of our ongoing sustainability efforts and our commitment to secure a better world tomorrow,” said Dennis Christou, vice president marketing, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. “Sustainability is ingrained in our company values. We not only strive to conduct our business in ethical, socially responsible and transparent ways due to our respect for our employees and the communities they live in, but we want our consumers to feel good about the food they are eating when enjoying Del Monte Fresh products.”

The six sustainability facts that will be featured on the tags are:

1. In Kenya, Del Monte’s protected waterway supports a thriving population of more than 95 hippopotamuses.
2. Del Monte awarded 640 merit-based scholarships to children in the Central American communities surrounding its farms in 2017.
3. Since 1995, Del Monte has recycled more than 30,000 tons of plastic used on its banana farms.
4. Over 1,000 species call its El Tigre Forest Reserve home.
5. Since redesigning our pineapple boxes in 2000, the company has saved over 160,000 tons of paper.
6. Over 90% of its pineapples are grown on farms that are certified “sustainably grown.”

In addition, as a part of an ongoing effort since implementing its sustainability program eight years ago, Del Monte Fresh is responsible for planting over 700,000 trees in three years, executing clean water projects that brought convenient and safe access to clean drinking water to thousands of people in Kenya and the Philippines, and exceeding its 10-year target for reduction of energy consumption by 20%.

Del Monte Fresh Produce’s recent Sustainability Report outlines progress in traceability, packaging, agrichemical use, infrastructure development, wellness initiatives, wastewater treatment and a myriad of other sustainability programs.