Fresh Del Monte, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of fresh and prepared produce, joined the Sustainability Initiative Fruit and Vegetables Program of the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), confirming their commitment to the 100% sustainability target.
The Sustainability Initiative Fruits and Vegetables (SIFAV) aims to make imports of fruits and vegetables from Africa, Asia and South America 100% sustainable in 2020.
By becoming a member of SIFAV, Del Monte joins a community of companies that continue to work on the prosperity of the countries they operate in. All SIFAV covenant parties aim to make a positive contribution towards increasing the sustainability of their sourcing of fresh fruits and vegetables in relation to social and environmental aspects.
“Sustainability is a management practice that guides the daily business activities of Del Monte Fresh Produce,” said Dennis Christou, VP Marketing N.A. “Becoming a member of SIFAV is an important step toward our goal of becoming 100% sustainable in EU. Our SCS Sustainably Grown Certification validates our commitment to promoting and sustaining the environment and communities in which we operate and our SIFAV membership furthers our commitment. One of our expectations is that sourcing from Africa will be enhanced with the diverse produce items the continent has to offer.”
Kebba Colley, senior program manager at IDH, welcomes Del Monte as covenant partner. “It increases the power of the program. Their commitment to ensure their produce comes from sustainable production sites is a great example and inspiration for many companies. By joining, they help social and environmental standards further which will safeguard the interests of their workers and protect the landscape they operate in.”
At the moment, the Sustainability Initiative Fruits and Vegetables covenant is signed by 43 partners. The program started in 2012 and has since grown from 13 signatories to 43.