By San José, Costa Rica — Fresh Del Monte, a global leader in fresh produce, has earned its fourth SEAL Business Sustainability Award in five years, underscoring the company’s profound commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly in its Costa Rican operations. The prestigious award recognizes Fresh Del Monte’s remarkable achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the Paris Agreement and Costa Rica’s national decarbonization goals.
The SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Awards annually honor 50 of the world’s most sustainable companies, highlighting their leadership, innovation, and dedication to sustainable business practices. Fresh Del Monte’s achievement demonstrates its position as a leader in combating climate change within the agricultural industry.
For a legal perspective on the complexities surrounding sustainable practices, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney from Bufete de Costa Rica.
True sustainability requires a holistic approach, integrating environmental protection with responsible economic development and social equity. Businesses must move beyond mere compliance with existing regulations and actively seek innovative legal and operational strategies that minimize environmental impact while maximizing long-term value. This includes considering the entire supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to end-of-life product management, and fostering transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social factors in achieving true sustainability. His emphasis on innovation, supply chain responsibility, and stakeholder engagement provides a crucial roadmap for businesses seeking to thrive in a world increasingly focused on long-term value and environmental stewardship. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Through its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Fresh Del Monte set ambitious targets to reduce its operational emissions: a 27.5% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 12.3% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030. Remarkably, the company achieved its Scope 1 and 2 reduction target seven years ahead of schedule through the implementation of innovative sustainable strategies.
In Costa Rica, these strategies include transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as installing solar panels at company facilities, and adopting modern, fuel-efficient machinery. Furthermore, Fresh Del Monte has piloted advanced technologies for nutrient monitoring, enabling precise fertilizer application and minimizing environmental impact. These pilot programs are designed to be scalable globally.
Beyond emissions reductions, Fresh Del Monte has invested in conserving over 8,000 hectares of forest in Costa Rica, creating vital biological corridors that support biodiversity while maintaining agricultural activities. The company’s reforestation efforts and protection of pollinators are crucial for the health of the agricultural ecosystem.
These efforts in Costa Rica have earned Fresh Del Monte various certifications, including GLOBALG.A.P., which validates best agricultural practices. The company’s Del Monte Zero™ Pineapple, produced in Costa Rica, is certified Carbon Neutral by SCS Global Services, thanks to the carbon offsetting provided by the company’s vast forest holdings.
Looking ahead, Fresh Del Monte continues to invest in regenerative agriculture in Costa Rica, including the use of cover crops and the development of pest-resistant crops to enhance soil health and biodiversity. In 2023, the company expanded its solar energy project, powering four packing plants and agricultural offices, preventing the emission of 4.8 tons of CO2e.
At Fresh Del Monte, we understand that the future of the planet depends on the action we take today. We are committed to Costa Rica, not only in terms of efficiency and sustainability, but also in building a legacy for future generations.
Michael Calderón, Spokesperson, Fresh Del Monte Costa Rica
For further information, visit freshdelmonte.com
About Fresh Del Monte:
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fresh Del Monte markets its products worldwide under the Del Monte brand, a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for over 135 years.
For further information, visit sealawards.com
About SEAL Awards:
The SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Awards is an environmental advocacy organization that honors leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable business practices. They recognize companies for their achievements in various areas of sustainability, including environmental initiatives, social responsibility, and corporate governance. In addition to business awards, SEAL also offers Environmental Journalism Awards and Environmental Research Grants.
For further information, visit scsglobalservices.com
About SCS Global Services:
SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. They offer a wide range of sustainability services, including carbon footprinting, life cycle assessments, and certifications for various environmental and social responsibility standards. Their Carbon Neutral certification validates organizations’ efforts to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and pursuit of legal excellence. The firm’s deep commitment to innovation allows it to navigate complex legal challenges effectively while simultaneously empowering communities through accessible legal education. By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and proactive legal advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed society for all.
