Del Monte First Agri Producer To Have Emission Targets Approved By Science Based Initiative

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, distributors, and marketers of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, announced today that its emissions reduction targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with the levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Photo Insert: Del Monte commits to reducing scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in line with COP26.

The 27.5% reduction target covers greenhouse gas emissions from the company’s operations (scopes 1 and 2) and is consistent with reductions required to keep global warming to well below 2°C, according to a Business Wire report.

Fresh Del Monte’s 12.3% reduction target for emissions from its value chain (scope 3) including emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, and employee commuting meet the SBTi’s criteria for ambitious value chain goals, meaning they are in line with current best practice.

“We’re thrilled to receive approval of our emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative, which furthers our commitment to protect the health of our planet today and for future generations,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP of Research & Development at Fresh Del Monte.

“The food system is a vital area for climate action and we hope to lead by example and inspire others in the industry to make the commitment toward this much-needed change.”

As the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the initiative in 2020, this is a significant milestone for Fresh Del Monte as only a few agricultural producers have developed emissions reduction targets grounded in climate science.

Last year, 63% of the company’s capital expenditures benefitted climate action. To help manage its emissions, water, and waste, the company also created a proprietary new environmental action tool and database to track data facility by facility, covering 100% of Fresh Del Monte’s global operations.

Sauter will join industry leaders in a panel discussion on “Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at the Center of Development Strategies - Challenges and Opportunities,” at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

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