Fresh Del Monte Receives Rabobank Leadership Award

NEW YORK – Rabobank, a global cooperative bank specializing in financing food, agribusiness and energy, announced that Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global vertically integrated producer, marketer and distributor of fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, is the recipient of its Rabobank North America Leadership Award. 

The award recognizes a North American market leader that is pioneering responsible growth coupled with business performance, ensuring a lasting impact on its industry and the broader world, said Rabobank. 

Fresh Del Monte was recognized among 400 guests during Rabobank's annual Leadership Summit held in New York City Dec. 4.

"Fresh Del Monte exemplifies what true leadership looks like in today's fast-changing landscape within the food industry," said David Bassett, head of wholesale banking North America at Rabobank. "Through bold innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, they are not only stewarding responsible growth but also shaping the future of food for generations to come."

For nearly 140 years, Fresh Del Monte has been committed to nourishing families with fresh, wholesome high-quality foods, said Rabobank. Today, the company operates across more than 80 countries, advancing new products, technologies and farming practices. Rabobank said Fresh Del Monte's sustainability work extends beyond the field — protecting biodiversity, driving regenerative agriculture and supporting education, healthcare and housing in the communities it serves. 

"We are honored to receive the Rabobank Leadership Award. Rabobank has been a trusted partner to Fresh Del Monte for many years, and we value the partnership they have shown us," said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte chairman and CEO. "Most importantly, this recognition reflects the hard work of our global team, whose focus on responsible growth and operational discipline has strengthened our company and supported our mission to deliver healthy, high-quality food to millions around the world. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing our industry, investing in innovation and building a more resilient and sustainable future."

Fresh Del Monte remains at the forefront of food innovation, anticipating and responding quickly to evolving consumer preferences while protecting resources, said Rabobank. The company's drive for innovation has led to the introduction of new Fresh Del Monte products inspired by the latest food trends and catering to consumers' changing appetites, including the red-shelled pineapple, the Rubyglow pineapple and the pink-fleshed Pinkglow pineapple, the company said. 

The finalists were evaluated by an independent panel of judges representing industry, academia, non-profits, media and the investment ecosystem. The award recipient was selected based on a rigorous set of criteria designed to recognize companies meeting today's global economic challenges, sad Rabobank.