CORAL GABLES, FL - Everyone give a round of applause to Fresh Del Monte Produce! The supplier was recognized with the 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category. The award was earned for its JUNTOS Project, an initiative focused on landscape restoration, conservation, and sustainable development.
![Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of R&D, Fresh Del Monte Produce](https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/headshots/hs_4.jpg?0VCT8kW_485KjPG8DqFBan3rJ_O01Cic)
“We are honored to be recognized by the SEAL Awards and are committed to being a sustainable business leader by promoting conservation and restoration best practices in emerging economies,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer. “Through local collaborative efforts and a cross-functional, multi-stakeholder partnership, the JUNTOS Project has completed extensive reforestation and conservation efforts that will benefit local communities for years to come.”
Kicking off in 2021 in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the JUNTOS Project restores productive landscapes, conserves water resources, boosts the economic development of communities, and provides education about sustainable land development. JUNTOS brings local groups and other public sector groups together to align on conservation and community development, a press release stated. The project has successfully reforested 348 hectares of land, proposed over 400 hectares for private wildlife refuges, and more.
![](https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/thumbnails/del-monte-seal_awards_badge_2024-500.png?VersionId=VjwOjSjn5A2qsQjKd0uJK1XyiF2VhWRj&_gl=1*1nim7jp*_ga*ODk0MTg0Nzg5LjE2MDIxNzU1MzU.*_ga_R0EZCSFLW2*MTcyMDUzOTIyNi41NDguMS4xNzIwNTQyMDExLjAuMC4w)
Through this project, Fresh Del Monte has developed a variety of programs within the communities. While the project currently only operates in Costa Rica and Guatemala, Fresh Del Monte hopes to expand it to other green economies.
The SEAL Awards recognize 50 of the most sustainable and recognized companies in the world, honoring their leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable business practices. Fresh Del Monte takes a holistic approach to sustainability, weaving it into its business practices in every part of the value chain. This is the company’s third time being honored.
Fresh Del Monte is focusing on reducing its emissions and food waste and adopting regenerative agriculture and smart farming practices. The JUNTOS project and the SEAL Award exemplify the company's dedication to sustainability throughout its operations and shows how the company is leading the way in conservation, sustainable agriculture, and innovation for A Brighter World Tomorrow™.
Congratulations to Fresh Del Monte Produce!