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CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers, and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, announced that the company has been named a winner in the 2025 Sustainability Awards, presented by the Business Intelligence Group. The global leader and industry innovator was recognized in the Sustainability Leadership group for its outstanding work in advancing environmental and social impact while delivering measurable business results.
The Sustainability Awards honor the companies, products, projects, and individuals proving that purpose-driven strategy can fuel growth. Winners are selected by a panel of business-leader judges who evaluate performance, innovation, and quantifiable outcomes across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pillars.
“Sustainability has moved from aspiration to expectation,” said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer of the Business Intelligence Group, in a recent release. “The 2025 Sustainability Awards celebrate those who embed ESG at the core of their operations—turning climate action, circular design, and community impact into real competitive advantage. We’re proud to recognize Fresh Del Monte for showing what’s possible when profit and planet share the same roadmap.”
Fresh Del Monte was honored for its commitment to sustainable practices and creating a positive impact throughout its supply chain, ultimately leading to the company achieving its Scope 1 and 2 reduction targets seven years ahead of schedule as reported in its 2023 Sustainability Report. This achievement is the result of several forward-thinking initiatives that reflect the company’s commitment to environmental impact. Key initiatives include modernizing its ocean fleet with six new fuel-efficient vessels, launching the Del Monte Zero® carbon-neutral pineapple, and implementing cutting-edge agriculture technology and software to monitor plant nutrient requirements, ultimately reducing nutrient runoff and associated emissions.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our teams across the globe,” said Hans Sauter, Fresh Del Monte Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate R&D and Agriculture. “While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, we know there is always more to be done—and we’ll continue advancing sustainable practices that protect our planet and benefit the communities we serve.”
To learn more about the Sustainability Awards, click here.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target Corporation announced the company's Board of Directors has unanimously elected Michael Fiddelke, chief operating officer, to succeed Brian Cornell as chief executive officer and become a member of its Board of Directors. Cornell will transition to the role of executive chair of the Board of Directors. Both appointments are effective Feb. 1, 2026.
During his 20-year career at Target, Fiddelke has been instrumental in building many of the company's core strengths, holding leadership roles across merchandising, finance, operations, and human resources. As chief operating officer and previously chief financial officer, he has overseen efforts that enabled exponential growth across the business, including investments to build and scale the company's stores, supply chain, digital capabilities, and team. To further fuel areas of investment and innovation, Fiddelke spearheaded enterprise efforts to deliver more than $2 billion in efficiencies. He has also been an advocate for investing in pay and benefits for the company's team members, including industry-leading wages and development programs like Dream to Be.
Recently, Fiddelke established and began leading the company's Enterprise Acceleration Office to reshape how Target operates – removing complexity, expanding technology, and enabling more flexibility so the team can move faster to improve performance and drive long-term growth.
"Over the last several years, the Board has been executing a deliberate and thoughtful CEO succession process, including an extensive external search and assessment of many strong candidates," said Christine Leahy, Lead Independent Director of Target's Board of Directors, in a recent release. "It is clear that Michael is the right leader to return Target to growth, refocus and accelerate the company's strategy, and reestablish Target's position as a leader in the highly dynamic and fast-moving retail environment. Michael's tenure gives him unmatched enterprise insight and a base of strong team trust. But what sets him apart is how he combines those strengths with a 'fresh eyes' mindset, challenging the status quo to evolve how the business operates, differentiates, and delivers long-term value."
Leahy continued, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express gratitude for Brian's vision, leadership, and dedication to Target. Under Brian, Target has become a $100+ billion company, with revenues increasing by $34 billion in 11 years. Target has been transformed into a true omnichannel retailer as Brian and the team pioneered the stores-as-hubs concept, developed industry-leading same-day services like Drive Up, grew digital performance, and built private labels into desirable brands of their own. Together, those capabilities are a competitive strength that Michael and his talented executive leadership team will use to advance the company."
Fiddelke said, "It is truly an honor to be named Target's next chief executive officer. After more than 20 years at Target, I know the power of our brand, the talent of our team, and the special place we hold in retail. My history with the company also deepens my sense of responsibility for where Target goes next, and I step into the role with an urgent commitment to drive growth and deliver better results. I am eager to refocus our strategy and build on the assets and capabilities that have made Target a beloved destination for incredible products and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. And to be clear, we have work to do to reach our full potential. Now's the time to take full advantage of our strengths, embrace change with pace and purpose, and regain our momentum."
Fiddelke continued, "I want to thank Brian for his leadership and for ensuring Target has an excellent foundation, consisting of nearly 2,000 stores, a $30 billion owned-brand portfolio and world-class partnerships, a fast-growing profitable digital business and one of retail's biggest loyalty programs, all powered by an experienced leadership team and hundreds of thousands of talented team members. That combination of strengths is truly unique to Target and will fuel our future."
Cornell said, "There is no one better suited to move Target forward than Michael Fiddelke. He brings a remarkable level of resolve in the face of complex challenges, a deep passion for growth, and a natural ability to inspire those around him to define what's next. Those leadership attributes will be critical in shaping the next generation of Target. I want to thank the entire team at Target for their unwavering focus on our guests and on advancing our culture. It has been a privilege to lead this team over the last 11 years, and I will continue to support and champion Target in my role on the Board."
Cornell and Fiddelke will work together throughout the transition, and on Feb. 1, 2026, Fiddelke will join the Board of Directors with Cornell moving into the role of executive chair. An announcement about the company's next chief operating officer will be made at a later date.



WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the slate of new officers and directors for the 2026 IFPA Board of Directors. These volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with the membership and begin their board service at the 2025 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, October 16-18, in Anaheim, California.
The IFPA Board of Directors is guided by the Executive Committee, which will be led in 2026 by current Chair-Elect Patrick Vizzone, Founder and Managing Partner of AgroNovare. Current Board Chair Tammy DeBoer, President of Harris Teeter, will assume the role of Past Board Chair. During the Global Produce & Floral Show, Vizzone and DeBoer will share their reflections on year one of IFPA’s strategic plan, announced in October 2024, among other topics.
Joining the Executive Committee are 2026 Chair-Elect Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms; Treasurer Mohammed Abbas, EVP & COO, Del Monte Fresh Produce; at-large Executive Committee member and incoming US Council Chair Steve Grinstead, CEO, FreshEdge; and at-large Executive Committee member and incoming Sustainability Council Chair Adriëlle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride.
“Across the globe, the fresh produce and floral industry makes a vital contribution to health, sustainability, and economic growth. Yet barriers remain that limit our industry’s full potential. Removing those barriers is central to IFPA’s mission — whether through advocacy, delivering insights and market intelligence, or uniting our community to solve shared challenges,” said 2025 Chair-Elect Patrick Vizzone in the recent release. “This work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteer leaders on the IFPA Board of Directors. It is an honour and a privilege to serve as Chair in 2026, and I look forward to working with IFPA staff and this esteemed group to fight for fresh and deliver meaningful impact for our industry and the world.”
The new Board slate for 2026 is:
At-Large Representatives:
Board directors completing their service in Anaheim are:
All six continents are represented with a strong diversity of sectors and business focus.