ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize today publishes its second annual Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report which provides details on the use of proceeds and related environmental impact of the Green Bond issued in March 2024.

The implementation of Ahold Delhaize’s transition plan to reduce emissions requires significant investments in clean, low-emissions and zero-emissions technologies. Part of the proceeds of its green finance instruments are used to invest in the actions mentioned in this transition plan, according to a press release.

2024 allocation and impact

Ahold Delhaize raised €500 million in March 2024 by issuing its second Green Bond under its Green Finance Framework. The largest portion of the Green Bond proceeds were allocated to the Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency categories. Throughout 2024, the bond proceeds have allowed to add 30 new buildings in Europe with EPC Label A or higher. Dutch local brand Albert Heijn also converted 20 stores to gas-free stores, increasing its share of gas-free supermarkets to 97%.

The retailer is implementing energy efficiency measures across all its local brands. Examples include the installation of heat pump systems and other heat recovery technologies, installation and replacement of air-conditioning systems, LED lighting and energy-efficient doors on refrigerated cases in stores and distribution centers. Additionally, further progress was made in the replacement of refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential alternatives and in minimizing refrigeration leakages.

Green project portfolio

On December 29th, 2024, Ahold Delhaize had a total eligible Green project portfolio of €864 million, to which proceeds of two Green Bonds issued in 2023 and 2024 were allocated. 100% of the portfolio was allocated to two Green Bonds issued in 2023 and 2024. The net proceeds of the €500 million bond issued in April 2023 were fully allocated with the eligible expenditures of 2022 and 2023. Out of the net proceeds of the €500 million bond issued in March 2024, €80 million, or 16%, were allocated to refinance existing projects with expenditures in 2023, and €284 million, or 57% of the portfolio, were allocated to finance new projects with expenditures in 2024.

Sustainalytics, an independent provider of ESG research and ratings, delivered a second-party opinion on the Framework. The bonds issued in 2023 carry a coupon of 3.50% and mature on April 4th, 2028. The bonds issued in 2024 carry a coupon of 3.375% and mature on March 11th, 2031. The subsequent Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, and the second-party opinion, are available for viewing on Ahold Delhaize's website. KPMG Accountants N.V. provided Limited Assurance on the Allocation Report.

UNITED STATES/MEXICO - When I last reported on blueberries, the hope was that the market would have improved by this time of the month. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

PRO*ACT’s The Source alerted us to challenges last week in its report on April 23, 2025.

Within, the company noted that “Central Mexican production is rapidly declining, and Peruvian imports are scarce at the ports. Georgia has just started with limited offerings, and production will gradually increase over the next few weeks. The market will remain tight, with demand exceeding supply, until California’s production begins in mid-May.”

The Fresno Shipping Point reported these prices (flats 12 6-oz cups with lids) on April 28, 2025:

• 20.00-26.00 mostly 22.00-24.00 occasional higher and lower

The report noted that demand was good, with the market for organic being higher.

On April 28, 2025, the Los Angeles Terminal Market reported the following prices (flats 12 6-oz cups with lids):

• MEXICO - large 24.00-26.00 fair quality 18.00-20.00 poorer quality and condition lower fine appearance 28.00-30.00 (one label)

For updates regarding multiple categories, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 28, 2025.

"We kicked off 2025 with continued momentum, building on the progress we made last year. In the first quarter, demand once again exceeded supply in our fresh and value-added products segment, highlighting the strength of our position in this key segment,” said Fresh Del Monte Chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh in a press release. “Our year-over-year improvement in gross profit—up 12%—and continued expansion in gross margin, up to 8.4% versus 7.4%—reflects the success of our fresh and value-added products strategy, supported by disciplined execution, optimized product mix, and ongoing operational efficiencies. As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating long-term value through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across our global business.”

Financial highlights for the first quarter 2025:

• Net sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $1,098.4 million compared with $1,107.9 million in the prior-year period. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by lower net sales in the Company's banana segment primarily as a result of lower sales volume and the negative impact of fluctuations in exchange rates, partially offset by higher net sales in the Company's fresh and value-added products segment, driven by higher per unit selling prices.
• Gross profit for the first quarter of 2025 was $92.2 million compared with $82.3 million in the prior-year period. The increase in gross profit for the quarter was primarily driven by higher net sales in the Company's fresh and value-added products segment, partially offset by higher per unit production, procurement, and distribution costs. Gross margin for the first quarter of 2025 increased to 8.4% compared with 7.4% in the prior-year period.
• Adjusted gross profit(1) for the first quarter of 2025 was $92.2 million compared with $81.3 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 included $1.0 million of other product-related (credits) charges, comprised primarily of an insurance recovery. No other product-related (credits) charges were recorded during the first quarter of 2025.
• Operating income for the first quarter of 2025 was $44.9 million compared with $44.1 million in the prior-year period. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by higher gross profit, partially offset by a lower gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net.
• Adjusted operating income(1) for the first quarter of 2025 was $44.1 million compared with $30.6 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted operating income for the first quarter of 2025 excludes a $0.8 million gain from the sale of idle land in Guatemala. In the prior-year period, Adjusted operating income excludes the above mentioned other product-related (credits) charges, $2.3 million in asset impairment and other charges, net, and a $14.8 million gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment.
• Other expense, net, for the first quarter of 2025 was $2.8 million compared with $7.7 million in the prior-year period. The decrease was primarily due to lower foreign currency losses as compared to the prior-year period.
• FDP net income(2) for the first quarter of 2025 was $31.1 million compared with $26.1 million in the prior-year period and Adjusted FDP net income(1) was $30.3 million compared with $15.8 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted FDP net income for both periods excludes the above-mentioned adjustments and their tax effects.

For additional information, click here for the entire report.

WASHINGTON, DC - As policymakers and industry leaders prepare to gather for The Washington Conference on June 9-11, 2025, in Washington D.C., the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is setting the stage for critical policy discussions impacting the fresh produce and floral industries. With a focus on labor, food safety, nutrition, trade, and the Farm Bill, IFPA remains at the forefront of advocacy efforts to strengthen the supply chain and ensure consumers have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality fresh produce and floral products.

"As the fresh produce industry faces evolving challenges, from trade barriers to food safety regulations and nutrition policy, IFPA is committed to being the leading voice advocating for fair, effective, and science-based solutions," said Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA’s VP of Government Relations. "By working with policymakers, we can ensure that fresh produce remains a critical component of public health and economic prosperity. The Washington Conference provides a unique opportunity to directly engage with policymakers shaping the future of agriculture. Growers, retailers, distributors, and industry advocates will use their collective voice to secure policies that support a resilient fresh produce and floral supply chain."

Workforce & Labor: Addressing Critical Labor Shortages

A stable workforce is essential to the fresh produce supply chain, a press release stated. IFPA is leading efforts to reform agricultural labor policies to ensure growers have access to the workforce they need while maintaining fair and reasonable labor standards. Key priorities include H-2A visa improvements, expanded H-2B visas for year-round workers, and the creation of an Agricultural Industry Liaison within the Department of Labor to ensure fair, practical labor policies that support both growers and workers.

Nutrition & Public Health: Expanding Access to Fresh Produce

With diet-related diseases on the rise and the U.S. Center for Disease and Control reporting that only 1 in 10 Americans meet daily produce consumption recommendations, IFPA is pushing for stronger federal nutrition policies. Efforts include protecting funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, expanding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and supporting Produce Prescription programs that integrate fresh produce into Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs healthcare initiatives.

Modernizing the Farm Bill: Strengthening Agriculture for the Future

As Congress works toward reauthorizing the Farm Bill, IFPA is advocating for policies that reflect the fresh produce industry’s critical role in the economy and public health, including increased funding for precision agriculture and automation, improved crop insurance for specialty growers, and expanded USDA procurement programs to ensure fresh produce reaches food banks and nutrition initiatives.

Trade & Supply Chain Resilience: Ensuring Fair and Open Markets

As global trade policies shift, IFPA is committed to ensuring fair trade practices that protect U.S. growers and consumers. IFPA is fighting for science-based trade policies, the removal of non-tariff barriers, and prioritization of fresh produce in port operations during supply chain disruptions to prevent losses and maintain market stability.

Food Safety: A Science-Based Approach

IFPA is calling for a more prevention-based, risk-focused approach to food safety that balances consumer protection with industry realities. IFPA is advocating for increased transparency and efficiency within the FDA’s Human Foods Program and more robust funding for state-level food safety inspections under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

As policymakers shape the future of agriculture, IFPA stands as a leading voice for the fresh produce industry. By advocating for a strong workforce, modernized agricultural policies, enhanced nutrition programs, and a fair-trade environment, IFPA is committed to protecting the industry’s long-term success and ensuring that fresh produce remains accessible to all consumers.