Fresh Del Monte is helping lead the transformation toward a more transparent, efficient, and data-driven fresh produce ecosystem Fresh Del Monte Produce, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers,…

Fresh Del Monte is helping lead the transformation toward a more transparent, efficient, and data-driven fresh produce ecosystem

Fresh Del Monte Produce, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the largest and most diverse international association serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain, announced a strategic partnership through IFPA’s Supply Chain of the Future initiative. 

As part of this collaboration, Fresh Del Monte has committed to executive sponsorship of two of the initiative’s key steering committees: Harmonised Standards and Shelf-Life Prediction. Backed by more than 135 years of operational expertise and a global supply chain spanning over 90 countries, Fresh Del Monte is helping lead the transformation toward a more transparent, efficient, and data-driven fresh produce ecosystem. 

With Fresh Del Monte’s Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abbas, serving as executive sponsor, the company will deploy experienced leaders to actively contribute to the initiative’s working groups. Raul Saca, SVP of Global Logistics and former executive at Maersk and DP World, will lead engagement in the Harmonised Standards committee. The working group will identify and align existing standards relevant to the fresh produce supply chain. 

Walter Tordoff, VP of Global Quality Assurance, will spearhead Fresh Del Monte’s involvement in the Shelf-Life Prediction workstream. The Shelf-Life Working Group will define critical data requirements for effective shelf-life prediction and identify compelling use cases that demonstrate value across the supply chain.  

“Waste across the supply chain is one of the most urgent issues facing our industry,” said Mohammed Abbas, COO, Fresh Del Monte. “There’s so much waste out there—and what’s missing is predictability and a more integrated supply chain. Fixing just those two things could unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in savings.” 

The Supply Chain of the Future initiative is built on four foundational pillars: Shelf-Life Prediction, Dynamic Incentives, Harmonised Standards, and Smart Data Escrow. Fresh Del Monte’s engagement underscores its commitment to tackling inefficiencies and reducing food waste at scale.