How Del Monte Is Turning Local Resources Into A Sustainable Future

When you visit Del Monte Kenya, it quickly becomes clear that the company’s focus stretches far beyond cultivating pineapples. It’s about growing a future where agriculture and environmental stewardship walk hand in hand.

In 2024, Del Monte Kenya marked a major milestone with the launch of a pioneering biofertilizer plant. This new facility transforms pineapple residues-previously used mainly for animal feed and compost-into powerful biofertilizers. Using naturally occurring microbes, the biofertilizers improve nutrient availability, boost soil health, and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. The plant is designed to produce different types of biofertilizers, supporting both Del Monte’s farms and other growers across East Africa. This not only maximizes resource use but also sets a regional benchmark for sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility.

Wayne Cook, Acting Deputy Managing Director, captured the spirit of the project, saying, “This investment positions Kenya as a leader in sustainable agriculture, fostering a greener and more prosperous future for all. As the largest single exporter of Kenyan products, we are proud to contribute to the advancement of sustainable practices through initiatives like the biofertilizer plant.”

But Del Monte Kenya’s sustainability story doesn’t stop there. The company has also been rethinking how its products reach consumers. Over the past few years, it has steadily shifted away from conventional packaging towards more environmentally friendly options. Reusable plastic containers, for example, are now commonly used to transport fruits like pineapples and bananas, reducing waste throughout the supply chain. The aim is clear: lower the environmental footprint of every product, from farm to table, and move closer to a truly circular economy.

Fresh Del Monte has set ambitious packaging targets, aiming for 100% of its plastic packaging to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2030.    The company is also incorporating post-consumer recycled content into its plastic beverage cups and working towards having at least 25% recycled content in its plastic packaging. These efforts are in line with global sustainability standards and reflect Del Monte’s commitment to reducing waste and resource use across its supply chain.

Protecting the environment is also central to how Del Monte Kenya manages its land. Alongside its pineapple fields, the company safeguards approximately 275 hectares of wetlands, preserving critical habitats for local wildlife. Ecological studies, including those conducted with the University of Nairobi, have highlighted these areas as important refuges for bird species and mammals alike.

Beyond wetlands, Del Monte Kenya has planted more than 45,000 indigenous trees across its farms. These trees not only serve as natural buffers for water sources but also strengthen the health of nearby water catchment areas, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to biodiversity.

Del Monte Kenya’s parent company, Fresh Del Monte, achieved its global target to plant 2.5 million trees by 2025, with Del Monte Kenya actively participating in this reforestation initiative. In 2025 alone, Del Monte Kenya   planted over 8,000 trees in partnership with local stakeholders, aiming to restore the environment and improve community well-being. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to embed sustainable business practices and increase global forest cover.

Regenerative agriculture is another pillar of Fresh Del Monte’s sustainability approach has expanded regenerative practices across its farms, increasing such efforts by nearly 11% between 2022 and 2023. These include adopting cover crops without herbicides, developing pest-resistant plant varieties, and minimizing fertilizer use. Approximately 40% of Fresh Del Monte-owned farms and 29% of associate grower farms have implemented regenerative and soil health management practices, to reach all farms by 2030. These practices not only improve soil health and productivity but also reduce emissions and enhance ecosystem resilience.

Across its global operations, Fresh Del Monte sets aside around 30% of its land for conservation, creating biological corridors that allow wildlife to thrive alongside agricultural production. These corridors have been shown to support endangered species and maintain high levels of biodiversity, as confirmed by ecosystem mapping and ongoing scientific monitoring.

Sustainability for Del Monte Kenya also means supporting the communities it calls home. The company employs over 6,500 Kenyans directly and generates an estimated 28,000 additional jobs through affiliated businesses, helping sustain the livelihoods of more than 35,000 families across Murang’a and Kiambu Counties. Del Monte Kenya also invests over 100 million shillings annually in public road maintenance, making an important contribution to local infrastructure development.

Del Monte Kenya’s social responsibility extends to human rights and community engagement. The company has set new goals to enhance human rights practices through comprehensive assessments of all major agricultural operations by the end of the decade. These efforts are integrated into Del Monte’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes environmental conservation, regenerative agriculture, and meaningful community involvement.

These combined efforts have not gone unnoticed. Del Monte Kenya holds the internationally recognized Sustainably Grown® certification from SCS Global Services mark of excellence awarded only after rigorous audits. The certification affirms the company’s integrated approach, which includes protecting indigenous species, promoting regenerative agriculture, conserving natural resources, and ensuring meaningful community engagement.

Ultimately, Del Monte Kenya’s approach to sustainability is about much more than ticking boxes. It’s about weaving environmental care into the fabric of everyday operations while building a stronger, greener future for everyone involved. By rethinking waste, reimagining packaging, restoring biodiversity, and investing in people, Del Monte Kenya is cultivating more than just fruit – it’s cultivating a legacy.