Fresh Del Monte Produce has announced that it has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which aims to drive ambitious climate change action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets. The company joins SBTi as the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to reducing its carbon footprint to assist with limiting global warming to well below 2 °C. This commitment further showcases Fresh Del Monte Produce’s sharpened focus to operating sustainably and implementing sound, science-based practices throughout its global operations; further leading the way within the produce industry.

See how a deep commitment to sustainability, health and technology have these four companies poised for greater success in 2021.

Franklin Farms has entered a partnership with Purple Carrot, the 100% plant-based meal kit company. As a consumer brand and leading supplier of meatless offerings, Franklin Farms brings more than twenty years of expertise in plant-based protein foods and innovation to Purple Carrot’s meal kit offerings.

Nature Fresh Farms has expanded operations with a new Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas, with future developments planned for next year. The new 61,000 square foot Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas, provides a new major hub of fresh produce. Since the opening of the facility, they have employed over 30 team members with more positions available for hire.

KeHE Cares, in partnership with New Hope Network, is delivering the first-of-its-kind virtual Serving Goodness Event, which will help deliver 80,000 meals to families experiencing food scarcity due to the pandemic.

Tyson Foods announced plans to build new production facilities in China and Thailand, and expand its facility in the Netherlands. The latest expansions, adding over 100,000 metric tons of fully cooked poultry capacity, build on the company’s global growth strategy to become the leader in protein by serving emerging markets and strategic customers.

Path of Life, makers of plant-based, frozen quinoa, rice and veggie blends, has experienced double-digit sales growth from this time last year. This momentous growth has catapulted them to the number 12 spot across naturally positioned Frozen Entrées & Vegetables, making them one of the fastest growing brands across channels according to SPINS 12 week data ending 10/04/2020. 

Mastronardi Produce--parent company of Sunset fruits and vegetables--has sold its 187,392-square-foot dry and cold storage warehouse facility in Laredo, Texas, to BH Properties in a short-term sale leaseback transaction. The 132-door cross dock facility is the first asset in Laredo for BH Properties, a real estate investment firm which has approximately 20% of its 10 million-square-foot commercial and industrial real estate portfolio in Texas.

Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa details how the pandemic transformed this year’s Frozen Foods Processor of the Year award, plus why the ability to shift business on short notice will be key to succeeding in 2021.

RLS Logistics announced a service expansion in Terrell, Texas, to handle temperature-controlled direct-to-consumer fulfillment. The move expands the RLS footprint for its temperature-controlled D2C fulfillment services while enhancing capabilities in the region. What it means for many D2C start-ups and established eCommerce companies is that they can now reach 95% of the U.S. population with a 2-day ground service and 27% within one day.