Fyffes cuts emissions, boosts food aid in midterm sustainability report

Fyffes has reported significant progress toward its 2030 sustainability targets, according to the company’s newly released 2023-24 Sustainability Report. The multinational banana and tropical fruit producer stated it has met or exceeded multiple environmental and social responsibility benchmarks, including greenhouse gas reductions, packaging recyclability, and food loss repurposing.

Among the reported highlights, Fyffes reduced its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 12.05 percent per kilogram of fruit harvested through measures such as switching to lower-nitrogen fertilizers and upgrading agrochemical application equipment. The company reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)- endorsed emissions goals.

Packaging, food loss, and climate resilience show notable gains

According to the report, Fyffes has now implemented certified water management plans across 100 percent of its owned operations. On packaging, 99.6 percent of materials used are recyclable, reusable, or compostable. The company has also reached its target for food waste reduction by repurposing 80 percent of post-harvest food loss.

The report also outlines the results of a recent independent climate risk assessment, which confirmed that Fyffes farms and those of its growers are already experiencing intensified tropical storms, heavier rainfall, rising temperatures, and increased pest and fungal pressures. In response, Fyffes says it is investing in mitigation and resilience strategies.

Human rights initiatives were another focal point. The company trained 100 percent of its employees on human rights and extended training to its suppliers. Independent Human Rights Impact Assessments were conducted at Costa Rica supplier sites and company-owned farms in Belize.

Fyffes also reported that it has far exceeded its goal of donating five million healthy meals to vulnerable communities, reaching over 27 million meals to date. The company noted this figure is particularly relevant in the context of rising global demand for food bank support amid economic pressures.

CEO Helge Sparsoe commented at the report’s launch:

“At a time of significant global uncertainty and with climate change severely impacting growing conditions, I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved through innovative approaches and lateral thinking. We are at the forefront of sustainability in our sector, always at the ready for our customers' current and future sustainable and ethical supply chain requirements. Despite these challenges and the increasing regulatory differences in sustainability policy in consumer markets, we are steadfast in our commitment to Shaping Wellbeing for the World, both for people and planet.”

The report marks the halfway point in Fyffes' 2020-30 sustainability strategy, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the company’s broader corporate agenda. The sustainability strategy was introduced in 2019/2020, establishing environmental and ethical performance as core company values.

Fyffes has been shortlisted for the Reuters SDG Pioneer Award and the UK Fresh Awards Sustainability Supply Chain Award.

*Featured photos by Fyffes.

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