- Biofertilizers have been proven to enhance plant growth by increasing nutrient availability in the soil and plants.
- Recognizing this benefit, Fresh Del Monte partners with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas to create biofertilizers from pineapple waste.
- The new plant in Kenya is currently in the testing phase and is scheduled to be fully operational by June 2024.
Fresh Del Monte Produce, a major produce company, has partnered with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas, a leading biotechnology solutions provider. Together, they announced a partnership to find better ways to maximize pineapple residue.
The plan is to take these pineapple residues from Fresh Del Monte’s canning facilities and turn them into natural fertilizers called biofertilizers. Initially, they will be used on Fresh Del Monte’s farms in Kenya and eventually to farmers in other East African countries.
The joint venture will operate under the new name De l’Ora Bio. As part of this collaboration, a new biofertilizer manufacturing plant is being built in Kenya. Different kinds of biofertilizers using pineapple waste materials will be produced in this new plant.
What are Biofertilizers?
They can also be referred to as eco-friendly fertilizer products made from natural materials and helpful microbes. Biofertilizers promote plant growth by increasing the nutrients available and improving the soil quality. Compared to traditional synthetic fertilizers, they offer a more sustainable option for farming.
The Biofertilizer Market
According to research firm Precedence Research, the global market for biofertilizers is projected to grow to around $9.14 billion by the year 2032.
Furthermore, this market growth is attributed to increasing interest in sustainable agricultural practices, increasing consumer demand for organic foods, and government policies promoting biofertilizers.
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Road Map: Fresh Del Monte’s Plan
The new De l’Ora Bio biofertilizer plant in Kenya is currently in the testing phase and is scheduled to be fully operational by June 2024. Notably, Fresh Del Monte Kenya is the single largest exporter in the country, employing 6,500 local Kenyan workers directly.
With this new biofertilizer plant, the company will further boost the local economy and expand its positive impact across the East African region.
Announcing this partnership, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh stated, “Fresh Del Monte is committed to creating a circular economy model and taking active steps to repurpose and reuse its residual materials.”
He added, “We view this collaboration as a transformative opportunity that could transform agricultural practices in the industry. De l’Ora Bio represents our dedication to innovation, environmental stewardship, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in agriculture.”
With this ambitious partnership, Fresh Del Monte is well on course to meet the demand for nutritious produce while adhering to sustainable practices that are better for the environment.
About Del Monte
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers, and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The company has been in business for over 135 years.
About Vellsam Materias Bioactivas
Vellsam Materias Bioactivas is a Spanish company that specializes in developing and producing biostimulants and plant nutrients. Founded in 1999, the family-owned business has expanded globally, with production and sales operations across five continents.
