The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Fresh Del Monte, one of the world’s largest vertically integrated fresh produce companies, has entered into a long-term sourcing partnership with Thaco Agri, the agricultural division of Vietnam’s Thaco Group.

Under the deal, Fresh Del Monte will source bananas directly from Thaco Agri’s extensive farming operations in Vietnam and Cambodia. The partnership also includes plans for Thaco Agri to develop dedicated pineapple cultivation areas that will supply Fresh Del Monte through a phased rollout.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony held at Thaco Group headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.

The collaboration represents a significant step for Fresh Del Monte in strengthening and diversifying global supply chains amid increasing climate challenges.

Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s chairman and CEO, said: “Partnering with Thaco Agri is an important step in strengthening our sourcing capabilities in Southeast Asia. Its scale and integrated circular operations align with our long-term strategy to build a more resilient and diversified supply network.”

The move supports Fresh Del Monte’s efforts to mitigate rising pressures facing the global banana industry, including climatic volatility, disease threats and shifting cost structures.

Thaco Agri oversees more than 85,000 hectares of agricultural land across Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Its operations integrate fruit cultivation with livestock production within a circular and organic-driven model. The company aims to become the leading agricultural corporation in ASEAN by 2027.

Tran Ba Duong, Thaco's chairman, said: “We highly appreciate our new partnership with Fresh Del Monte. This partnership is an important step for Thaco Agri’s agricultural operations and we look forward to building a stable, long-term collaboration that supports both organisations.”