Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced a strategic partnership through IFPA's Supply Chain of the Future initiative.
Fresh Del Monte has committed to executive sponsorship of two of the initiative's key steering committees: Harmonized Standards and Shelf-Life Prediction. With the company's chief operating officer Mohammed Abbas serving as executive sponsor, it will deploy experienced leaders to contribute to the initiative's working groups. Raul Saca, SVP of global logistics and a former executive at Maersk and DP World will lead engagement in the Harmonized Standards committee. The working group will identify and align existing standards relevant to the fresh produce supply chain.
Walter Tordoff, VP of global quality assurance will spearhead the company's involvement in the Shelf-Life Prediction workstream. The Shelf-Life Working Group will define critical data requirements for effective shelf-life prediction and identify compelling use cases that demonstrate value across the supply chain.
"There's so much waste out there—and what's missing is predictability and a more integrated supply chain. Fixing just those two things could unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in savings," said Abbas.
The Supply Chain of the Future initiative is built on four foundational pillars: Shelf-Life Prediction, Dynamic Incentives, Harmonized Standards, and Smart Data Escrow.
"Retailers today contend with 4 to 8 percent shrink on the shelf," added Abbas. "That level of waste is unnecessary—we have the tools and data to do better."
Steve Alaerts, chair of IFPA's Supply Chain Council, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program. "Data doesn't move food. Collaboration does. This initiative is about bringing the industry together to break down data silos and foster trust across the supply chain," said Alaerts.
The initiative's white paper outlines the broader stakes. "The fresh produce industry stands at a precipice. We can continue with outdated, extractive business models that stifle innovation, or we can embrace a new era of open collaboration, where data empowers every stakeholder and fuels a more sustainable and equitable future."
There are several ways to get involved in the Supply Chain of the Future, including joining one of the working groups, signing on as a sponsor, or participating in the program pilot series, all of which are detailed here.
Industry members may also join the Supply Chain of the Future Symposium June 9, 2025 from 11am – 4pm EST. This event, held in conjunction with IFPA's The Washington Conference, is free and open to in-person and virtual participants.
Following the symposium, the initiative will expand pilot programs through targeted industry partnerships and technical enhancements, with a global showcase planned during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in October 2025.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/