Fresh Del Monte expands Southeast Asia sourcing with THACO Agri deal

ASIA – Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has signed a long-term partnership with THACO Agri, the agricultural division of Vietnam’s THACO Group, to secure banana and pineapple supplies from Vietnam and Cambodia.

The agreement was formalized during a ceremony at THACO Group’s headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.

The partnership will see THACO Agri supply bananas to Fresh Del Monte and develop pineapple production areas through a phased expansion plan. “This partnership represents an important step in securing a reliable supply of high-quality bananas and pineapples for our global customers,” a Fresh Del Monte spokesperson said.

THACO Agri operates across more than 85,000 hectares in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, combining crop and livestock farming in an integrated model. The deal is expected to strengthen Fresh Del Monte’s sourcing base in Southeast Asia and broaden its supply footprint worldwide.

The agreement also involves collaboration with THACO Industries, the group’s mechanical engineering division. The focus will be on mechanization and automation to improve agricultural productivity.

“We look forward to working closely with Fresh Del Monte to enhance our production capabilities and efficiency,” a THACO Agri representative said.

Both companies stated that the partnership aims to support supply-chain stability and long-term production planning in the region. Representatives highlighted that the agreement is a step toward deeper collaboration in meeting global demand for bananas and pineapples through diversified sourcing.

The collaboration comes at a time when Fresh Del Monte is actively diversifying its supply sources in Southeast Asia.

The company recently secured new agreements with local growers in the Philippines to support its banana exports, reflecting a broader strategy to stabilize supply amid growing global demand.

Fresh Del Monte said the arrangement with THACO Agri complements these efforts and ensures a steady flow of produce for key international markets.

“Our focus remains on building reliable partnerships that help us meet customer needs while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability,” the Fresh Del Monte spokesperson added.

The new agreement is also expected to support regional employment and technological development in agricultural operations. Both companies emphasized that collaboration on production planning, mechanization, and phased expansion will strengthen resilience in banana and pineapple supply chains for years to come.

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