Del Monte signs deal with Rise n’ Shine

Fruitnet.com 06 February 2009

Fresh Del Monte Produce has signed a long-term banana production and purchase agreement with India’s Rise n’ Shine Biotech

Global banana giant Fresh Del Monte announced yesterday it had signed an agreement with Indian company Rise n’ Shine Biotech for a long-term production and purchase deal.

Rise n’ Shine is one of India’s biggest horticulture biotechnology operators, and according to a Del Monte press release is a leader in banana plantlet research and development.

In return for access to Rise n’ Shine’s production sources, Fresh Del Monte will give the biotech company technical assistance to improve quality.

“We are very excited to have signed a multi-year, exclusive banana production and purchase agreement with Rise n' Shine India,” Fresh Del Monte’s CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh said in the press release.

“India’s geographic location offers the benefits of more efficient shipping to the Middle East and production quality because of shorter transit time and ideal growing conditions.”

The first shipment of Del Monte branded fruit from the deal is set to head for the Middle East this June.