Fresh Del Monte Produce has posted “solid” first-quarter results thanks to higher banana selling prices.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Net sales for the three months to 28 March rose 7% to US$894.9m due to strong global demand for bananas as supply dipped after poor weather in Central America.
The company reported at net income of $63.6m, compared with $51.6m in the first quarter of 2007.
“We are encouraged by the progress we made in managing the exceptionally high costs that continue to affect our business,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO. “During the first quarter of 2008, we demonstrated that Fresh Del Monte is able to deliver solid financial results even in a tough market.”
The company posted a loss in gross profit, recording $96.9m for 2008, compared to $99.1m for the same period last year. The decrease was due to a “negative impact” from foreign exchange and “challenges” in its melon product line.

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData