Fresh Del Monte Produce has booked a jump in profitability thanks to higher sales and improved margins in the first quarter.

The US produce group attributed the 21.8% jump in operating profit in the period to 28 March to higher melon selling prices and volume gains in its prepared foods unit.

Chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh added the group was boosted by efforts to “hold the line” on costs, as well as steps to “expand” Fresh Del Monte’s global market position and enhance its product mix.

Sales growth was seen across all of its business segments, Del Monte said.