Fresh Del Monte’s second quarter saw a positive market response, as strong sales in premium pineapple varieties and robust fresh-cut fruit demand offset ongoing supply challenges and higher costs. Management credited the company’s brand leadership in pineapples and operational agility in fresh-cut products for supporting margin stability. CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh highlighted new international expansion for Pinkglow pineapples and the company’s proactive response to logistical disruptions in Costa Rica. He also emphasized the broader industry impact of rising crop diseases, particularly affecting banana supply.
Is now the time to buy FDP? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
Fresh Del Monte Produce (FDP) Q2 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $1.18 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.16 billion (3.8% year-on-year growth, 2.2% beat)
- Adjusted EPS: $1.23 vs analyst estimates of $0.95 (29.5% beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $95.4 million vs analyst estimates of $81.4 million (8.1% margin, 17.2% beat)
- Operating Margin: 5.7%, in line with the same quarter last year
- Market Capitalization: $1.74 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Fresh Del Monte Produce’s Q2 Earnings Call
- Mitchell Brad Pinheiro (Sturdivant & Company) asked about future pineapple supply and production growth. CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh explained that supply will remain tight through next year, with new expansion in Costa Rica and Brazil expected to increase volumes modestly by 2027.
- Pinheiro inquired about Pinkglow distribution in North America and international markets. Abu-Ghazaleh detailed recent regulatory approvals to boost acreage, noting supply should improve in 18 months, and described strong demand in new regions like the UAE.
- Pinheiro questioned the geographic and channel growth in fresh-cut fruit. Abu-Ghazaleh cited retail and convenience stores as primary drivers and confirmed that growth is global, with expansion plans in the U.K. and Middle East.
- Pinheiro pressed on banana disease impacts. Abu-Ghazaleh confirmed that Black Sigatoka has reduced Costa Rica’s banana exports by over 20% this year, and said the company is actively pursuing solutions but expects continued supply pressure.
- Pinheiro asked about logistics changes and vessel sales. Abu-Ghazaleh explained the shift to container shipping in Asia for efficiency, and stated the company remains flexible in its broader shipping strategy.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
In the coming quarters, our analysts will watch (1) the pace of pineapple production expansion and Pinkglow’s supply growth, (2) continued adoption and margin trends in the fresh-cut and value-added product segments, and (3) progress on disease-resistant banana initiatives and their early field results. Execution on shipping transitions and cost containment will also be important for tracking profitability resilience.
Fresh Del Monte Produce currently trades at $37.10, up from $36.07 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).
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