
Fresh Del Monte earnings fall as oversupply, geopolitics weigh
Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP) saw its first-quarter revenue and earnings slide as the tropical fruit giant grappled with a global avocado surplus and geopolitical tensions that snarled logistics in the Middle East.
The Coral Gables, Florida-based company reported net sales of $1.044 billion for the quarter ended March 27, 2026, a 4.9% decrease compared to the prior-year period.
The decline was largely attributed to the strategic divestiture of the Mann Packing business in late 2025 and a sharp drop in avocado prices.
An industry-wide oversupply of avocados led to lower per-unit selling prices, offsetting gains in other categories.
Profitability also tightened, with gross profit falling to $89 million.
Beyond the avocado market, Fresh Del Monte faced headwinds in its poultry and meats division due to slower demand and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Furthermore, supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz increased operational complexities, while a stronger Costa Rican colon negatively impacted exchange rate fluctuations.
Despite these pressures, the company’s gross margin improved slightly to 8.5%.
Performance was buoyed by higher selling prices for bananas and pineapples, as well as the initial contribution from its acquisition of Del Monte Foods in March 2026.
Net income for the quarter stood at $10 million, or $0.21 per diluted share.
On an adjusted basis, which excludes one-time asset impairment charges and other net costs, earnings per share were $0.63.
Operating income fell to $20.1 million, driven by higher impairment charges compared to the previous year, though adjusted operating income remained more resilient at $40.2 million.