Del Monte International GmbH has reportedly signed a lucrative three-year contract with MMD Limited, which operates freight and cargo services at Portsmouth’s commercial port. The investment by Del Monte International, which sells processed food and beverage products throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East, will enable dredging work to begin at the port from the start of next year.

Dredging will allow large ships to access Portsmouth’s commercial port as tidal conditions change. Del Monte International is likely to avail of the strategic positioning of Portsmouth to import around 78,000 tons of fresh fruit, including bananas and pineapples, into the UK from Costa Rica. The deal is expected to increase the annual volume of fruit being brought into the port by around 10 per cent.

Port manager Martin Putman commented: “We’re delighted that a global leader in the fresh fruit industry has decided to make Portsmouth its UK import base. All the staff at MMD work hard to offer great service and value to our international clients. Their dedication and investment in new facilities, has made this important contract possible.” Dredging work is currently being carried out at Old House Point on Loch Ryan in Scotland as part of a £200-million development by Stena Line.

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