Del Monte gold pineapple

Fresh Del Monte will continue importing fruit through Port Manatee in Florida for up to 20 more years after extending its lease through until 30 August 2021, with an option for three additional five-year extensions.

According to the Herald Tribune, the lease agreement will continue to pay the port US$108,000 per year. Del Monte has operated at Port Manatee since 1989.

'Extension of Port Manatee's long-term partnership with Del Monte demonstrates the mutual commitment on the part of our port and a most-valued tenant,' said Betsy Benac, chairwoman of the Manatee County Port Authority.

Since 1989 Del Monte has moved 8.7m tonnes of cargo through the port, the publication reported.