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Del Monte is a globally recognised brand that has been in existence for nearly 140 years. But in 2023, The Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism uncovered allegations that security guards at Del Monte Kenya had assaulted and even killed people suspected of stealing pineapples. Reports also revealed a decade-long pattern of brutality, including sexual violence, and claims that innocent passers-by were targeted while using a public road through the farm.
In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?’, hosts Tamara Littleton and Kate Hartley are joined by strategic communications expert Marshall Manson to examine the complex and troubling story of Del Monte, focusing on the serious human rights abuses at its Kenyan pineapple farm and also the wider implications of a fragmented global brand.
In 2023, supermarkets temporarily paused sourcing from the Kenyan site and Del Monte replaced its security contractor, but the company denied allegations of bribery and argued in court that, being based in the Cayman Islands, it was beyond Kenyan jurisdiction. Despite widespread coverage, the brand suffered no significant financial or reputational damage, and analysts continue to rate the stock as a strong buy.
We discuss whether reputational and legal levers have failed to hold the company accountable, and talk about the vital role of investigative journalism in giving vulnerable communities a voice when internal systems and oversight break down.
A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.
