What are the major projects or initiatives you have worked on that you are most proud of?

It is very important, as part of my role, to shape the legal, ethical and strategic direction of the company so that we can fulfil our mission: Shaping Wellbeing for the World. During the past year, one significant project has been the introduction of risk management into the various decisions we take. It is crucial to identify and understand the different risks in order to make better decisions, seeking to mitigate not only legal risks but also regulatory, operational, and reputational risks.

Furthermore, we have been developing a litigation strategy, implementing procedures both to reduce litigation and to avoid disputes. We have several confidential projects underway in different countries that challenge not only the legal function but also other areas of the business to work together and develop strong strategies that safeguard legal matters, tax issues, operational management, and, of course, our reputation.

If I were to highlight one particularly interesting project, it would be the introduction of artificial intelligence into our Legal Department. We are implementing a system that will allow us to work with AI on all our contracts. This is a highly innovative project that has challenged us, and it is truly amazing!

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

Fyffes is a global leader in the production and distribution of tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and melons, and we have implemented numerous measures to embed sustainability into our core operations. Sustainability is integral to the company’s long-term strategy, focusing on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance (ESG).

In terms of environmental stewardship, Fyffes is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain. The company implements water conservation methods, improves soil health, and preserves biodiversity within its plantations. Additionally, Fyffes partners with organisations such as Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade to certify its products, ensuring that sustainable practices are observed throughout the supply chain.

With respect to social responsibility, Fyffes ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare on its farms. In each community in which the company operates, projects are developed to support local schools and health programmes. Fyffes also adopts policies to combat forced labour, discrimination, and modern slavery across the supply chain, demonstrating a strong commitment to human rights.

Regarding governance and transparency, Fyffes publishes annual sustainability reports that detail progress on environmental and social goals. The company sets measurable targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by a specific year, in order to align with global sustainability standards.

As part of my role, I work closely with the Sustainability Team and provide strategic oversight. I advise on legal and regulatory matters and ensure that these projects comply with all legal requirements. I also assist in managing risks, identifying and mitigating issues related to environmental laws, labour practices, and ethical business operations. An important element in all transactions is, of course, contracts.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

Costa Rica is currently experiencing significant trends in both business and legal contexts, driven by its focus on sustainability and regulatory reforms.

With its commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica continues to integrate environmentally friendly practices into business operations. Companies and investors are adapting to rigorous environmental compliance, balancing economic activity with the preservation of biodiversity. This focus helps Costa Rica maintain its appeal as a global leader in sustainable development. At Fyffes, we have been preparing for the new EU legislation, which includes the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We have been working diligently internally and also preparing our different growers for these new regulations.

Another notable trend is the impact of exchange rate policies. Recent currency fluctuations have influenced labour costs and operational expenses in export-driven sectors.