Form 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of November 2006

 

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

The Cayman Islands

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

Walker House, Mary Street

P.O. Box 908GT

George Town, Grand Cayman

(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office)

c/o Del Monte Fresh Produce Company

241 Sevilla Avenue

Coral Gables, Florida 33134

(Address of Registrant’s U.S. Executive Office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F      X            Form 40-F              

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes                      No      X    

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-            .

 

LOGO Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. Wins Lawsuit

Brought by Former Indirect Minority Shareholders

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – November 17, 2006 – Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE: FDP), today announced that the jury hearing the lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court brought by certain former indirect minority shareholders, as originally announced in the Company’s December 31, 2002 press release, returned a verdict in favor of the Company and its co-defendants.

“Since the filing of this meritless litigation almost four years ago, we have always maintained that the acquisition of Fresh Del Monte by the IAT Group in December 1996 was proper and according to all legal requirements and consents,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Fresh Del Monte. “We stated from the first day we saw their complaint that we would vigorously defend against these false allegations regarding the propriety of the sale of Fresh Del Monte to the IAT Group in 1996. Finally, we had our day in court and the jury has confirmed that we were right and that the plaintiffs’ allegations were without any merit. The truth prevailed.”

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks and desserts in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fresh Del Monte markets its products worldwide under the Del Monte® brand, a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the intents, beliefs or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to various matters. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company assumes no obligation to update these statements. It is important to note that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described under the caption “Key Information – Risk Factors” in Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 30, 2005.

Note to the Editor: This release and other press releases are available on the Company’s web site, www.freshdelmonte.com.

 

Contact:

   

Christine Cannella

Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations

305-520-8433

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
Date: November 17, 2006   By:  

/s/ Hani El Naffy

    Hani El-Naffy
    President & Chief Operating Officer
  By:  

/s/ John F. Inserra

    John F. Inserra
   

Executive Vice President &

Chief Financial Officer