Del Monte Unveils Six New Products as Reunited Brand Takes Shape
Del Monte Corporation used the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show to introduce six new products and showcase fresh and shelf-stable offerings together for the first time since much of the Del Monte brand was reunited under one owner.
The company’s appearance at the Orlando show marked another step in integrating the fresh produce business formerly known as Fresh Del Monte Produce with Del Monte Foods assets acquired earlier this year.
It is the first time in nearly 40 years that the Del Monte brand has operated under one global owner, subject to existing licensing arrangements.
“The Global Produce & Floral Show has long been an important platform for showcasing the strength of our fresh portfolio and deepening our customer relationships,” said Danny Dumas, senior vice president of sales, marketing and product management for Del Monte’s North America Fresh Division. “This year, we’re proud to build on that presence alongside our Foods colleagues, bringing customers a broader portfolio and a more coordinated approach to serving their needs.”
The six innovations include Del Monte Red & Green Chimichurri premium sauces, an Açaí Parfait, Fruit Kabobs, Watermelon Feta Salad, a Premium Snack Fruit Trio Tray and Medjool Dates.
The parfait combines açaí, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola in a single-serve cup providing 6 grams of protein.
Fruit Kabobs include strawberries, pineapple, honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon, while the Watermelon Feta Salad combines sliced watermelon and cucumber with feta and balsamic vinaigrette.
The Premium Snack Fruit Trio includes Del Monte’s Honeyglow and Pinkglow pineapples along with cantaloupe.
Its new Medjool dates are grown in the Jordan Valley and marketed around their large size, soft texture and caramel-like sweetness.
The company also highlighted one of the first collaborations between its Fresh and Foods teams: bringing Del Monte Gold pineapple into additional shelf-stable formats. The fruit will be offered as single-serve chunks as well as multi-serve chunks and spears packed in 100% juice.
The effort illustrates one of the opportunities Del Monte sees in combining its fresh agricultural platform with a business built around packaged foods and longstanding grocery relationships.
“Our foods business brings longstanding retail relationships and products that generations of families have trusted in their kitchens,” said David Stis, chief commercial officer of Del Monte’s Foods Division.
Del Monte changed its corporate name from Fresh Del Monte Produce in June following the acquisition. The company now operates across fresh produce, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, refrigerated foods and shelf-stable categories.
At IFPA, the message was that those businesses will increasingly work together to develop products capable of reaching consumers at more eating occasions throughout the day.
