Del Monte Pacific Limited and Fresh Del Monte Produce announced new joint ventures in retail and refrigerated grocery products

Del Monte Pacific Limited and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. announced a series of new joint ventures between the two companies that will result in expanded refrigerated offerings sold across all distribution and sales channels, and a new retail food and beverage concept modeled after an already successful Fresh Del Monte Produce business in the Middle East. These joint ventures will initially focus on the U.S. market with the potential for expansion into other territories where the companies’ businesses complement each other. This will also greatly increase the scale of the Del Monte^® brand by expanding into more high-quality, healthy and convenient product options for consumers.

A major joint initiative is the introduction of Del Monte^® branded retail outlets, featuring an assortment of nutritious foods and beverages to meet the increasing demands of consumers for healthier food options. The companies also announced that they are collaborating on several product innovations, including a line of chilled juices, new varieties of prepared refrigerated fruit snacks, and guacamole and avocado products.

The collaboration offers the opportunity for each partner to share expertise and optimize economies of scale in product development, operations, sourcing, supply chain, marketing and distribution.

In addition to retail and new product ventures, the companies have also agreed to a long-term mutual supply agreement to accelerate the expansion of Del Monte^® product sales in various markets around the world.