Fresh Del Monte’s fresh-cut fruit lineup has undergone several “notable enhancements” in recent years, said Kirk Teske, the company’s vice president of fresh-cut sales and operations.
Del Monte has introduced a variety of snack trays featuring a combination of fresh fruits and vegetables paired with crackers, nuts, cheese, and more.
They were designed, Teske said, for grocery stores and other channels where consumers are looking for health-conscious choices.
Del Monte is also keeping up with a surge in the popularity of larger units (particularly two pounds or more) of mango, watermelon and other fruits.
And the company is “particularly thrilled,” Teske said, with its latest fresh-cut addition, Del Monte Pinkglow pineapple, which is available both in straight cases and blends tailored for retail.
Another trend Del Monte is closely tracking is demand for grocery in-store cutting solutions.
“To better cater to retailers, we’ve implemented numerous programs supplying bulk products for final retail packaging to be completed at the store level,” he said. “This approach encompasses a range of options, from small packs to comprehensive tray assembly, ensuring flexibility and meeting the diverse needs of our partners.”
Teske characterizes the current state of the industry as the “most thrilling phase for the fresh-cut business.”
“This period is marked by unparalleled opportunities, with all options under consideration. Our primary focus remains on ensuring a foundation of high-quality raw products, implementing a robust food safety program based on HACCP principles, and maintaining a cadence of frequent deliveries.”
This article is an excerpt from the January 2024 issue of Supermarket Perimeter. You can read the entire Fresh-cut Produce feature and more in the digital edition here.