Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., a leading North American marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, is a year-round supplier of Hass avocados from Mexico, California, Peru and Chile, according to a written statement from the company to The Produce News.

Del Monte has 23 ripening and distribution centers spread across North America. “With so many distribution centers in strategic locations, we’re able to provide high-quality, ripened ‘Del Monte’ avocados in more locations at the right time,” said Dionysios Christou, vice president of marketing, in the statement. “Our expertise in ripening avocados and other Del Monte products sets us apart from the rest.”

Del Monte Fresh Produce markets its products in North America under the “Del Monte” brand as well as other brands. The “Del Monte” brand has been “a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for over 120 years,” Christou said in the statement.

“Hass is the leading avocado variety, accounting for over 95 percent of avocado sales volume,” Christou said in the statement. “As avocados are becoming a staple in many consumers’ diets, the avocado category continues to show promising growth. Consumers are increasingly more aware of the health benefits of avocados. The addition of new avocado menu items in the food service sector has also greatly contributed to the growth of the category.”

The company works closely with retailers to support their avocado programs, providing a large array of point-of-sale material, secondary displays, demos and display contests throughout the year, Christou continued. “We also use our social media and tailored advertising campaigns to encourage consumers to purchase our ‘Del Monte’ avocados and participate in our promotions.”

Del Monte Fresh Produce works directly with customers as well as with the Avocado Associations to jointly promote avocados at both retail and foodservice levels during the major holiday periods as well as for sporting events. The company also uses category management programs, providing insights to help maximize the retailer’s avocado category returns, he said.

“In store, retailers can increase Hass avocado sales by offering ripe fruit that is ready to be consumed within the next couple of days. Providing more shelf space for avocados will also increase consumer interest,” according to the statement. “Cross promoting avocados with chips and vegetables is another great way to increase sales and gain consumer acknowledgment. In addition, POS materials attract impulse purchases. Finally, running promotions during holidays and national sporting events generate increased sales.”

Everyone at Del Monte Fresh Produce is “focused on the safety of all of our products,” said Christou in the statement.

“We monitor our food-safety programs from the farm to the market with tools and procedures such as quality system manuals, self-auditing programs, web-enabled handheld computer systems used by field personnel for audits, critical control point processing data and mock recalls. In addition, Del Monte quality managers are continuously trained to implement the most current, science-based, food-safety practices. Operations are also routinely audited and certified under numerous food-safety standards to ensure transparency and compliance. Integrated with its packaging and operation units, the Del Monte Fresh Food Safety management system also provides detailed records and controls to ensure traceability for all of its products.”