Del Monte Fresh says growth of tropical fruits due to sophisticated tastes and consumer trends in healthy eating
Del Monte Fresh says growth of tropical fruits due to sophisticated tastes and consumer trends in healthy eating
Dionysios Christou, vice president of marketing for Del Monte Fresh Produce, is confident that the tropical fruit category will continue to grow as consumers develop more sophisticated tastes.
“Also helping to push the category are trends in healthy eating,” said Christou. “Combined, these factors also contribute to the continued growth in the new tropical fruits category.”
Del Monte Fresh continues to grow the pineapple category as it expands some of its current operations and seek new opportunities to support its growth.
“We’re currently working on future promotions focused on expanding pineapple sales and reaching new consumers, as well as increasing usage frequency by current consumers,” Christou pointed out.
Del Monte concentrates mainly on pineapples in its tropical line. It offers Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet pineapple as whole fruit and also in fresh cut cylinders, chunks and spears. The line is available in a multitude of sizes and fruit medleys.
“The tropical trend has increased the consumption of pineapples, added Christou. “Other tropical fruits are also included in our fresh cut lines, such as papayas and mangos. We also offer specialty bananas such as plantains, reds and manzanos.”
Del Monte Fresh’s pineapples, grown in Costa Rica, are available year-round.
“Pineapple volume from Costa Rica was significantly lower in 2015 due to heavy rains throughout the first half of 2015,” explained Christou. “We expect volume to slowly come back to normal between the second and third quarter of 2016.”
