MIAMI, FL - Finding that perfect pineapple is not just a great meal in its own right, but a full-body experience. From aesthetic and flavor to innovative growing and harvesting, the pineapple continues to inspire and engage consumers from all walks of life, regions, and countries. With such an iconic fruit bringing a host of opportunities this spring and summer, I caught up with Fresh Del Monte Produce to see what’s in store for the company’s fresh produce program and where the pineapple still stands supreme.

“During the spring and summer seasons, Fresh Del Monte offers a variety of fruits at their peak freshness. Pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon are just a handful of examples of what you will find from us,” Melissa Mackay, Vice President of Marketing, North America, shares with me. “For more than 135 years, Fresh Del Monte’s legacy has been rooted in growing, innovating, and distributing high-quality and nutritious products, with a specific focus on pineapples—one of the brand’s specialties. Known as a global leader in pineapple innovation, Fresh Del Monte will continue leading the charge and heavily promoting its key pineapple products this season.”

As Melissa also tells me, pineapples offer healthy and fruitful benefits. Along with their well-known versatility, they’re a fantastic way to improve overall health and well-being.

“Fresh Del Monte offers a wide range of pineapple varieties and sizes, including Del Monte Gold®, Del Monte Zero™ Carbon Neutral Pineapple, Honeyglow®, Pinkglow®, and now Rubyglow™, all of which are tailored to suit different consumer needs,” Melissa explains. “Today's consumers are increasingly conscious of their health and wellness, sustainability, and convenience when it comes to food choices. The fruits offered by Fresh Del Monte align with these consumer preferences in several ways.”

That statement further piqued my interest, allowing Melissa to walk me through the many ways Fresh Del Monte responds to the consumer—and for more than just pineapples.

• Health and Wellness: Fruits like pineapple, watermelon, berries, and grapes are considered healthy choices due to their natural sweetness, high-fiber content, and abundance of vitamins and antioxidants. With more consumers prioritizing nutritious options in their diets, these fruits are in high demand
• Sustainability: Fresh Del Monte prioritizes responsible agriculture, reducing waste and practicing sustainable farming practices and sourcing methods, which appeal to environmentally conscious consumers
• Convenience: Many consumers value convenience and are looking for ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare options. Fresh Del Monte offers several fresh-cut options tailored to busy lifestyles and on-the-go snacking habits
• Flavor and Quality: Flavor is the primary reason for buying produce. Fresh Del Monte delivers high-quality fruit that is fresh, ripe, and flavorful to meet these consumer expectations
• Innovation: Fresh Del Monte has been a pioneer in product innovation, with products including Del Monte Gold, Honeyglow, and Pinkglow Pineapple. These are just a few examples of how Fresh Del Monte works to develop unique flavors and offer value-added products

“Overall, by understanding and responding to the buying behaviors and demands of today’s consumers, Fresh Del Monte maintains its position as a leading provider of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Melissa concludes.

It sounds like a fruitful season for Fresh Del Monte customers.