CORAL GABLES, FL - It is a growing trend. Consumers have come to expect healthy, tasty, on-the-go products that will satisfy their snacking needs as our lives continue to get busier and more eventful. Lucky for this industry, we deal in the healthiest stuff on earth. Responding to these growing demands is Del Monte Fresh Produce, who is continuing to make strides to get more fruits and vegetables into the consumer's hands.

Dionysios Christou, Vice President of Marketing, took a moment to tell me about the company’s growth and evolution in fresh-cut produce.

“Our fresh-cut program has been perfectly aligned with this trend, as we continue to expand our fresh-cut range to meet the needs of this growing and demanding consumer segment,” Dionysios tells me. “When it comes to fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, Del Monte Fresh is continuously developing innovative packaging with the on-the-go consumer in mind, such as non-spill containers and cups that fit in car cup holders.”

The need for innovative packaging that is portable, and at the same time keeps the freshness and integrity of the product, has become an integral part of making fresh-cut, healthy products successful, he adds.

So where does Dionysios see the trends evolving for fresh-cut? He tells me that Del Monte has seen an increasingly high demand for nutritious, portable snacks across all channels; and in particular with convenience stores and gas stations.  Also on that list are vending opportunities and drug stores.

“Customers are looking for healthy, tasty, on-the-go, fresh products. Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables have become the perfect solution to satisfying those needs,” Dionysios says. “Sales and consumption of fresh-cut produce has increased, especially with the increased presence of fresh fruit across a number of new channels. The fresh-cut category is also very popular for tailgating events. They are an easy way to display healthy snacks and allow for a quick cleanup!”

“Channels that have been typically reluctant to sell perishable fresh products in the past, have begun working with Del Monte and other suppliers to offer their customers healthier, fresh products to go,” said Dionysios.

Del Monte Fresh has had great success making fresh fruit and vegetables more convenient and available. The nationwide focus on health and wellness has lead consumers to demand and expect healthier options wherever they shop or dine.

“Channels that have been typically reluctant to sell perishable fresh products in the past, have begun working with Del Monte and other suppliers to offer their customers healthier, fresh products to go,” he adds. “We believe the fresh-cut lines will continue to lean towards the fresh, convenient, and on-the-go trends, as the need and want for healthier lifestyles continues to surge. In line with these trends, manufacturers will continue to develop a better and more diverse variety of fresh snacks.”

The recent growth of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables has helped place produce in unexpected channels so consumers don’t have to sacrifice their healthy lifestyles when on the go.

“Our fresh-cut fruit and vegetable grab-and-go line continues to grow and evolve from new packaging, that helps extend the shelf life and keep the product the highest quality possible, to new cuts and fruits to accommodate shifting consumption and quality patterns,” Dionysios says as he looks to the future.

Del Monte has no plans for slowing its fresh-cut push, and with the demand ever-growing, there can only be “healthy” results on the horizon.

Del Monte Fresh Produce