Del Monte launches foodservice arm

The man from Del Monte is off to the pub - the international fruit brand is launching a UK foodservice operation.

Del Monte Foodservice is offering a range of fresh fruit products, smoothies and juices, with further product launches planned for later this year.

Pubs looking to add fresh fruit to the menu are being targeted with Fruit Dynos, seven varieties of two kilo packs of ready-to-serve sliced fruit. Varieties range from classic fruit salad to melon medley and exotic fruits.

Del Monte Smoothies are fresh-tasting, but with a three-month shelf life are far more practical for the average pub fridge than a fresh smoothie. The four flavours come in a pub-friendly 330ml size.

Fruit bags, already supplied by Del Monte to McDonalds, are available for kids' menus. For adults, larger portion packaged fruit snacks have been created.

Support for the pub trade to be offered in the coming months will include menus built around fresh fruit dishes, and cocktail recipes.

James Mills, Del Monte Foodservice Director, said: "Pubs are being asked to increase the number of healthy choices on the menu. Fresh produce is one solution, but not all operators have time to offer this."

He added that the new operation is not looking to replace established pub trade soft drinks suppliers such as Britvic and CCE, but to full a gap in the market for premium, fresher products.

"People are becoming increasingly health conscious, with 67 per cent saying that eating five portions of fruit and vegetables as day would be the biggest single change to improve their diet."