WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Del Monte Foods has launched two new Fruit Infusion products, Gut Love and Boost Me, that use upcycled ingredients. The company’s Fruit Infusions were introduced in summer 2021 and were named a 2022 Product of the Year in the fruit snack category.
Del Monte Fruit Infusions provide a full serving of fruit and are rich in antioxidant vitamin C. Made with real fruit juice, they do not contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial certified colors or genetically modified ingredients, the company said.
The two new flavors, along with other Del Monte products, are certified by the Upcycled Food Association, a third-party certification program for upcycled food ingredients and products. Through these two products, Del Monte is re-directing approximately 130,000 pounds of pineapple juice each year, helping to provide nutritious and affordable food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Food that is produced but never eaten still requires enormous resources to grow, harvest, transport and prepare,” said Molly Laverty, environmental, social and governance senior manager at Del Monte Foods. “Producing and choosing upcycled products and ingredients is important in the fight against food waste.”
Last year Del Monte Food’s announced that its Blue Lake Petite Cut and Blue Lake Farmhouse Cut Green Beans were the company’s first canned vegetable product to be certified by the Upcycled Food Association. The products are 100% upcycled and sustainably grown green beans from Wisconsin and Illinois.
Over the past two years, Del Monte has diverted more than 25 million pounds of food from landfills through a focus on upcycling and food donations.
“As Growers of Good, Del Monte Foods is focused on producing nutritious food while also protecting the health of our planet,” said Greg Longstreet, president and CEO of Del Monte Foods. “The food industry has a huge opportunity to reduce food waste and Del Monte Foods is committed to playing a leadership role through our expanded focus on upcycling.”
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