JOYBA^® Bubble Teas are the company’s latest products to be Upcycled Certified^® as it delivers food that nourishes people and the planet

Del Monte Foods announced that all nine of its JOYBA^® Bubble Teas have received Upcycled Certified^® status from Where Food Comes From, Inc., furthering the company’s efforts in reducing food waste. Through these nine beverages, Del Monte Foods has successfully reclaimed 265 tons of sweetened syrup over the past year, reducing food waste through more sustainable practices.

The company has been active in the upcycled food movement. In 2021, Del Monte’s Blue Lake^® Petite Cut, and Blue Lake^® Farmhouse Cut Green Beans became the industry’s first canned vegetable products to be Upcycled Certified^® by Where Food Comes From, Inc. Made with upcycled green beans from Wisconsin and Illinois, these offerings have now been joined by the newly certified JOYBA Bubble Teas. Through upcycling, smaller- or larger-sized vegetable cuts and sweetened syrup are being reclaimed rather than going to waste.

“As Growers of Good, Del Monte Foods actively seeks ways to redirect surplus products, helping to provide healthier, accessible food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team members in using more sustainable practices to ensure that food reaches its highest and best purpose, while creating delicious food and beverages that bring joy to eating.”

Globally, around USD 1 trillion is lost per year on food that is wasted. As part of Del Monte Foods’ mission to nourish people and communities with earth’s goodness, the company continues to reduce food waste in its supply chain. In fiscal year 2024, the company diverted more than 3 million pounds of food from landfills through upcycling.

“Upcycling food has emerged as one of the most effective ways food companies and people can combat climate change,” said Amanda Oenbring, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association. “As a trusted brand, Del Monte Foods leadership in the upcycling space continues to have an important impact on consumer awareness of reducing food waste for a healthier planet and future.”

Del Monte Pacific Limited and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. announced a series of new joint ventures between the two companies that will result in expanded refrigerated offerings sold across all distribution and sales channels, and a new retail food and beverage concept modeled after an already successful Fresh Del Monte Produce business in the Middle East. These joint ventures will initially focus on the U.S. market with the potential for expansion into other territories where the companies’ businesses complement each other. This will also greatly increase the scale of the Del Monte^® brand by expanding into more high-quality, healthy and convenient product options for consumers.

A major joint initiative is the introduction of Del Monte^® branded retail outlets, featuring an assortment of nutritious foods and beverages to meet the increasing demands of consumers for healthier food options. The companies also announced that they are collaborating on several product innovations, including a line of chilled juices, new varieties of prepared refrigerated fruit snacks, and guacamole and avocado products.

The collaboration offers the opportunity for each partner to share expertise and optimize economies of scale in product development, operations, sourcing, supply chain, marketing and distribution.

In addition to retail and new product ventures, the companies have also agreed to a long-term mutual supply agreement to accelerate the expansion of Del Monte^® product sales in various markets around the world.