Del Monte Foods: Innovating for a Younger Generation
Del Monte Foods, a long-standing fruit and vegetable company, has been a household name for 138 years with its iconic cans and fruit cups. However, as Gen Z and millennials shape food trends and drive spending, the company is shifting its focus towards catering to a younger audience. Recently, Del Monte launched new products like bold and spicy Mexican Style Street Corn and Southern Style Green Beans to appeal to the changing tastes of the younger generation.
Bibie Wu, Chief Communications and Technical Development Officer at Del Monte Foods, emphasized the importance of targeting Gen Z and millennials to keep the brand relevant. The company has ramped up its innovation efforts in the past six years by introducing contemporary flavors, convenient packaging, and novel offerings rooted in its history of fruits and vegetables.
While classic canned products still form a significant portion of Del Monte’s revenue, the company is expanding its range to include more adventurous and regional flavors. By staying attuned to consumer preferences through collaborations with chefs, monitoring social media trends, and drawing inspiration from restaurant menus, Del Monte aims to stay ahead of the curve.
One standout success for Del Monte was the launch of Joyba Bubble Tea in 2021, inspired by the growing popularity of tea shop beverages among young consumers. Leveraging its expertise in fruit cups, Del Monte tapped into a market gap by introducing a line of bubble tea drinks.
“Traditionally, fruits and vegetables have not been at the forefront of innovation, but we are changing that narrative,” Wu remarked.