Del Monte Foods launches upcycled green beans products

Del Monte Foods is one of North America's biggest food manufacturers

Del Monte Foods has launched what it has called the industry’s first canned vegetable product to be Upcycled Certified by the Upcycled Food Association, the world’s only third-party certification program for upcycled food ingredients and products. Del Monte Blue Lake, Petite Cut, and Blue Lake Farmhouse Cut Green Beans are made with 100 percent upcycled and sustainably grown green beans from Wisconsin and Illinois, according to the manufacturer.

“As growers of good, Del Monte Foods is committed to producing healthy food that nourishes people and our planet,” said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods.

“Having our green beans as the industry’s first canned vegetable product to be Upcycled Certified is a reflection of our team’s dedication to always ensuring that nutritious food reaches its highest and best purpose, while protecting our planet for future generations.”

According to the USDA, food waste is estimated to represent 30-40 percent of the food supply each year, which has devastating consequences for people and the planet. It’s estimated that if 50–75 percent of food waste is reduced by 2050, up to 26 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions could be avoided.

Through its Upcycled Certified Green Bean products, Del Monte says it re-directed approximately 600,000 pounds of surplus green beans last year, helping to provide healthy and affordable food, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Del Monte also claims that it will continue to identify opportunities to expand its upcycling efforts across its portfolio of brands.

“Some of our most exciting Upcycled Certified products are from Del Monte Foods — because they are so recognizable by the average consumer,” said Turner Wyatt, CEO and Co-founder of the Upcycled Food Association.

“When people hear the term ‘upcycled,’ they often think the product is going to be something they have never tried before. Nope. These are the green beans we have been eating our whole lives. The only difference is that by choosing the Upcycled Certified ones, consumers are actively preventing food waste.”