StarKist(R) Puts the 'Ahhh' in Tuna-ahhh

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A F DEL MONTE STARKIST TUNA CREATION DEL MONTE STARKIST TUNA CREATION StarKist Tuna Creation(TM) features three splashy new marinated tuna varieties that adds a healthy and refreshing twist to a traditional mealtime favorite. The new product is ...

    SAN FRANCISCO, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Searching for a tuna tune-up?  Then
 take the plunge with three splashy new marinated tuna varieties that will add
 a healthy and refreshing twist to a traditional mealtime favorite.
     (Photo:  NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030714/CLM002 )
     StarKist(R) Seafood, a division of Del Monte Corporation (NYSE:   DLM),
 today announced the national introduction of StarKist Tuna Creations(TM), a
 new product line of delicious, lightly marinated tuna that will transform the
 tuna category once again.  These new tasty tuna products can be enjoyed fresh
 out of the pouch or as an ingredient in sandwiches, salads and other recipes
 to create quick and flavorful meal solutions.  StarKist Tuna Creations can
 only be found in the innovative StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch(R), which features
 a fresher-tasting tuna that doesn't require draining or a can opener.
     "New StarKist Tuna Creations is the first marinated tuna in a pouch
 introduced in the United States, and it promises to make a splash by adding
 natural flavor to traditional tuna," said John Sicher, brand manager for
 StarKist Seafood.  "Consumers fishing for a new and exciting mealtime
 experience will love the lightly-marinated taste of new StarKist Tuna
 Creations since it adds flavor and variety to a number of dishes."
     StarKist Tuna Creations will be available in three, five-ounce Premium
 Chunk Light varieties, each combining a perfect blend of natural herbs and
 spices:
 
      Zesty Lemon Pepper;
      Hickory Smoked; and
      Sweet & Spicy.
 
     "Each variety allows consumers to go beyond traditional tuna sandwiches
 and explore new twists, including use in salads, pasta or by themselves, all
 while being a great source of protein," Sicher said.  "Consumers told us they
 wanted a versatile, convenient tuna that adds flavor and variety to their
 favorite dishes.  We expect those who try StarKist Tuna Creations to fall for
 them -? hook, line and sinker."
 
     Test Markets Generate Strong Results
     StarKist Tuna Creations was introduced in 17 test markets in May 2002,
 resulting in tremendous incremental growth for StarKist Tuna in a Pouch(R) in
 those markets.  In addition, StarKist Tuna Creations proved to bring new users
 into the category and expand usage occasions for current consumers.
     "We are taking the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch to an even higher level by
 attracting new users to the tuna category," said Sicher.  "We expect to
 experience even greater category expansion as consumers nationwide experience
 StarKist Tuna Creations."
     The marinade category has seen a 134 percent increase in dollar sales
 within the past four years, sparking StarKist to develop the new marinated
 product line.  StarKist Tuna Creations enables consumers to enjoy their
 favorite flavors without the inconvenience of marinating the tuna for hours.
 The new product will be available nationwide by July 15.  The suggested retail
 price of the product is $1.99.
     StarKist will promote the product through television ads, free standing
 inserts (FSIs), trial shippers and public relations.  Consumers who love the
 great taste, convenience and versatility of StarKist tuna can learn more about
 StarKist Tuna Creations by visiting www.starkist.com .
 
     About Del Monte Foods:
     With over three billion dollars in proforma sales, Del Monte Foods is the
 country's largest provider of premium-quality processed fruits, vegetables,
 tomatoes, tuna fish and private label soup, and a leading marketer and
 producer of pet products and baby foods.  With a powerful portfolio of top-
 name brands including Del Monte(R), Contadina(R), StarKist(R), S&W(R),
 Nature's Goodness(TM), College Inn(R), 9Lives(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R), Pup-
 Peroni(R), Snausages(R), and NawSomes!(R), Del Monte products are found in
 9 out of 10 American households.  For more information, visit the Company's
 Web site at www.delmonte.com .
 
 

SOURCE  Del Monte Foods