Del Monte Foods Inspires Americans to Plant a Garden in Their Pantries

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- To inspire Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables year-round, Del Monte has partnered with Brit + Co., an online platform and e-commerce company, to create a four-part pantry content series. This series encourages consumers to think of their pantries more like their own personal garden. The pantry, which is similar to a garden, requires planting (stocking up on fruits and vegetables), tending (organizing your pantry so that nutritious items are up front), and harvesting (finding and creating inspirational meals with what's in the pantry).

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Nearly 90% of Del Monte fruit and vegetables are grown in the United States, with the majority canned the same day they are picked to lock in nutrients and flavor. More importantly, Del Monte fruits, vegetables, and tomatoes contain similar nutrients as fresh when prepared for the table. In some instances, such as peaches & tomatoes, canned contains more antioxidants and vitamins than fresh as a result of the canning process. For all of these reasons, consumers are always assured of having garden quality fruits and vegetables readily available.

"The content we created helps educate both of our fan bases on how they can effectively use and draw inspiration from their pantry," said Amy Shoemaker, Brand Manager at Del Monte Foods. "When your pantry is stocked with Del Monte fruit, vegetables and tomatoes, it's like having a garden in the pantry. This year, we are inspiring Americans to plant a garden in their pantry and Del Monte will be there to help tend and harvest their garden."

The Del Monte and Brit & Co. partnership culminated during the unveiling of Brit & Co.'s new kitchen at its San Francisco headquarters on November 18^th. The event brought together lifestyle experts, foodies, registered dietitians and bloggers, and celebrated the revitalization of the pantry.

Del Monte garden-quality fruit and vegetables were highlighted throughout the event serving as a muse for holiday entertaining. Some of the recipes featured included:

• Spinach Dip with Scallions and Creme Fraiche featuring Del Monte Spinach
• Caramelized Peach & Mozzarella Bites with Saba Glaze featuring Del Monte Peaches
• Chickpea "Meatballs" with Tangy Tomato Jam featuring Del Monte Diced Tomatoes
• Zesty Jalapeno Gazpacho featuring Del Monte Tomatoes & Tomato Juice

"Partnering with Del Monte Foods allowed us to have a natural conversation with our cooking and crafting centric fans," said Brit Morin at Brit + Co. "By encouraging consumers to plant a garden in their pantry, we hope to inspire healthy and flavorful meals created with Del Monte fruits and vegetables."

For more information on Del Monte Foods please visit: www.Facebook.com/DelMonte. For more information on Del Monte and Brit & Co.'s partnership please visit: http://www.brit.co/del-monte-pantry-setup/.

About Del Monte Foods
Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded pet products and food products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3.8 billion in net sales in fiscal 2013. With a powerful portfolio of brands, Del Monte products are found in eight out of ten U.S. households. Pet food and pet snacks brands include Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, Milk-Bone®, 9Lives®, Milo's Kitchen®, Pup-Peroni®, Gravy Train®, Nature's Recipe®, Canine Carry-Outs ® and other brand names. Food product brands include Del Monte®, Contadina®, S&W®, College Inn® and other brand names. The Company also produces and distributes private label pet products and food products. For more information on Del Monte Foods, visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

About Brit + Co.
Founded by Brit Morin in 2011, Brit + Co. is the leading destination for creative living, making, and doing in the digital age. Brit.co produces content and curates ideas from others makers and DIYers to inspire simplicity and creativity in everyday life. Users can purchase DIY projects and select products found around the site in Brit + Co.'s Shop.  Brit + Co. is available for download on iOS, Android, and Windows; connect with Brit on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Google+.

SOURCE Del Monte Foods