“Del Monte’s Bold Shift: Introducing Innovative Bubble Fruit Cups to Meet Consumer Demand”
After 133 years in the canned fruit and vegetable sector, Del Monte is finally shifting its focus in response to consumer demand and industry changes. The company’s CEO recently shared with Food Dive that the emphasis on canned goods has hindered the potential growth of all its brands. Consequently, Del Monte has established an ambitious plan to innovate its product lines and introduce new variations of traditional favorites. The company began this transformation by expanding its offerings in the frozen and refrigerated sections with items like Veggiful pizza bites and refrigerated Fruit Crunch Parfaits. Now, Del Monte is reimagining its center aisle products with the introduction of new boba fruit cups, which leverage several current trends in the market.
These convenient snacks are designed for on-the-go consumption, appealing to consumers increasingly seeking portable options. Additionally, as demand for free-from products rises, the Bubble Fruit cups boast no artificial colors or sweeteners, are non-GMO, and are packaged in non-BPA cups. These characteristics are particularly significant for parents searching for healthy snack choices for their children, a demographic the company is targeting in its press release. Del Monte is launching these new Bubble Fruit cups in conjunction with the back-to-school season, promoting the individual servings as ideal for lunches and snacks as families prepare for the busy school year filled with activities and tight schedules.
As Del Monte transitions away from canned products, the introduction of boba could be a pivotal move. With consumers increasingly avoiding the center aisles in favor of fresher selections, the novelty of boba may entice them back. The bubble tea market is experiencing an estimated 7% CAGR from 2017 to 2023, as reported by Technavio. This growth can be attributed, in part, to the versatility of boba, which has evolved from the Taiwanese bubble tea of the 1980s to various forms like bubble tea frozen yogurt, cocktails, and popping boba.
Del Monte stands out as the first brand to combine the popular popping trend with fruit cups, potentially sparking consumer curiosity. Although these fruit cups are primarily marketed toward children, boba has garnered popularity among adults as well, and sophisticated flavors may entice adult consumers to purchase them. Moreover, these fruit cups offer a more accessible means for consumers to enjoy boba without having to seek out specialty cafés that serve drinks, ice cream, or cocktails with tapioca pearls. Notably, each serving of these Bubble Fruit cups provides 315 mg of calcium, making them a nutritious snack option for families.
