A Dalhousie University professor believes that a consumer shift toward fresher and healthier options has resulted in a drop in sales for traditional canned fruits and vegetables.
Sylvain Charlebois was responding to news out of the United States that the 138-year-old food processing giant Del Monte Foods has filed for bankruptcy.
Once a staple in kitchen cupboards across North America, the company, known for its canned fruits and vegetables, has seen some growth in its broth products and bubble tea brand, but that doesn’t go far enough to offset weaker canned goods sales.
The company indicates that consumers are shifting away from preservative-laden canned goods in favour of healthier alternatives.
It’s hoped that the court-supervised sale process will ensure the company’s long-term success.
One major headwind for Del Monte moving forward…
Consumers are shifting toward fresher and healthier options, reducing sales of traditional canned products.
They need to pivot and fast.
— The Food Professor (@FoodProfessor) July 2, 2025
