In 2020, the Del Monte Foods re-directed 600,000 lb of surplus green beans to products that nourish people while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The green beans are 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% upcycled and sustainably grown green beans from Wisconsin and Illinois. The company’s continuing to identify opportunities to expand its upcycling efforts across its portfolio of brands.
According to the USDA, millions of people globally don’t get enough food to eat each day, while rotting food in landfills is a major producer of greenhouse gas emissions. It’s estimated that if 50% to 75% percent of food waste were to be reduced by 2050, up to 26 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions could be avoided.
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“As growers of good, Del Monte Foods is committed to producing healthy food that nourishes people and our planet,” says Del Monte Foods President and CEO of Greg Longstreet. “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.”
“We’re thrilled to support the upcycled food movement,” adds Molly Laverty, senior manager of environmental & social governance of Del Monte Foods. “Preventing food waste is one of the most important ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and continue to grow good for our communities, the planet, and all those who depend on us for healthy, nourishing foods.”
