Del Monte(R) Introduces Nutritious and Convenient New Products to Help Every Family Member Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle in the New Year.

With a New Fortified Canned Fruit for Children and 100 Calorie Fruit Snacks, Del Monte([R]) Empowers American Families to Get Healthy in 2008

SAN FRANCISCO -- Del Monte Foods (NYSE: DLM) continues to make it easier for families to stick to their New Year's resolution with healthy, convenient and great-tasting products developed with the entire family in mind. Today Del Monte([R])brands announces two new fruit products including: Del Monte Healthy Kids[TM], the first fortified canned fruit product for children that provides vitamins A and C, as well as calcium; and, Del Monte Lite([R]) 100 Calorie Fruit, which offers the same great taste as traditional canned fruit with fewer calories and is ideal for a convenient, on-the-go snack.

"Del Monte is committed to nourishing families and enriching lives every day and we know that busy consumers are continuing to look for delicious and convenient options when it comes to getting more fruit into their diet," said Apu Mody, Senior Vice President, Del Monte Consumer Products. "Del Monte Healthy Kids[TM] and Del Monte Lite([R]) 100 Calorie Fruit make it easier for today's busy families to get the fruit they need, while helping them reach their important health and wellness goals in 2008. Most of Del Monte's products, including new Del Monte Healthy Kids and Del Monte Lite([R]) 100 Calorie Fruit products, are preservative free and packed at the peak of freshness, nutrition and flavor."

New Year, New Products and a New Start for a Healthier Lifestyle

Research continues to support the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. While the United States Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recommends consuming two cups of fruit each day, studies indicate that most Americans eat less than half the recommended daily amount. Additionally, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help to lower the risk for certain diseases and illnesses, and help to keep the body strong. New products, such as Del Monte Healthy Kids[TM] and Del Monte Lite([R]) 100 Calorie Fruit, make it easier and more convenient than ever to eat more fruit as part of a balanced diet.

With the introduction of Del Monte Healthy Kids[TM] canned fruit, children can now enjoy classic fruit cocktail for a nourishing snack or dessert with the added nutritional value that will help them to live healthier lives. The first fortified canned fruit product, Del Monte Healthy Kids[TM] products are fortified with vitamins A (15% of daily recommend value) and C (100% of daily recommended value), as well as calcium (10% of daily recommended value), and are preservative free and packed fresh in extra light syrup. Available in Peach and Fruit Cocktail varieties, Del Monte Healthy Kids[TM] products offer children the sweetness they love, with the essential vitamins and convenience parents appreciate.

Acknowledging consumers' increasing interest for health, taste and convenience, Del Monte also introduces Del Monte Lite([R])100 Calorie Fruit products that offer the same great taste as lite canned fruit selections and have fewer calories than traditional canned fruit. All products are preservative free and packed fresh in an artificially and naturally sweetened extra light syrup. A healthy, delicious and convenient product that is perfect for an on-the-go snack, in a lunchbox, or in the desk drawer for an afternoon snack -- new Del Monte Lite([R])100 Calorie Fruit is conveniently packaged in 100-calorie cans. Now it's easier than ever to enjoy favorites such as Sliced Cling Peaches, Pear Halves or classic Fruit Cocktail while enjoying the benefits of a diet rich in fruit.

Just One More for Healthy Living[TM]

In addition to offering new products, Del Monte([R]) and StarKist([R]) brands have joined forces to empower American families to start living a healthier, more energized life in 2008 with the Just One More for Healthy Living[TM] pledge. The pledge empowers families to add just one more daily serving of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, just one more weekly serving of lean protein such as tuna, and just one more physical activity each day. For more information on the Just One More for Healthy Living[TM] program or for easy tips on how to power-up your pantry with foods for nutritious cooking and preparing easy meals, visit www.EatJustOneMore.com or www.delmonte.com.

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 food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating more than $3.4 billion in net sales in fiscal 2007. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte([R]), StarKist([R]), S&W([R]), Contadina([R]), College Inn([R]), Meow Mix([R]), Kibbles 'n Bits([R]), 9Lives([R]),( )Milk-Bone([R]), Pup-Peroni([R]), Meaty Bone([R]), Snausages([R]) and Pounce([R]), Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM) visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.[TM]

Editor's Note: Please see attached fact sheet titled, "Helpful Tips about the Benefits of Fruit" by Laura Molseed Ali, Registered Dietitian, Del Monte Foods

Helpful Tips about the Benefits of Fruit By Laura Molseed Ali, Registered Dietitian, Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods nourishes families and enriches lives with a variety of packaged and canned fruits that offers healthy, colorful and great-tasting ways for the entire family to start living a healthy lifestyle in 2008.

* Go Big Orange: Orange fruits such as peaches, apricots and Mandarin oranges are a good source of Vitamin A, which has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer; may prevent cardiovascular disease; and may improve vision and reduce cataract formation.

* "C"ing is Believing: Grapefruit and pineapple are a good source of Vitamin C, which is helpful for people with asthma; may reduce the risk of heart disease and may also help prevent cancer.

* Mind the Sugar: Many Del Monte fruits are packed in light syrup or natural juices.

* The Benefits of Fiber at Any Age: Health authorities recommend getting more fiber by eating fruits and vegetables and whole grains that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

* Fill Your Plate With Color: Everyone in the family loves color - reds, oranges, greens and even blue. Encourage your family to eat a variety of colored fruits and vegetables during every meal.

* And, Who Says Fresh is Best? A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that recipes made with canned ingredients are similar in nutritional and taste value to those made with fresh or frozen items. In addition, a nutrition study conducted by the University of Illinois showed that canned fruits and vegetables generally provide as much dietary fiber and nutrients as their cooked fresh and frozen counterparts.

* Packed at the Peak of Health and Flavor: A recent study out of University of California-Davis titled, "A Nutritional Comparison of Canned, Fresh and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables," and published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, confirmed that the canning process locks in nutrients at their peak of freshness. And due to the lack of oxygen during the storage period, canned fruits and vegetables remain relatively stable up until the time they are consumed and have a longer shelf-life than their fresh counterparts.

* So, What's for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner? For healthy meal ideas and snack solutions that your family will love, visit www.delmonte.com and www.EatJustOneMore.com, for a variety of convenient recipes that help provide the recommended four-and-a-half cups of fruits and vegetables daily.