Del Monte Supports Produce for Better Health Foundation's Fruit & Veggies - More Matters(TM) Health Initiative

With today’s launch of the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s (PBH) Fruit & Veggies – More Matters™ health initiative, Del Monte Foods (NYSE:DLM) commends PBH for empowering families to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten each day and reminds consumers that packaged and canned products, which are recommended as part of PBH’s Fruit & Veggies – More Matters program, offer a delicious, convenient and affordable way to live a healthy lifestyle. "The Produce for Better Health’s Fruit and Veggies – More Matters initiative underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle for families that can be achieved by eating more fruits and vegetables," said Apu Mody, Senior Vice President, Del Monte Consumer Products. "At Del Monte, we are committed to nourishing families and enriching lives every day with a variety of wholesome products, including our healthy fruit, vegetable and tomato products. Our foods are harvested at the peak of flavor and nutrition and provide a convenient and great-tasting choice for those looking to live a healthier, happier lifestyle.” The PBH’s Fruit & Veggies – More Matters health initiative guides families to eat more fruits and vegetables at every meal occasion. To help in this effort, Del Monte offers a broad selection of conveniently packaged, nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables and tomatoes, under the Del Monte®, S&W®, Contadina®, Fruit Naturals®, Orchard Select® and Sunfresh® brands. These products provide families with many realistic ways to incorporate more healthy foods into their daily lives. Del Monte also is committed to educating consumers about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The Del Monte® and StarKist® Tuna brands recently launched the Just One More for Healthy Living campaign to encourage consumers to take simple steps each day that will yield significant results towards a healthy lifestyle by adding just one more serving of fruits, vegetables and tomatoes daily, and one more serving weekly of tuna to your family’s diet. Just One More for Healthy Living comes to life with a variety of dynamic components – everything from strategic partnerships with the Discovery Health Channel to recipes, tips and advice from experts such as celebrity Chef Art Smith, and resources available at www.delmonte.com, as well as extensive in-store programs. The Just One More for Health Living program’s mission, like the PBH’s Fruit & Veggies – More Matters’ health initiative, supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2005 Dietary Guidelines and myPyramid to help consumers better understand the recommendations and offers practical advice on how to live a healthier lifestyle. "Studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and play a role in weight management,” said Dean Ornish, M.D., Founder and President of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute. "An optimal diet is low in both fat and refined carbohydrates, and high in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soy products in their natural forms.” According to Dr. Ornish, fruits and vegetables are naturally low-calorie foods that are excellent sources of hundreds of protective substances including vitamins, minerals and fiber. Incorporating these types of wholesome foods into the diet, along with physical activity, is instrumental in helping meet the growing needs of Americans to lower their weight and manage their blood-sugar levels. When it Comes to Eating Fruits and Vegetables…Who Says Fresh is Always Best? Offering the ultimate in convenience, nutrition and year-round availability, Del Monte fruits, vegetables and tomatoes have essential nutrients, just like their fresh counterparts, and provide consumers with vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. A three-part study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that recipes using canned ingredients are similar in nutritional value and taste to those made with fresh or frozen items when prepared in a meal. In addition, a nutrition study conducted by the University of Illinois showed that many canned fruits and vegetables provide the same amount of dietary fiber and nutrients as their cooked fresh and frozen counterparts. Additional research indicates that heat from cooking or canning of tomatoes makes lycopene, an important carotenoid that may help protect against prostate cancer and heart disease, more available to your body. As a result, processed tomato products such as canned tomatoes and sauces are among the best food sources of lycopene. "With our powerful brand portfolio that is filled with healthy, wholesome and delicious products, Del Monte is extremely well positioned to deliver a broad array of premium-quality products that are affordable and conveniently packaged, helping families embrace the PBH’s Fruits & Veggies – More Matters’ health initiative for a healthier, happier lifestyle," said Mody. For more information about the PBH’s Fruit and Veggies – More Matters health initiative visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. For more information about Del Monte Foods and the Just One More for Healthy Living campaign, please visit www.delmonte.com or www.starkist.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 approximately $3 billion in net sales in fiscal 2006. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte®, StarKist®, S&W®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, 9Lives®, Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Snausages® and Pounce®, Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten American 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. CONTACT: Michelle Faist, Del Monte Foods, 412-222-8123 Bryson W. Thornton, Del Monte Foods, 412-222-8661 Editor’s Note: Attached is a "Produce for Better Health Foundation’s (PBH) Fruit & Veggies – More Matters™: Helpful Tips from Del Monte” Fact Sheet, along with a healthy recipe idea, for your use. Helpful Tips from Del Monte Foods on Getting More Fruits, Vegetables and Tomatoes in Your Family’s Diet The Produce for Better Health Foundation’s (PBH) Fruit & Veggies – More Matters™ health initiative guides families to eat more fruits and vegetables at every meal occasion. To help in this effort, Del Monte offers a broad selection of conveniently packaged, nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables and tomatoes, under the Del Monte®, S&W®, Contadina®, Fruit Naturals®, Orchard Select® and Sunfresh® brands. These products provide families with many realistic ways to incorporate more healthy foods into their daily lives And, who says fresh is best? Del Monte fruits and vegetables have essential nutrients just like their fresh counterparts including vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. A three-part study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that recipes using canned ingredients are similar in nutritional value and taste to those made with fresh or frozen items when prepared in a meal. In addition, a nutrition study conducted by the University of Illinois showed that canned fruits and vegetables provide the same amount of dietary fiber and nutrients as their cooked fresh and frozen counterparts. Eat More Fruits: An Apple, Peach and Pear a Day Keep the Doctor Away -- Fruits and Vegetable Weigh-In: Because fruits, vegetables and tomatoes are rich in fiber and water, they fill you up with fewer calories. Studies show that when people simply start eating more fruits and vegetables, they spontaneously eat fewer calories. In addition, almost all fruits and vegetables are fat-free. -- 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 asthma, may reduce the risk of heart disease and cataracts, and may also help prevent cancer. -- Did You Know: From Fruit Naturals(R) single serve cups of Red Grapefruit and Pineapple Chunks to Orchard Select(R) and Sunfresh(R) glass jars of Apricot Halves, Citrus Salad and Peaches to a wide range of fruits in cans and plastic cups, Del Monte's fruit products offer a convenient way to get important nutrients such as Vitamins A and C at home or on the go. New products like Del Monte(R) No Sugar Added peaches, pears and fruit cocktail provides all of the wholesome nutrition and great taste that you would expect from Del Monte - with 50% - 70% fewer calories and sugar vs. fruit in heavy syrup. Eat More Vegetables: Power-up Your Pantry with Healthy Vegetables -- Get a Little Corny: Canned corn may be healthier for you than corn on the cob, according to a study by Cornell University scientists. The study shows that heat processing of sweet corn increases both total antioxidant activity and the level of lutein - a naturally occurring type of phytochemical found in many fruits and vegetables that may help to fight disease and may help to preserve eyesight. -- Fiber, Bundled with Nutrients: Health authorities recommend getting more fiber by eating fruits and vegetables and whole grains that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. -- Closing the Nutrient Gap: To close the gap for Vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, focus on dark leafy greens (like spinach), dark orange vegetables (like carrots) and beans (like kidney and black beans). -- Did You Know: Del Monte(R) vegetable products from Del Monte(R) Summer Crisp Corn to Del Monte(R) Organic Green Beans to Del Monte(R) Zucchini in Tomato Sauce offer consumers the ultimate in convenience and nutrition and are available year-round. Many are picked and packed within hours of harvesting - locking in the natural nutrition - and are already sliced, diced and seasoned. In addition, many Del Monte vegetables are seasoned with table salt - only for flavor. Several are available in low-salt and no-salt alternatives. Eat More Tomatoes: The Power of Red -- You Say Tomato: Tomatoes contain lycopene, an important carotenoid, which may help protect against prostate cancer and heart disease. Research indicates that heat from cooking or canning makes the lycopene in tomatoes more available to your body. As a result, processed tomato products such as canned tomatoes and sauces are among the best food sources of lycopene. -- Did You Know: Tomato products from Del Monte(R) Petite Diced Tomatoes to Del Monte(R) Stewed Tomatoes to Del Monte(R) Basil Garlic Oregano Diced Tomatoes are a great source of nutrition and the key to many quick and convenient recipes. For more information about the PBH’s Fruit and Veggies – More Matters health initiative visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. For more information about Del Monte Foods and the Just One More for Healthy Living campaign, please visit www.delmonte.com or www.starkist.com. CONTACT: Michelle Faist, Del Monte Foods, 412-222-8123 Bryson W. Thornton, Del Monte Foods, 412-222-8661 Del Monte(R) Gingered Pear Chicken Dijon 4 servings 1 can (15.25 oz.) DEL MONTE(R) Lite Sliced Pears 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 green onions, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. molasses 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard Additional sliced green onions for garnish Directions: 1. Drain pears, reserving syrup; set aside. Season chicken with salt and pepper, if desired. 2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 9 - 10 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink in the center. (Should reach 160 degrees F on instant read thermometer) Remove to a platter. 3. Add reserved pear liquid, sliced green onions, molasses, ginger and mustard to skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits from pan. Reduce heat, cook 2 minutes. Stir in pears and heat through. 4. Spoon sauce and pears over chicken. Garnish with green onions, if desired. Tip: Use No Sugar Added Sliced Pears if controlling sugar intake Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Nutrition Information Regular No Sugar Added ------------------------------------------------------ Calories: 280 Calories: 250 Calories from Fat: 60 Calories from Fat: 60 Total Fat: 7 g Total Fat: 7 g Saturated Fat: 1.5 g Saturated Fat: 1.5 g Cholesterol: 75 mg Cholesterol: 75 mg Sodium: 170 mg Sodium: 170 mg Total Carbohydrates: 26 g Total Carbohydrates: 18 g Dietary Fiber: 1 g Dietary Fiber: 1 g Sugars: 22 g Sugars: 14 g Protein: 28 g Protein: 27 g Vitamin A: 8% Vitamin A: 4% Vitamin C: 10% Vitamin C: 80% Calcium: 6% Calcium: 6% Iron: 10% Iron: 10%