Del Monte Foods Achieves Platinum Level in the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of Del Monte Foods’ (NYSE: DLM) commitment to improving the health and well-being of its employees, the Company was honored today at the American Heart Association’s Start! San Francisco Heart Walk Awards event for achieving Platinum Fit-Friendly status, a prestigious distinction attainable in the AHA’s Start! Fit Friendly Companies program. The program recognizes companies for championing the health of their employees and working to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.

“Here at Del Monte Foods, we encourage our consumers to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and we are devoted to the same mission with our Del Monte team”

“Here at Del Monte Foods, we encourage our consumers to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and we are devoted to the same mission with our Del Monte team,” said Richard G. Wolford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Del Monte Foods. “Our employees’ health and well-being is a priority, and we are proud to be recognized for our efforts. This notable achievement reflects the wellness culture we actively promote, which includes educating, enabling and supporting employees to make healthy lifestyle choices. Given that exercise and better diets can help prevent 80% of premature heart disease, we are strongly committed to helping our employees maintain good health.”

Platinum-level employers meet a number of criteria, which include offering physical activity and healthy eating options in the workplace, promoting a culture of wellness, and implementing at least nine criteria outlined by the AHA in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.

Del Monte rose to Platinum status after one year of participating in the AHA’s Start! Fit-Friendly program. One of 15 Bay area companies at this level, Del Monte has demonstrated a strong wellness culture through a multitude of initiatives including office health & wellness teams, weight-loss programs and fitness club discounts, healthy snack breaks, educational health seminars and annual Health & Wellness Fairs.

In addition, the Company is taking its dedication to employee wellness to the next level, via the introduction of a new, comprehensive wellness program that will empower employees to reach their health potential. Consistent with Del Monte’s vision of Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day., the new ‘Living Healthy…Every Day’ initiative provides employees with valuable wellness tools and resources, better equipping them to make smart lifestyle choices at work and at home. ‘Living Healthy…Every Day’ launched in late October.

For more information about the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program, visit www.startwalkingnow.org.

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 $3.6 billion in net sales in fiscal 2009. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte^®, 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 eight 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.™