Del Monte to expand cannery capacity on growth prospects

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Del Monte Pacific Limited (DMPL) is expanding its 23,000 hectare pineapple plantation here as it targets to raise its production by as nuch as 40 percent in the next five years to meet growing demand, a ranking official said.

The company has plans to expand the capacity of its cannery to address growing demand and to introduce new packaging innovations such as “in mold” packaging.

In a briefing inside the company’s cannery here, Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) manufacturing director Alan Zalcedo said the food giant is constantly looking for land to further expand its plant following the acquisition of the US subsidiary, which is expected to boost demand for Del Monte products.

The company plans to add 5,000 hectares more in its plantation or roughly 2,000 more in Claveria, Misamis Oriental and 3,000 hectare in Bukidnon. This will be on top of its sprawling 23,000-hectare pineapple plantation in nearby Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

“We produce not only pineapples but other products, and demand for these products continues to grow,” Zalcedo said. 

The cannery here in Cagayan has an annual capacity of roughly 600,000 metric tons of pineapple and the target is to hit 800,000 to 850,000 metric tons in the next five years, he said. 

For new innovations in packaging, Zalcedo said the company is also introducing a new packaging, which essentially allows customers to see the products inside clear plastic cans.