Del Monte History

			The history of DEL MONTE is closely tied with the history of modern America. From a small local canner to a large international food supplier of wholesome, top-quality foods ... DEL MONTE quality has been a staple at American dinner tables for over 100 years.
	1848
	California is the newest U.S. Territory. The Gold Rush is in full swing.
	1858
			In San Francisco, Francis Cutting is the first to can fruits and vegetables on the west coast.
	1869
	The first trains connect the east and west coasts.
	1875
			The California Fruit Packing Corporation is started by a former physician from Ohio, Dr. James Dawson.
	1886
			The first use of the DEL MONTE name on a food product. ‘DEL MONTE’ coffee premieres, a premium blend of coffee packaged for the prestigious Hotel Del Monte in Monterey, California.
	1899
			The California Fruit Canners Association is formed by 18 local canning operations. Among the original members is Francis Cutting’s company.
	1903
	The Wright Brothers fly.
	1906
	San Francisco is struck by an enormous earthquake and fire.
	1909
			The DEL MONTE shield makes its first appearance on a can label.
	1916
	World War I.		Several groups, including the California Fruit Packing Corporation and the California Fruit Canners Association, join forces. Headquartered in San Francisco, they become the California Packing Corporation — Calpak, for short.
	1920
	Prohibition. After a short postwar recession, a period of prosperity.		Calpak establishes stringent quality specifications for its premium brand, DEL MONTE. Early ads make the promise "Not a label, but a guarantee."
	1929
	The stock market crashes. The Great Depression strikes America.		With prices plummeting and overflowing warehouses, Calpak is forced to tighten its belt. Always a premium quality product, DEL MONTE^® advertising takes advantage of the many low-cost brands on the market and focuses on the value of dependable quality.
	1934
	Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’ is one year old.		The belt-tightening, focus on quality, and an improved national economy begin to work — Calpak begins to regain its profitability.
	1941
	The United States enters World War II.		50% of Calpak's canned fruits and vegetables are sent overseas to the military. Because of the wartime shortage of metals for cans, some domestic products are sold in glass containers.
	1942
			Once again, DEL MONTE faces a crunch. Sales are up. Unfortunately, because of U.S. wartime price controls, an increase of sales results in a decrease in profits. Unlike many brands, DEL MONTE refuses to compromise its quality standards. At Calpak’s Philippine division — Philpak — 17 employees are taken captive by the Japanese. They remain POWs until the U.S. regains control of Manila in 1945.
	1945
	WWII is winding down. America faces a new era of prosperity.		Calpak begins a $50 million postwar expansion program. The widespread use of pallet-based storage in Calpak warehouses revolutionizes the distribution process.
	1955
	An era of innovation. America is captivated by the Sci-Fi craze.		New products are explored. DEL MONTE Pineapple Grapefruit Drink is introduced. It becomes an overnight success, outselling all other DEL MONTE products. DEL MONTE Stewed Tomatoes — a new product inspired by the recipe of an employee's mother — also become an instant classic.
	1956
	The cold war is on. America is truly one of the world's superpowers.		Calpak begins to explore foreign markets. By 1965, exports grow from $19 million to $96 million.
	1957
	Sputnik is launched by the USSR.
	1962
	John Glenn orbits the Earth aboard Friendship 7.
	1967
			Long known for its favorite brand, Calpak once and for all changes its name to Del Monte Corporation.
	1969
	Neil Armstrong walks on the moon.
	1972
	A newly health-conscious America is awakening. Jogging and bicycling are taking shape as major fads.		DEL MONTE leads again, becoming the first major food processor in the U.S. to include nutrition labels on its products.
	1973
	Gasoline prices soar during the Arab Oil Embargo.
	1979
			DEL MONTE shareholders agree to a merger with RJ Reynolds Industries. The beginning of a wild decade of ownership changes and stock deals — hey, it’s the 80’s!
	1989
	San Francisco rocked by massive earthquake.		In the grand finale to the crazy Wall Street ride of the 80’s, RJR-Nabisco (DEL MONTE’s owner) is bought in a heavily financed deal by Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts for $24 billion. DEL MONTE is rumored to be one of the first assets to be sold to pay for the deal.
	1991
	Operation Desert Storm frees Kuwait and crushes Iraq.		Despite frequent ownership changes and restructurings, DEL MONTE is still the nation’s most popular brand of canned fruits and vegetables.
	1995
	The Internet and the Web begin to gain mass popularity.
	1997
			Texas Pacific Group acquires controlling interest in Del Monte Foods.
	1998
			DEL MONTE acquires Contadina^®, a well-loved brand with a strong Italian heritage. The acquisition expands DEL MONTE's product family to include such familiar brands as Contadina Pasta Ready sauces and Crushed tomatoes. DEL MONTE continues its proud tradition of quality, with classics that help you with meals everyday and new products like Del Monte^® Orchard Select^®.