Del Monte Corporation and Riverking Group Announce Joint Venture to Expand Fresh-Cut Fruit Business in China

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New joint venture combines Del Monte's brand strength and fresh-cut expertise with Riverking's local sourcing and distribution network to serve China's fast-growing fresh-cut fruit market

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Del Monte Corporation (NYSE: DMC), one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, distributors and marketers of fresh and shelf-stable produce, today announced that its subsidiary, Del Monte Fresh Produce (HK) Ltd., has entered into a joint venture with Riverking (Shanghai) Agricultural Technology Development Co., Ltd., a leading integrated private fruit enterprise, to expand into the fresh-cut fruit segment in China.

The joint venture combines Del Monte's brand strength, differentiated packaging, and fresh-cut experience and technology with Riverking's local sourcing, distribution, and customer networks, positioning the partnership to establish a strong presence in China's rapidly growing fresh-cut fruit market. According to DataIntelo’s 2026 Fresh-cut Produce Market report, Asia is the fastest-growing region in the global fresh-cut produce market, with China expected to account for approximately 45% of the region's fresh-cut produce market by 2034, driven by rising consumer demand for convenient, high-quality, and safe produce options.

“This partnership with Riverking marks a significant step into China's fresh-cut fruit market, giving Del Monte a strong platform to deepen our foothold across Asia and bring consumers quality, convenient fruit options they can trust,” said Mohammed Abbas, President and COO of Del Monte Corporation.

The agreement was announced during Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, where Abbas met with Mr. Zhang Ming, Founder of Riverking Group, to mark the partnership.

"We are honored to partner with Del Monte, whose name has stood for quality and trust for over 135 years. This joint venture combines Del Monte's fresh-cut expertise with Riverking's local knowledge and distribution network. Together, we are well-positioned to bring Chinese consumers premium, safe, and convenient fresh-cut fruit products. We are confident this collaboration will set a new standard in the category," said Mr. Zhang Ming, Founder and Chairman of Riverking Group.

Together, the companies aim to deliver branded, premium, high-quality, safe, and convenient fresh-cut fruit to Chinese consumers.

About Del Monte Corporation

Del Monte Corporation is one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, distributors and marketers of fresh and shelf-stable food products, with products sold in more than 90 countries worldwide. As the global owner of the Del Monte^® brand, subject to certain existing licensing arrangements, the company operates across fresh produce, fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, refrigerated foods and shelf-stable categories, serving consumers around the world with a portfolio built on quality, innovation and trust.

Formerly Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., the company changed its corporate name to Del Monte Corporation in June 2026, reflecting its expanded role as steward of one of the world's most recognized food brands and its commitment to unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation and global brand expansion.

The Del Monte^® brand has been a symbol of quality, freshness and reliability for more than 135 years. Del Monte Corporation is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd. The company is the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative and was recognized as one of America's Most Trusted Companies by Newsweek in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and named a Humankind 100 Company by Humankind Investments in 2023 and 2024.

Del Monte Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DMC.

About Riverking Group

Riverking Group is a leading integrated private fruit enterprise headquartered in Shanghai, China. Established in 2003, the company has built a comprehensive global fruit value chain encompassing variety development, cultivation, sourcing, post-harvest processing, cold chain logistics, and international distribution.

With an annual import and export volume exceeding 10,000 containers and over 200 chartered flights per year, Riverking operates proprietary cold storage facilities spanning over 100,000 square meters and maintains wholesale outlets across 11 major produce markets nationwide, supported by 11 supply chain distribution centers strategically located across China. The company also maintains overseas offices in South America, Australia & New Zealand, North America, and Thailand, enabling direct sourcing from key production regions worldwide.

Riverking serves customers across China and international markets through its integrated business divisions spanning Trading, Supply Chain, Cultivation, and Merchandising. With over two decades of industry expertise and a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth, Riverking is positioned as a trusted partner in the global fruit industry.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260901903360/en/

For Information Contact:
Media Contacts:
Havas Formula
freshdelmonte@havasformula.com

Claudia Pou
Vice President, Global Head of Corporate Communications
communications@freshdelmonte.com

Source: Del Monte Corporation

Key Terms

vertically integrated technical

Vertically integrated describes a company that owns and controls multiple steps in making and selling its products or services — for example sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, and distribution. Like a bakery that grows its own wheat, mills the flour, bakes the bread and runs the shops, this setup can lower costs, improve quality and speed to market and protect profit margins, but it also requires more capital and can reduce flexibility.

shelf-stable technical

Products described as shelf-stable are formulated and packaged so they can be stored at room temperature for an extended period without spoiling, much like a can of soup or a sealed snack. For investors, shelf-stability matters because it lowers refrigeration and shipping costs, expands where goods can be sold, reduces waste from spoilage, and often improves predictability of sales and inventory management across markets.

fresh-cut fruit technical

Fruit that has been washed, peeled, sliced, diced, or otherwise prepared and packaged for immediate consumption rather than sold whole. Like pre-sliced apples in a take-home container, fresh-cut fruit shortens preparation time but also changes shelf life, handling needs and regulatory oversight; investors pay attention because it affects inventory turnover, transportation and packaging costs, food-safety risk, and margins across the supply chain.

cold chain logistics technical

Cold chain logistics is the system of transporting, storing and handling temperature-sensitive goods—like vaccines, biologics, perishable foods—while keeping them within tightly controlled cold temperatures from origin to destination. Investors care because failures can ruin product value, trigger recalls or regulatory action, and create recurring revenue opportunities for providers of specialized storage, transport equipment and monitoring services; think of it as a refrigerated pipeline that protects product quality and revenue.

post-harvest processing technical

Post-harvest processing is the set of steps crops or harvested food go through after being picked to prepare them for storage, transport, sale, or further manufacturing. It includes cleaning, sorting, drying, cooling, packaging, and sometimes basic processing like milling or pasteurization; think of it as the kitchen and packing line that turn raw produce into shelf-ready goods. For investors, these activities affect product quality, spoilage rates, unit costs and how quickly goods reach markets, which in turn influence revenues and margins.