Del Monte’s Bankruptcy: A Wake-Up Call for Big Food to Embrace Non-GMO Certified and Non-Glyphosate Certified
A Wake-Up Call for Del Monte and Big Food: Embrace Certified Non-GMO and Non-Glyphosate for a Healthier Future
By Scott Prentice, Executive Director, BioChecked™
July 2, 2025 — The news of Del Monte Foods’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is a gut punch to those of us who grew up with their iconic canned fruits and vegetables, a staple of American kitchens since 1886. As someone whose mother canned our family’s garden produce—fresh, healthy, and homegrown—I know it’s not the canning process that’s the issue. My family ate our garden’s bounty year-round, and it sustained us with trust and nourishment. Del Monte, a trusted name for generations, including my father’s since 1924, now faces a pivotal moment. This bankruptcy is not just a financial hiccup; it’s a warning shot across the bow for Del Monte and other food industry giants.
The consumer landscape has shifted dramatically. Shoppers are abandoning the preservative-laden, mass-produced products of yesteryear for farm-to-table freshness, prioritizing health and transparency. Reports surrounding Del Monte’s struggles point to declining demand for canned goods as consumers gravitate toward healthier options like fresh or frozen produce and store brands. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. And it’s one that major corporations, including Del Monte under CEO Greg Longstreet, must heed to survive and thrive.
The path forward is clear: it’s time for Del Monte and other food conglomerates to make a bold leap into health-focused products and supply chains that prioritize not just organic claims, but rigorous, independent third-party certifications like BioChecked Non-GMO Certified™ and BioChecked Non Glyphosate Certified™. These certifications aren’t just labels; they’re a commitment to transparency and trust, qualities today’s consumers demand. Unlike self-reported claims, BioChecked™ verifies that products are free from genetically modified organisms and harmful herbicides like glyphosate, giving health-conscious shoppers the confidence they seek. Del Monte’s reported efforts toward non-GMO products are a step in the right direction, but without third-party validation, they risk falling short in a market that values authenticity above all.
This isn’t just about saving Del Monte from bankruptcy—though embracing certified non-GMO and non-glyphosate products could rebuild consumer trust and drive demand for their offerings. It’s about setting a new standard for the entire food industry. Giants like Kraft, General Mills, and Conagra must take note: consumers are walking away from conglomerates, choosing local, verified farm-to-table produce over industrial food systems. My mother’s home-canned vegetables taught me the power of knowing where your food comes from. That trust, rooted in transparency, is what BioChecked™ delivers and what today’s shoppers crave.
I feel horrible for Del Monte—a company woven into the fabric of Americana for over a century. But this moment is an opportunity. CEO Greg Longstreet, this is your chance to lead Del Monte into a new era, one that embraces certified health-focused products and supply chains. Other corporations, take heed: the consumer tide has turned. Invest in independent certifications like BioChecked™ to prove your commitment to health and sustainability. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about leading the way to a future where trust and nutrition define the food we share with our families.
Will Del Monte rise to the challenge? Will other food giants see this as their wake-up call? The choice is theirs, but the message from consumers is loud and clear: certify, verify, and deliver real health—or risk being left behind.
Scott Prentice is the Executive Director of BioChecked™, a leading independent certification organization for Non-GMO and Non-Glyphosate standards. Learn more at BioChecked.com.