Del Monte Fresh Produce has created of a new internal group to focus on innovation and development - a unified North America New Product Development (NPD) team.

It will also serve to integrate Mann Packing, which it acquired last year, into its ongoing product development processes.

As part of this change, Alex McCloskey, director of new product development at Mann Packing, will expand his role. Moving forward, he will oversee not only Mann’s, but also Del Monte's branded products across North America.

McCloskey and his team will be responsible for leading innovation and new development processes. This work will extend to all Del Monte Fresh Produce brands on a national basis, notes the entity.

“We are very excited to introduce our New Product Development Team,” says Danny Dumas, senior vice president of sales and product management.

He adds that developing the role would help the company better serve its consumer needs, and that it would also help the organization to continue to inspire healthy lifestyles and remain industry innovators through its products.

According to Del Monte, this strategic move will benefit its Fresh Produce division as well. Indeed, its creation will grant the sector a strong NPD pipeline.

This will prioritize consumer demand within the company through product innovation, it comments.

Incorporating this addition under the Del Monte Fresh Produce umbrella will create opportunities for former Mann Packing employees,  it says.

Moreover, the company believes it will fortify the internal expertise across its Fresh Produce business.

This will ultimately provide a strengthened consumer experience nationwide, it concludes.