Del Monte: A Patrnership For Success

Del Monte challenges Heinz with move  into ketchup and BBQ sauce

Canned fruit and veg giant Del Monte is hoping to challenge Heinz with a move into table sauce. The brand has created a quartet of ketchup and barbecue sauces: Tomato Ketchup, Light Ketchup, Classic BBQ and Jerk BBQ.

The core ketchup is claimed to be packed with more tomatoes than major competitors, as well as less salt and less sugar. The Light SKU, meanwhile, is billed as containing 50% less sugar and salt than the core ketchup.

The Jerk BBQ SKU was "enhanced by Del Monte's popular pineapple" and "ideal for those who enjoy something a little different", said the brand, while the Classic BBQ sauce had "deep smokiness" and a "fruity tang". All four sauces are gluten-free and vegan.

The sauces will roll out in top-down 550g squeezy bottles, apart from the Light Ketchup, which will come in a 530g bottle (rsp: £1.79). They are being produced by manufacturer D2 International.

Del Monte and D2 had "created a selection of truly unique, delicious recipes designed specifically for the UK consumer", said D2 head of grocery sales Stephen Simpson.

"So far, the reaction from our customers has been extremely positive and we anticipate that the Del Monte condiments will appeal to a quality-conscious consumer who is looking for new and authentic flavours to add to their everyday meal experience."

Del Monte senior commercial director UK & Europe Martin Tilney called the range "an exciting addition to our expanding presence in the UK market" which "once again highlights the versatility of our products".

It comes as market leader Heinz became embroiled in a pricing spat with Tesco this month, resulting in gaps on shelves after it restricted supply.