Del Monte Fresh Produce Inc. announced that it was awarded the 2009 Superior Taste Award by the International Taste and Quality Institute (iTQi) for its Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple.

Every year the institute gathers a panel of 12 of the most prestigious European culinary and sommelier professionals in order to test food and beverage products. The International Taste and Quality Institute, located in Brussels, Belgium, aims to honor and promote superior-tasting food and drink. This year Del Monte’s Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple was tested along with 796 other products from companies large and small from around the world. The judging panel analyzed products on a blind basis, without packaging or identification, and evaluated the food based on an overall hedonic feeling, as well as criteria like look, smell, texture, and flavor. The Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet pineapple was also evaluated on its individual merits.

“We are honored that our fresh-cut pineapple has been recognized with the 2009 Superior Taste Award by the International Taste and Quality Institute,” says Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing for Del Monte. “The fresh-cut Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple is appreciated by consumers worldwide for its unique taste and fragrance. Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapples are always harvested at the peak of ripeness and expertly cut and packaged without any preservatives in Del Monte state-of-the-art facilities. This award is a confirmation that consumers can always count on delicious, superior quality fruit every time they purchase Del Monte–branded fresh produce.”