JEDDAH: Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A., Inc. has once again been honored with the Superior Taste Award for its fresh cut Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple by the International Taste and Quality Institute (iTQi), the company said in a statement from Coral Gables, Florida Monday. Its sweet taste and fragrance ranked the highest on the sensory evaluation charts and was closely followed by the visual appeal of its juicy golden flesh. Fresh cut Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple last won this prestigious award (with two stars) in 2009. Every year iTQi which is one of the world's leading independent Chefs and Sommeliers based organization, gathers a panel of 120 top professionals from twelve of the most prestigious European culinary associations, in order to test food and beverage products. iTQi, 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 several hundred 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 fresh cut Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet pineapple was also evaluated on its individual merits. With its sweet, juicy flavor and tropical aroma, Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet pineapple is a favorite among all age groups and an item that helps drive the cut fruit category. The introduction of the Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet pineapple in 1996 has been credited with the dramatic increase in consumption of fresh pineapples and the introduction of it as a ready-to-eat, fresh cut item has had a part in driving consumption even higher. As more and more consumers become aware of its great taste and nutritional value, Del Monte will continue to bring innovative solutions to the pineapple category that meet changing needs and tastes. "We are honored that our fresh cut pineapple has once again been recognized with the Superior Taste Award by the International Taste and Quality Institute," said Dennis Christou, vice president of Marketing, N.A. "Fresh cut Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple is loved by consumers world-wide for its exceptional 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 confirms that consumers can always count on delicious, superior quality fruit every time they purchase Del Monte branded fresh produce."
