Del Monte Corp. has formed a joint venture in China focused on selling fresh-cut fruit products.
The New York-listed group, which was known as Fresh Del Monte Produce before changing its corporate name in June, has partnered with Riverking (Shanghai) Agricultural Technology Development Co.
Riverking was described in a statement as a “leading integrated private fruit enterprise”.
The partnership has been established through Del Monte’s Hong Kong subsidiary, Del Monte Fresh Produce (HK), as the company seeks to benefit from “China’s rapidly growing fresh-cut fruit market”.
Del Monte’s 2025 annual report showed that Asia represented 9% of the company’s total sales of $4.32bn last year. Fresh and “value-added” products contributed $2.62bn, while bananas generated $1.49bn. The balance came from “Other” products.
As the worldwide owner of the Del Monte brand, the company works with local distributors throughout Asia. China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are identified as its “principal” markets, while the group also runs a fresh-cut fruit facility in South Korea.
President and COO Mohammed Abbas said: “This partnership with Riverking marks a significant step into China’s fresh-cut fruit market, giving Del Monte a strong platform to deepen our foothold across Asia and bring consumers quality, convenient fruit options they can trust.”
In January, Fresh Del Monte Produce acquired several assets from California-based Del Monte Foods through a bankruptcy agreement in the US. The transaction included Del Monte Foods’ vegetable, tomato and refrigerated fruit operations.
The company also expanded into speciality ingredients last year by acquiring a majority stake in Uganda-based avocado oil supplier Avolio. The deal formed part of its broader strategy to enter “high-value speciality ingredients”.
Riverking, which is headquartered in Shanghai, was founded in 2003. Its operations cover the fruit supply chain from cultivation and sourcing through to harvesting and distribution.
The business has 11 distribution centres across China, as well as offices in South America, Australia and New Zealand, North America and Thailand.
Riverking founder and chairman Zhang Ming said: “This joint venture combines Del Monte’s fresh-cut expertise with Riverking’s local knowledge and distribution network. Together, we are well-positioned to bring Chinese consumers premium, safe, and convenient fresh-cut fruit products.”
