Del Monte Foods closing fruit processing facility, warehouses

Del Monte Foods is closing a fruit processing facility and two warehouses that store fruit products in the Yakima, Washington area, according to local news reports.

The company did not announce a timeline or disclose how many workers would be affected, but a spokesperson said in a statement to the Yakima Herald-Republic that Del Monte is in discussions with workers and manufacturing partners about next steps.

The Yakima plant produces canned pears and other products, according to the newspaper. Its closure means there will be no pack for the 2025 season, according to the statement from Carissa Sauer, a Del Monte corporate communications manager.

Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, told the paper that demand for canned pears has decreased, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Del Monte sold its Hanford, California tomato processing plant in March. The company also shut down facilities in Toppenish, Washington, and central Wisconsin in the spring of 2024.

“The company has notified and is in discussions with the union that represents bargaining unit employees at the sites, and other manufacturing parties regarding the effects of these plans,” Sauer said. “The company will also be notifying relevant government officials at the appropriate time.”