Del Monte Launches ‘Find Your Inner Chef’ Contest

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. has launched its first-ever “Find Your Inner Chef” contest, which encourages consumers to submit their own favorite recipe using Del Monte fresh fruits and vegetables. Participants will have a chance to win the “Del Monte Fresh Chef” title as well as a retreat for two at a renowned culinary institute.

“Del Monte knows that several of our consumers are chefs in their own right, serving up delicious nutritious meals for their families and friends,” said Dennis Christou, VP of Marketing, North America for Del Monte. “So we created this contest specifically with them in mind. It’s a perfect opportunity for consumers to tap their culinary creative juices, show off their cooking skills using Del Monte fresh produce, and share healthy new recipes.”

Four finalists will be selected, one each week for four weeks, based on the number of Facebook “likes” and Twitter re-tweets the submission generates. Those finalists will be flown to Miami, Fla., to participate in the Del Monte Fresh Produce Cook Off Challenge and compete for the grand prize. Judges for the Cook Off Challenge will include, among others, retailers, Produce for Better Health Foundation representatives, and a local chef.

Additionally, daily winners will be selected as part of the contest, giving participants an opportunity to cash in on retailer gift cards, culinary kitchen tools and tabletop appliances, among other prizes.

To enter, participants can “like” and complete the pop-up registration form on Del Monte’s Fresh Produce Facebook page, and submit a copy of their original recipe. Submissions will be accepted through June 15.

Del Monte will encourage consumers to purchase ingredients for their recipe from participating grocery stores – giving grocers an opportunity to participate locally. To boost store traffic and alert shoppers about the promotion, retailers are encouraged to use the “Find Your Inner Chef” logo in their weekly printed and online advertising, e-newsletters, websites, Facebook and Twitter feeds, and POS.