Del Monte, the 139-year-old canned fruits and vegetables company, seeks bankruptcy protection

Del Monte Foods, the 139-year-old company best known for its canned fruits and vegetables, is filing for bankruptcy protection as U.S. consumers increasingly bypass its products for healthier or cheaper options. Del Monte has secured $912.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing that will allow it to operate normally as the sale progresses. “After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods,” CEO Greg Longstreet said in a statement.