Del Monte Pacific stays in red, eyes recovery in FY2026–27

Bugo cannery employees in Cagayan de Oro — DELMONTEPACIFIC.COM

LISTED food and beverage producer Del Monte Pacific Ltd. (DMPL) said it anticipates financial improvement for fiscal years (FY) 2026 and 2027 because it continues cost optimization and operational efficiency measures.

“The group expects to incur a net loss in FY2025 but projects gradual improvement in FY2026, continuing into FY2027 because it executes its strategic initiatives,” DMPL said in a press release to the stock exchange on Thursday.

DMPL said this as its net loss for the third quarter (November–January) of FY2025, ending in April, widened by 24% to $35.9 million from $29 million the prior yr, driven by higher costs.

“The group incurred a net lack of $35.9 million, primarily because of higher operational costs and increased interest expenses at its US subsidiary, Del Monte Foods Corp. II, Inc. (DMFC),” DMPL said.

Sales for the period rose by 3% to $663 million. The corporate’s domestic unit, Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI), recorded an 83% increase in net profit to $21 million as sales grew by 10% to $199 million.

Domestic sales reached $106.9 million, reflecting a 4% increase in peso terms but a 1% decline in dollar terms, driven by the beverage, packaged fruit, and culinary segments. International sales rose 29% because of stronger demand for fresh pineapple and packaged products.

“Del Monte Philippines is experiencing good momentum, a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to consumer engagement and value optimization,” DMPL Group Chief Operating Officer Luis F. Alejandro said.

DMFC, for its part, posted a $40.5 million loss in the course of the period, 75% higher than the $23.1 million loss recorded the prior yr, because of higher operational costs, increased interest expenses, and unfavorable fixed-cost absorption.

DMFC generated $461.3 million in sales, down 1% because of lower retail volume and an unfavorable sales mix.

“In our US business, we proceed to deal with the challenges we face and are diligently working towards the goals we have now set. Our steadfast focus stays on executing our strategic priorities to extend operational efficiency and deliver sustainable financial outcomes,” Mr. Alejandro said.

For the primary nine months, DMPL’s net loss widened by 82% to $92.2 million from $50.6 million the prior yr, because of the weaker performance of DMFC.

Sales rose by 3% to $1.9 billion, driven by higher exports of fresh pineapple and packaged products.

Meanwhile, DMPL said it’s reducing its US manufacturing footprint to lower costs and improve margins in FY2026 and FY2027. It is usually implementing a comprehensive cost-reduction program through a brand new organizational structure and provide chain framework established in FY2025.

The corporate also plans to further reduce surplus inventory in the approaching quarters.

“DMFC will proceed to expand its newer businesses, in addition to the food service and e-commerce channels, while maintaining its leading market share within the Del Monte vegetable business,” DMPL said.

On Thursday, DMPL stocks rose by 8.31% or P0.26 to P3.39 apiece. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave