Iconic canned food company files for bankruptcy
It can seem inconceivable that some household names would go missing from supermarket shelves, but one of the biggest in the kitchen staples world has just signalled that its time could be up.
While a bankruptcy filing doesn’t necessarily mean a brand will disappear entirely, prospective owners may look to rebrand a company to signal the dawn of a new era.
One such brand to undergo such treatment was WHSmiths, which has been renamed ‘TGJones’ under its new ownership. WHSmiths had been in business since 1792, with its name being based on founder Henry Walton Smith.
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So, which beloved household name might be for the chop?
It’s American canned food brand Del Monte Foods, which of course has plenty of products on UK shelves too. The company announced on 1 July 2025 that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is in the process of seeking a buyer.
This doesn’t mean Del Monte Foods will be vacating shelves in the near future, but the brand’s future is certainly in doubt thanks to the bankruptcy filing.
Del Monte Foods has been in business for 135 years, with a huge range of canned goods including fruit, vegetables, broths, soups and teas, and Reuters said that, for the time being, it will continue operations while a sale is pursued under the watch of the courts.
The company also owns several other brands, including Joyba and College Inn.
In a statement, CEO Greg Longstreet said that changes in customer preferences, supply chain issues, and growing debt have pushed the company in difficult waters.
"This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods," said Longstreet. "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."
The company said that it’s indebted to 25,000 people and business creditors, but noted that its international subsidiaries will continue as normal and aren’t affected by the move.
Longstreet continued, “While we have faced challenges intensified by a dynamic macroeconomic environment, Del Monte Foods has nourished families for nearly 140 years, and we remain committed to our mission of expanding access to nutritious, great-tasting food for all.
“I am deeply grateful to our employees, growers, customers and vendors, as well as our lenders for their support in helping us achieve our long-term goals."
Rachael Davis