DEL MONTE FOODS CO - FORM 10-Q

DEL MONTE FOODS CO - FORM 10-Q - December 9, 2009

Attached files

Attached files

DEL MONTE FOODS CO Reports

file	filename
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - DEL MONTE FOODS CO	dex322.htm
EX-10.5 - DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PLAN - DEL MONTE FOODS CO	dex105.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13-14(A) - DEL MONTE FOODS CO	dex312.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - DEL MONTE FOODS CO	dex321.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13-14(A) - DEL MONTE FOODS CO	dex311.htm
EX-10.6 - PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR DEL MONTE CORPORATION 7 1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES - DEL MONTE FOODS CO	dex106.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2009

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-14335

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

13-3542950

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

One Market @ The Landmark, San Francisco, California 94105

(Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code)

(415) 247-3000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of December 4, 2009, there were 198,191,275 shares of Del Monte Foods Company Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

LOGO

Table of Contents


PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3

ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – November 1, 2009 (unaudited) and May 3, 2009	3

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) – three and six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008	4

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) – six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008	5

	NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)	6

ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	17

ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	27

ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	29

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	30

ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	30

ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	31

ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	32

ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	32

ITEM 4.	SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS	32

ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	33

ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	34

SIGNATURES		35

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except per share data)


	November 1, 2009			May 3, 2009
	(unaudited)			(derived from audited financial statements)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	18.9		$	142.7
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance		247.7			188.5
Inventories		1,102.0			677.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		128.3			138.6

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		1,496.9			1,147.2

Property, plant and equipment, net		642.6			642.6
Goodwill		1,337.7			1,337.7
Intangible assets, net		1,166.1			1,171.5
Other assets, net		27.1			22.3

TOTAL ASSETS	$	4,670.4		$	4,321.3

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	640.7		$	472.4
Short-term borrowings		64.3			2.3
Current portion of long-term debt		147.9			32.3

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		852.9			507.0

Long-term debt		1,395.9			1,525.9
Deferred tax liabilities		405.8			390.5
Other non-current liabilities		282.3			291.4

TOTAL LIABILITIES		2,936.9			2,714.8


Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock ($0.01 par value per share, shares authorized: 500.0; 215.5 issued and 198.2 outstanding at November 1, 2009 and 215.1 issued and 197.7 outstanding at May 3, 2009)		2.2			2.1
Additional paid-in capital		1,060.3			1,047.5
Treasury stock, at cost		(183.1	)		(183.1	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(25.7	)		(38.4	)
Retained earnings		879.8			778.4

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		1,733.5			1,606.5


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	4,670.4		$	4,321.3

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except per share data)


	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008		November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008
	(unaudited)
Net sales	$	958.9		$	901.0	$	1,772.6		$	1,627.2
Cost of products sold		649.7			666.5		1,203.5			1,233.3

Gross profit		309.2			234.5		569.1			393.9
Selling, general and administrative expense		168.6			155.0		307.6			301.1

Operating income		140.6			79.5		261.5			92.8
Interest expense		41.0			30.1		65.2			57.7
Other expense		0.8			12.0		2.7			10.9

Income from continuing operations before income taxes		98.8			37.4		193.6			24.2
Provision for income taxes		36.2			10.1		72.1			4.9

Income from continuing operations		62.6			27.3		121.5			19.3

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes		(0.1	)		42.7		(0.5	)		39.7
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(0.1	)		19.6		(0.2	)		18.7

Income (loss) from discontinued operations		—			23.1		(0.3	)		21.0


Net income	$	62.6		$	50.4	$	121.2		$	40.3


Earnings per common share
Basic:
Continuing operations	$	0.31		$	0.14	$	0.61		$	0.10
Discontinued operations		—			0.11		—			0.10

Total	$	0.31		$	0.25	$	0.61		$	0.20


Diluted:
Continuing operations	$	0.31		$	0.14	$	0.61		$	0.10
Discontinued operations		—			0.11		(0.01	)		0.10

Total	$	0.31		$	0.25	$	0.60		$	0.20

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)


	Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008
	(unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	121.2		$	40.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		49.4			52.1
Deferred taxes		24.3			0.2
Write off of debt issuance cost and loss on debt refinancing		16.6			—
(Gain) loss on asset disposals		0.6			(27.6	)
Stock compensation expense		7.1			5.5
Other non-cash items, net		4.5			(2.6	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		(311.1	)		(344.7	)

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES		(87.4	)		(276.8	)


INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures		(45.7	)		(39.9	)
Net proceeds from disposal of assets		—			347.0

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(45.7	)		307.1


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings		143.0			389.1
Payments on short-term borrowings		(81.0	)		(99.6	)
Proceeds from long-term debt		442.3			—
Principal payments on long-term debt		(456.7	)		(320.8	)
Payments of debt-related costs		(24.4	)		—
Dividends paid		(17.8	)		(15.8	)
Issuance of common stock		2.8			2.1
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		0.6			—

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES		8.8			(45.0	)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		0.5			(0.6	)

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(123.8	)		(15.3	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		142.7			25.7

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	18.9		$	10.4

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 1. Business and Basis of Presentation

Del Monte Foods Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Del Monte” or the “Company”) is one of the country’s largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, with leading food brands, such as Del Monte, S&W, Contadina, College Inn and other brand names, and food and snack brands for dogs and cats such as Meow Mix, Kibbles ‘n Bits, 9Lives, Milk-Bone, Pup-Peroni, Meaty Bone, Snausages, Pounce and other brand names. The Company also produces private label food and pet products. The majority of its products are sold nationwide in all channels serving retail markets, mass merchandisers, the U.S. military, certain export markets, the foodservice industry and food processors.

The Company has two reportable segments: Consumer Products and Pet Products. The Consumer Products reportable segment includes the Consumer Products operating segment, which manufactures, markets and sells branded and private label shelf-stable products, including fruit, vegetable, tomato and broth products. The Pet Products reportable segment includes the Pet Products operating segment, which manufactures, markets and sells branded and private label dry and wet pet food and pet snacks.

The Company operates on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to April 30. The results of operations for the three months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008 each reflect periods that contain 13 weeks. The results of operations for the six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008 each reflect periods that contain 26 weeks.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Del Monte as of November 1, 2009 and for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal and recurring entries considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented have been included. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates. Furthermore, operating results for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending May 2, 2010. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2009 (“2009 Annual Report”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Note 2. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a statement which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The provisions of this statement are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 and were effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 15 for the disclosures required by this statement.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The ASC establishes two levels of GAAP—authoritative and non-authoritative. The ASC is the source of authoritative, nongovernmental GAAP, except for rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, the ASC was adopted by the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption of the ASC did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3. Employee Stock Plans

See Note 10 of the 2009 Annual Report for a description of the Company’s stock-based incentive plans.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

The fair value for stock options granted was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following table presents the weighted average assumptions for options granted during the six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008:


	Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009		October 26, 2008
Dividend yield	2.6	%	1.8	%
Expected volatility	28.5	%	26.4	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.7	%	3.2	%
Expected life (in years)	6.0		6.1

Stock option activity and related information during the period indicated was as follows:


	Options Outstanding		Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price		Options Exercisable	Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at May 3, 2009	17,384,813		$	9.17	10,993,068	$	9.23
Granted	2,954,400			11.37
Forfeited	(77,654	)		10.58
Exercised	(372,671	)		7.40

Balance at November 1, 2009	19,888,888		$	9.53	12,828,613	$	9.32

As of November 1, 2009, the aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding and options exercisable were $27.5 and $19.3, respectively.

At November 1, 2009, the range of exercise prices and weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was as follows:


	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price Per Share	Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$6.04 - 8.78	7,877,143	5.64	$	7.91	5,468,043	$	7.98
$8.79 - 10.42	6,360,559	6.44		10.14	4,749,034		10.09
$10.43 - 15.85	5,651,186	7.64		11.09	2,611,536		10.72

$6.04 - 15.85	19,888,888	6.46	$	9.53	12,828,613	$	9.32

Other stock-based compensation activity and related information during the period indicated was as follows:


	Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Units		Deferred Stock Units		Board of Directors Restricted Stock Units		Performance Share Units
Balance at May 3, 2009	1,124,500		617,224		142,142		2,510,631
Granted	352,200		327,322		56,168		877,200
Forfeited	(3,200	)	—		—		(395,110	)
Issued as common stock	—		(5,213	)	(25,770	)	—
Transferred to deferred stock units	—		40,566		(40,566	)	—

Balance at November 1, 2009	1,473,500		979,899		131,974		2,992,721

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 4. Inventories

The Company’s inventories consist of the following:


	November 1, 2009			May 3, 2009
Inventories:
Finished products	$	1,072.9		$	552.0
Raw materials and in-process material		39.7			45.2
Packaging material and other		51.2			112.6
LIFO Reserve		(61.8	)		(32.4	)

Total Inventories	$	1,102.0		$	677.4

Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The following table presents the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets:


	November 1, 2009			May 3, 2009
Goodwill	$	1,337.7		$	1,337.7


Non-amortizable intangible assets:
Trademarks	$	1,060.5		$	1,071.6


Amortizable intangible assets:
Trademarks		40.7			32.6
Customer relationships		89.0			89.0
Other		11.0			11.0

		140.7			132.6
Accumulated amortization		(35.1	)		(32.7	)

Amortizable intangible assets, net		105.6			99.9

Intangible assets, net	$	1,166.1		$	1,171.5

As of November 1, 2009 and May 3, 2009, the Company’s goodwill was comprised of $150.2 related to the Consumer Products reportable segment and $1,187.5 related to the Pet Products reportable segment.

Amortization expense for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 was $1.2 and $2.4, respectively and $2.0 and $3.9 for the three and six months ended and October 26, 2008, respectively. The Company expects to recognize $2.8 of amortization expense during the remainder of fiscal 2010. The following table presents expected amortization of intangible assets as of November 1, 2009, for each of the five succeeding fiscal years:


2011	$	5.7
2012		5.7
2013		5.7
2014		5.7
2015		5.7

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 6. Earnings Per Share

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations:


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009		October 26, 2008		November 1, 2009		October 26, 2008
Basic earnings per common share:
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	62.6	$	27.3	$	121.5	$	19.3


Denominator:
Weighted average shares		198,800,000		198,200,000		198,600,000		197,900,000

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.31	$	0.14	$	0.61	$	0.10


Diluted earnings per common share:
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	62.6	$	27.3	$	121.5	$	19.3


Denominator:
Weighted average shares		198,800,000		198,200,000		198,600,000		197,900,000
Effect of dilutive securities		3,400,000		400,000		2,000,000		600,000

Weighted average shares and equivalents		202,200,000		198,600,000		200,600,000		198,500,000


Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.31	$	0.14	$	0.61	$	0.10

The computation of diluted earnings per share calculates the effect of dilutive securities on weighted average shares. Dilutive securities include stock options, restricted stock units and other deferred stock awards.

Options outstanding in the aggregate amount of 3,900,000 and 9,100,000 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009, respectively, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Options outstanding in the aggregate amount of 14,300,000 and 13,900,000 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended October 26, 2008, respectively, because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 7. Debt

The Company’s debt consists of the following, as of the dates indicated:


	November 1, 2009		May 3, 2009
Short-term borrowings:
Revolver	$	55.7	$	—
Other		8.6		2.3

	$	64.3	$	2.3

Long-term debt:
Term A Loan	$	205.6	$	218.5
Term B Loan		636.4		639.7

Total Term Loans		842.0		858.2

8⁵/8% senior subordinated notes		9.5		450.0
6³/4% senior subordinated notes		250.0		250.0
7¹/2% senior subordinated notes		450.0		—

		1,551.5		1,558.2
Less unamortized discount on the 7¹/2% senior subordinated notes		7.7		—
Less current portion		147.9		32.3

	$	1,395.9	$	1,525.9

On October 1, 2009, the Company consummated a private placement offering of its senior subordinated notes due October 2019 with an aggregate principal amount of $450.0 and a stated interest rate of 7¹/ 2% (the “New Notes”). The Company used proceeds from the New Notes along with other available funds to fund a tender offer for its outstanding 8⁵/8% senior subordinated notes due 2012 (“Old Notes”). The Company purchased $440.5 aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes pursuant to the tender offer. Old Notes totaling $9.5 aggregate principal amount were not tendered and remained outstanding as of November 1, 2009. On December 2, 2009, the Company issued a notice to redeem such remaining Old Notes on December 16, 2009. The Company recognized $16.6 of expense related to the issuance of the New Notes and tender offer for the Old Notes, which is included in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company borrowed $135.4 under its revolver during the three and six months ended November 1, 2009. A total of $79.7 was repaid during the three and six months ended November 1, 2009. As of November 1, 2009, the net availability under the revolver, which also reflects $63.5 of outstanding letters of credit, was $330.8. The blended interest rate on the revolver was approximately 2.74% on November 1, 2009. Additionally, to maintain availability of funds under the revolver, the Company pays a 0.375% commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolver.

As of November 1, 2009 the fair values of the Company’s 8⁵/8% senior subordinated notes, 6³/4% senior subordinated notes and 7¹/2% senior subordinated notes were $9.6, $250.0 and $455.1, respectively. As of May 3, 2009, the fair values of the Company’s 8⁵/8% senior subordinated notes and 6³/4% senior subordinated notes were $460.1 and $241.9, respectively.

As of November 1, 2009, scheduled maturities of long-term debt are as follows:


Remainder of fiscal 2010	$	16.2
Fiscal 2011		331.2
Fiscal 2012		494.6
Fiscal 2013		9.5
Fiscal 2014		—
Fiscal 2015		250.0
Thereafter		450.0

Agreements relating to the Company’s long-term debt, including the credit agreement governing its senior credit facility (as amended through April 25, 2008, the “Senior Credit Facility”) and the indentures governing the senior subordinated notes, contain covenants that restrict the ability of Del Monte Corporation and its subsidiaries, among other things, to incur or guarantee indebtedness, issue capital stock, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, prepay certain indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates, make other restricted payments, including investments, incur liens, consummate asset sales and enter into consolidations or mergers. Certain of these covenants are also applicable to Del Monte Foods Company. In addition, Del Monte is required to meet a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio under the Senior Credit Facility. The maximum permitted leverage ratio decreases over time as set forth in the Senior Credit Facility. As of November 1, 2009, the Company believes that it is in compliance with all such financial covenants.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 8. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company uses interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, futures and option contracts as well as forward foreign currency contracts to hedge market risks relating to possible adverse changes in interest rates, commodity and other prices and foreign currency exchange rates, which affect interest expense on the Company’s floating-rate obligations as well as the cost of its raw materials and other inputs, respectively.

Interest Rates: The Company’s debt primarily consists of floating rate term loans and fixed rate notes. The Company also uses its floating rate revolver to fund seasonal working capital needs and other uses of cash. Interest expense on the Company’s floating rate debt is typically calculated based on a fixed spread over a reference rate, such as LIBOR (also known as the Eurodollar rate). Therefore, fluctuations in market interest rates will cause interest expense increases or decreases on a given amount of floating rate debt.

The Company manages a portion of its interest rate risk related to floating rate debt by entering into interest rate swaps in which the Company receives floating rate payments and makes fixed rate payments. On September 6, 2007, the Company entered into an interest rate swap, with a notional amount of $400.0, as the fixed rate payer. The swap has an effective date of October 26, 2007 and a maturity date of October 29, 2010. A formal cash flow hedge accounting relationship was established between the swap and a portion of the Company’s interest payment on floating rate debt. During the three and six months ended November 1, 2009, the Company’s interest rate cash flow hedges resulted in an increase to other comprehensive income (“OCI”) of $1.4 and $2.5, respectively, and an increase to deferred tax liabilities of $0.9 and $1.6, respectively. The Company’s interest rate cash flow hedges had an impact on interest expense for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 of $4.3 and $8.1, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap was recorded as a current liability of $17.0 at November 1, 2009 and a non-current liability of $21.1 at May 3, 2009.

Commodities: Certain commodities such as soybean meal, corn, wheat, soybean oil, diesel fuel and natural gas (collectively, “commodity contracts”) are used in the production of the Company’s products. Generally these commodities are purchased based upon market prices that are established with the vendor as part of the purchase process. The Company uses futures, swaps or option contracts, as deemed appropriate, to reduce the effect of price fluctuations on anticipated purchases. The Company accounted for these commodities derivatives as either cash flow or economic hedges. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of derivative gains and losses is deferred in equity and recognized as part of cost of products sold in the appropriate period and the ineffective portion is recognized as other income or expense. Changes in the value of economic hedges are recorded directly in earnings. These contracts generally have a term of less than 18 months.

On November 1, 2009, the fair values of the Company’s commodities hedges were recorded as current assets of $6.1 and current liabilities of $5.1. The fair values of the Company’s commodities hedges were recorded as current assets of $1.9 and current liabilities of $17.0 at May 3, 2009.

Foreign Currency: The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by entering into forward contracts to cover a portion of its projected expenditures paid in local currency. These contracts generally have a term of less than 24 months and qualify as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the effective derivative gains and losses are deferred in equity and recognized in the period the expenditure is incurred as cost of products sold. The forward premium is excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and recorded directly in earnings. As of November 1, 2009, the fair values of the Company’s foreign currency hedges were recorded as current assets of $2.8 and current liabilities of $0.8. As of May 3, 2009, the fair values of the Company’s foreign currency hedges were recorded as current assets of $0.6 and current liabilities of $1.0.

Gains and losses related to commodity and other hedges as well as foreign currency hedges reported in OCI are expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 24 months.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments:

The fair value of derivative instruments recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of November 1, 2009 was as follows:


	Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Balance Sheet location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet location	Fair Value
Interest rate contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	—	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	17.0
Foreign currency exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2.8	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		0.8
Commodity contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		6.1	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		5.1

Total		$	8.9		$	22.9

The effect of derivative instruments recorded for the three months ended November 1, 2009 in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:


Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI		Location of gain (loss) reclassified in AOCI	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income			Location of gain (loss) recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	Gain (loss) recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
Interest rate contracts	$	1.4	Interest expense	$	4.3		N/A	$	—
Foreign currency exchange contracts		0.3	Cost of products sold		0.1		Other income (expense)		0.1
Commodity contracts		2.4	Cost of products sold		(5.8	)	Other income (expense)		(0.1	)

Total	$	4.1		$	(1.4	)		$	—

The effect of derivative instruments recorded for the six months ended November 1, 2009 in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:


Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI		Location of gain (loss) reclassified in AOCI	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income			Location of gain (loss) recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	Gain (loss) recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
Interest rate contracts	$	2.5	Interest expense	$	8.1		N/A	$	—
Foreign currency exchange contracts		1.5	Cost of products sold		(0.2	)	Other income (expense)		0.2
Commodity contracts		1.1	Cost of products sold		(9.2	)	Other income (expense)		(1.8	)

Total	$	5.1		$	(1.3	)		$	(1.6	)

Note 9. Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the FASB issued a statement addressing fair value measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The fair value provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued a staff position which delayed the effective date of the fair value provisions by one year for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company adopted the fair value provisions for financial assets and liabilities. This adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the fair value provisions for nonfinancial assets and liabilities in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. As of November 1, 2009, the Company did not have any significant nonfinancial assets or liabilities measured at fair value subsequent to their initial recognition.

A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels are defined as follows:

•

Level 1 Inputs – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

•

Level 2 Inputs – quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and

•

Level 3 Inputs – unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions in measuring the asset or liability at fair value.

The Company uses commodities contracts as well as interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency contracts to hedge market risks relating to possible adverse changes in commodity and other prices, diesel fuel prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

The following table provides the fair values hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:


	Fair Value at November 1, 2009
Description	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Commodity Contracts	$	3.3	$	2.8	$	—
Foreign Currency Contracts		—		2.8		—

Total	$	3.3	$	5.6	$	—


Liabilities
Commodity Contracts	$	5.1	$	—	$	—
Foreign Currency Contracts		—		0.8		—
Interest Rate Swap		—		17.0		—

Total	$	5.1	$	17.8	$	—

The Company’s determination of the fair value of its interest rate swap is calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the swap contract and the observable interest rate curve. The Company measures the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts using an income approach based on forward rates (obtained from market quotes for futures contracts with similar terms) less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. The Company’s futures and options contracts are traded on regulated exchanges such as the Chicago Board of Trade, Kansas City Board of Trade, and the New York Mercantile Exchange. The Company values these contracts based on the daily settlement prices published by the exchanges on which the contracts are traded. The Company’s commodities swap contracts are traded over-the-counter and are valued based on the Chicago Board of Trade quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or derived from observable market data available from the Energy Information Administration.

The carrying amount of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximates fair value due to the relatively short maturity of such instruments. The fair values of our senior subordinated notes are disclosed in Note 7.

In February 2007, the FASB issued a statement which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. This statement does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value. This statement was effective for the Company as of April 28, 2008, the first day of fiscal 2009. As of November 1, 2009, the Company has not elected to adopt the fair value option for any financial instruments or other items.

Note 10. Comprehensive Income

The following table reconciles net income to comprehensive income:


	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009		October 26, 2008			November 1, 2009		October 26, 2008
Net income	$	62.6	$	50.4		$	121.2	$	40.3

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments		0.6		(2.5	)		2.0		(2.9	)
Income (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax		7.2		(22.4	)		10.7		(19.7	)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)		7.8		(24.9	)		12.7		(22.6	)

Comprehensive income	$	70.4	$	25.5		$	133.9	$	17.7

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 11. Retirement Benefits

Defined Benefit Plans.

Del Monte sponsors three qualified defined benefit pension plans and several unfunded defined benefit postretirement plans providing certain medical, dental and life insurance benefits to eligible retired, salaried, non-union hourly and union employees. Refer to Note 12 of the 2009 Annual Report for information about these plans. The components of net periodic benefit cost of such plans for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008, respectively, are as follows:


	Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits						Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost for benefits earned during the period	$	2.7		$	3.2		$	0.4		$	0.4		$	5.4		$	6.3		$	0.8		$	0.9
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		6.7			6.2			2.2			2.1			13.4			12.5			4.3			4.2
Expected return on plan assets		(5.2	)		(6.7	)		—			—			(10.3	)		(13.4	)		—			—
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		0.2			0.2			(2.1	)		(2.1	)		0.4			0.5			(4.2	)		(4.2	)
Amortization of (gain)/loss		0.5			—			(0.1	)		—			1.0			—			(0.1	)		—
Curtailment loss		—			0.2			—			—			—			0.2			—			—

Net periodic benefit cost	$	4.9		$	3.1		$	0.4		$	0.4		$	9.9		$	6.1		$	0.8		$	0.9

As of November 1, 2009, the Company had made contributions to its defined benefit pension plans of $36.7 in fiscal 2010. The Company currently meets and plans to continue to meet the minimum funding levels required under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “Act”). While the Company has no required contributions during the remainder of fiscal 2010, the Company is evaluating whether it will make any additional contributions during the remainder of the fiscal year. The Act imposes certain consequences on the Company’s defined benefit plans if they do not meet the minimum funding levels. In addition to minimum funding levels, the Act encourages, but does not require, employers to fully fund their defined benefit pension plans and to meet incremental plan funding thresholds applicable prior to 2011. The Company no longer expects to meet the incremental plan funding targets or to fully fund its defined benefit pension plans by 2011. The Act has resulted in, and in the future may additionally result in, accelerated funding of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.

Note 12. Income Taxes

In October 2009, the State of Pennsylvania enacted legislation that led the Company to recognize a favorable benefit of $2.2 from the expected reduction in the tax rate applied to the Company’s existing deferred tax liabilities.

As of November 1, 2009, the Company had $16.6 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would reduce income tax expense and the effective tax rate if recognized.

Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies

The discussion below is not intended to be a complete discussion of the Company’s commitments and contingencies. See Note 15 of the 2009 Annual Report for a description of the Company’s commitments and contingencies.

Lease Commitments

At November 1, 2009, the aggregate minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows:


Remainder of fiscal 2010	$	26.1
Fiscal 2011		44.0
Fiscal 2012		39.2
Fiscal 2013		33.5
Fiscal 2014		27.6
Fiscal 2015		25.7
Thereafter		96.5

Legal Proceedings

Except as set forth below, there have been no material developments in the Company’s legal proceedings since the legal proceedings reported in the 2009 Annual Report:

On October 13, 2009, Kara Moline and Debra Lowe filed a class action complaint against the Company in San Francisco Superior Court, alleging violations of California’s False Advertising Act, Unfair Competition Law, and Consumer Legal Remedies Act. Specifically, the plaintiffs allege that the Company engaged in false and misleading advertising in the labeling of Nature’s Recipe Farm Stand Selects dog food. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, disgorgement of profits in an undisclosed amount, and attorneys’ fees. Additionally, the plaintiffs are seeking class certification. The Company denies plaintiffs’ allegations and plans to vigorously defend itself.

As previously reported in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 2, 2009:

Beginning with the pet food recall announced by Menu Foods, Inc. in March 2007, many major pet food manufacturers, including the Company, announced recalls of select products. The Company believes there have been over 90 class actions and purported class actions relating to these pet food recalls. The Company has been named as a defendant in seven class actions or purported class actions related to its pet food and pet snack recall, which it initiated March 31, 2007.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

The Company is currently a defendant in the following case:

•

Picus v. Del Monte filed on April 30, 2007 in state court in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Company was a defendant in the following cases:

•

Carver v. Del Monte filed on April 4, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California;

•

Ford v. Del Monte filed on April 7, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California;

•

Hart v. Del Monte filed on April 10, 2007 in state court in Los Angeles, California;

•

Schwinger v. Del Monte filed on May 15, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri;

•

Tompkins v. Del Monte filed on July 13, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado; and

•

Blaszkowski v. Del Monte filed on May 9, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The named plaintiffs in these seven cases allege or alleged that their pets suffered injury and/or death as a result of ingesting the Company’s and other defendants’ allegedly contaminated pet food and pet snack products. The Picus and Blaszkowski cases also contain or contained allegations of false and misleading advertising by the Company.

By order dated June 28, 2007, the Carver, Ford, Hart, Schwinger, and Tompkins cases were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and consolidated with other purported pet food class actions under the federal rules for multi-district litigation. The Blaszkowski and Picus cases were not consolidated.

The Multi-District Litigation Cases. The plaintiffs and defendants in the multi-district litigation cases, including the five consolidated cases in which the Company was a defendant, tentatively agreed to a settlement which was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on May 22, 2008. On May 30, 2008, the Court granted preliminary approval to the settlement. Pursuant to the Court’s order, notice of the settlement was disseminated to the public by mail and publication beginning June 16, 2008. Members of the class were allowed to opt-out of the settlement until August 15, 2008. On November 19, 2008, the Court entered orders approving the settlement, certifying the class and dismissing the complaints against the defendants, including the Company. The total settlement was $24.0. The portion of the Company’s contribution to this settlement was $0.25, net of insurance recovery. Four class members have filed objections to the settlement, which objections have been denied by the Court. On December 3, 2008 and December 12, 2008, these class members filed Notices of Appeal.

The Picus Case. The plaintiffs in the Picus case are seeking certification of a class action as well as unspecified damages and injunctive relief against further distribution of the allegedly defective products. The Company has denied the allegations made in the Picus case. On October 12, 2007, the Company filed a motion to dismiss in the Picus case. The state court in Las Vegas, Nevada granted the Company’s motion in part and denied the Company’s motion in part. On December 14, 2007, other defendants in the case filed a motion to deny class certification. On March 16, 2009, the Court granted the motion to deny class certification. On March 25, 2009, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of the Court’s decision. On June 30, 2009, the Court of Appeals denied plaintiffs’ appeal.

The Blaszkowski Case. On April 11, 2008, the plaintiffs in the Blaszkowski case filed their fourth amended complaint. On September 12, 2008 and October 9, 2008, plaintiffs filed stipulations of dismissal with respect to their complaint against certain of the defendants, including the Company. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered such requested dismissals on such dates, resulting in the dismissal of all claims against the Company.

As previously reported in the 2009 Annual Report:

On October 14, 2008, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (“Fresh Del Monte”) filed a complaint against the Company in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Fresh Del Monte amended its complaint on November 5, 2008. Under a trademark license agreement with the Company, Fresh Del Monte holds the rights to use the Del Monte name and trademark with respect to fresh fruit, vegetables and produce throughout the world (including the United States). Fresh Del Monte alleges that the Company breached the trademark license agreement through the marketing and sale of certain of its products sold in the refrigerated produce section of customers’ stores, including Del Monte Fruit Naturals products and the more recently introduced Del Monte Refrigerated Grapefruit Bowls. Fresh Del Monte also alleges that the Company’s advertising for certain of these products was false and misleading. Fresh Del Monte is seeking damages of $10.0, treble damages with respect to its false advertising claim, and injunctive relief. On October 14, 2008, Fresh Del Monte filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, asking the Court to enjoin the Company from making certain claims about its refrigerated products. On October 23, 2008, the Court denied that motion. The Company denies Fresh Del Monte’s allegations and plans to vigorously defend itself. Additionally, on November 21, 2008, the Company filed counter-claims against Fresh Del Monte, alleging that Fresh Del Monte has breached the trademark license agreement. Specifically, the Company alleges, among other things, that Fresh Del Monte’s “medley” products (vegetables with a dipping sauce or fruit with a caramel sauce) violate the trademark license agreement.

Del Monte is also involved from time to time in various legal proceedings incidental to its business (or its former seafood business), including proceedings involving product liability claims, workers’ compensation and other employee claims, tort claims and other general liability claims, for which the Company carries insurance, as well as trademark, copyright, patent infringement and related litigation. Additionally, Del Monte is involved from time to time in claims relating to environmental remediation and similar events. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company believes that none of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial position.

DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED

For the three and six months ended November 1, 2009

(in millions, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 14. Segment Information

The Company has the following reportable segments:

•

The Consumer Products reportable segment includes the Consumer Products operating segment, which manufactures markets and sells branded and private label shelf-stable products, including fruit, vegetable, tomato and broth products.

•

The Pet Products reportable segment includes the Pet Products operating segment, which manufactures, markets and sells branded and private label dry and wet pet food and pet snacks.

The Company’s chief operating decision-maker, its Chief Executive Officer, reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis accompanied by disaggregated information on net sales and operating income, by operating segment, for purposes of making decisions and assessing financial performance. The chief operating decision-maker reviews assets of the Company on a consolidated basis only. The accounting policies of the individual operating segments are the same as those of the Company.

The following table presents financial information about the Company’s reportable segments:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008
Net Sales:
Consumer Products	$	536.8		$	491.9		$	938.2		$	875.4
Pet Products		422.1			409.1			834.4			751.8

Total Company	$	958.9		$	901.0		$	1,772.6		$	1,627.2


Operating Income:
Consumer Products	$	72.5		$	45.8		$	104.6		$	55.6
Pet Products		84.8			45.7			187.6			61.1
Corporate (a)		(16.7	)		(12.0	)		(30.7	)		(23.9	)

Total Company		140.6			79.5			261.5			92.8


Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before income taxes:
Interest expense		41.0			30.1			65.2			57.7
Other expense		0.8			12.0			2.7			10.9

Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	98.8		$	37.4		$	193.6		$	24.2

(a)	Corporate represents expenses not directly attributable to reportable segments.

Note 15. Subsequent Events

The FASB statement regarding subsequent events was adopted by the Company during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as discussed in Note 2. This statement requires disclosures of the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date of the filing of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q on December 9, 2009.

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion is intended to further the reader’s understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of our Company. It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2009 (the “2009 Annual Report”). These historical financial statements may not be indicative of our future performance. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risks described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2009 Annual Report and in Part II, Item 1A of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Corporate Overview

Our Business. Del Monte Foods Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Del Monte” or the “Company”) is one of the country’s largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, with leading food brands such as Del Monte, S&W, Contadina, College Inn and other brand names, and food and snack brands for dogs and cats such as Meow Mix, Kibbles ‘n Bits, 9Lives, Milk-Bone, Pup-Peroni, Meaty Bone, Snausages, Pounce and other brand names.

We have two reportable segments: Consumer Products and Pet Products. The Consumer Products reportable segment includes the Consumer Products operating segment, which manufactures, markets and sells branded and private label shelf-stable products, including fruit, vegetable, tomato and broth products. The Pet Products reportable segment includes the Pet Products operating segment, which manufactures, markets and sells branded and private label dry and wet pet food and pet snacks.

On October 6, 2008, we (i) sold all of the outstanding stock of Galapesca S.A., Panapesca Fishing, Inc. and Marine Trading Pacific, Inc., (ii) caused Star-Kist Samoa, Inc. to be merged with and into a subsidiary of the purchaser and (iii) sold certain assets that are primarily related to the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing StarKist brand products and private label seafood products (such business, the “StarKist Seafood Business”). The divestiture included the sale of our manufacturing capabilities in American Samoa and Manta, Ecuador; and certain manufacturing assets associated with the StarKist Seafood Business located in Terminal Island, California and Guayaquil, Ecuador. For all periods presented, the operating results and assets and liabilities related to the StarKist Seafood Business have been classified as discontinued operations.

Key Performance Indicators

The following is a summary of some of our key performance indicators that we utilize to assess results of operations:


	Three Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			Change			% Change		Volume (a)		Rate (b)
	(in millions, except percentages)
Net Sales	$	958.9		$	901.0		$	57.9		6.4	%	2.1	%	4.3	%
Cost of Products Sold		649.7			666.5			(16.8	)	(2.5	%)	(0.5	%)	3.0	%

Gross Profit		309.2			234.5			74.7		31.9	%
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		168.6			155.0			13.6		8.8	%

Operating Income	$	140.6		$	79.5		$	61.1		76.9	%


Gross Margin		32.2	%		26.0	%

Selling, General and Administrative Expense as a % of net sales		17.6	%		17.2	%

Operating Income Margin		14.7	%		8.8	%

	Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			Change			% Change		Volume (a)		Rate (b)
	(in millions, except percentages)
Net Sales	$	1,772.6		$	1,627.2		$	145.4		8.9	%	1.0	%	7.9	%
Cost of Products Sold		1,203.5			1,233.3			(29.8	)	(2.4	%)	(0.3	%)	(2.1	%)

Gross Profit		569.1			393.9			175.2		44.5	%
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		307.6			301.1			6.5		2.2	%

Operating Income	$	261.5		$	92.8		$	168.7		181.8	%


Gross Margin		32.1	%		24.2	%

Selling, General and Administrative Expense as a % of net sales		17.4	%		18.5	%

Operating Income Margin		14.8	%		5.7	%

(a)

This column represents the change, as compared to the prior year period, due to volume and mix. Volume represents the change resulting from the number of units sold, exclusive of any change in price. Volume changes in the above table include elasticity, the volume decline associated with price increases. Mix represents the change attributable to shifts in volume across products or channels.

(b)	This column represents the change, as compared to the prior year period, attributable to per unit changes in net sales or cost of products sold.

Executive Overview

Our second quarter results include net sales of $958.9 million, which represents growth of 6.4% over the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Increased volume in existing products in the Consumer Products segment was the primary driver of the growth in net sales. The impact of the prior year’s pricing actions net of elasticity (the volume decline associated with price increases) also contributed to the growth in net sales. We expect net sales growth in the last six months of fiscal 2010 to be less than net sales growth in the first half of fiscal 2010 as the year-over-year impact of fiscal 2009 pricing actions primarily benefitted the first half of fiscal 2010. In addition, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 contains one less week than the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we experienced lower overall costs as compared to the prior year quarter driven by productivity savings, lower transportation–related costs and lower Pet Products ingredient costs (particularly in commodities such as fats and grains). These cost decreases were partially offset by higher packaging and raw product costs. Gross margin increased by 620 basis points in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2009 primarily as a result of the prior year’s pricing actions, lower costs and favorable product mix. While we continue to expect fiscal 2010 gross margin to be higher than fiscal 2009 gross margin, we expect that gross margin in the second half of fiscal 2010 will be lower than gross margin in the first half of fiscal 2010 driven by increased promotional activity, a less favorable cost environment and less favorable product mix. We have hedged approximately 80% of our hedgeable key commodities for fiscal 2010. These hedgeable key commodities represent approximately 15% of our cost of products sold. For the full year, we expect that the impact of our productivity savings will more than offset fiscal 2010 cost increases.

Our operating income for the three months ended November 1, 2009 was $140.6 million, which represented an increase of $61.1 million or 76.9% compared to the three months ended October 26, 2008. The increase in operating income was driven by the increased gross margin discussed above, partially offset by higher marketing costs in support of our growth strategy. We expect our year-over-year growth in marketing spending to accelerate significantly in the remainder of fiscal 2010. We expect marketing spending to increase approximately 55-65% in fiscal 2010 over fiscal 2009.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we reevaluate our estimates, including those related to trade promotions, retirement benefits, goodwill and intangibles, and retained-insurance liabilities. Estimates in the assumptions used in the valuation of our stock compensation expense are updated periodically and reflect conditions that existed at the time of each new issuance of stock awards. We base estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. For all of these estimates, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and, therefore, these estimates routinely require adjustment.

Management has discussed the selection of critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosure relating to critical accounting policies and estimates in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2009 Annual Report. The following is a summary of the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

Trade Promotions

Trade promotions are an important component of the sales and marketing of our products, and are critical to the support of our business. Trade promotion costs include amounts paid to encourage retailers to offer temporary price reductions for the sale of our products to consumers, to advertise our products in their circulars, to obtain favorable display positions in their stores, and to obtain shelf space. We accrue for trade promotions, primarily at the time products are sold to customers, by reducing sales and recording a corresponding accrued liability. The amount we accrue is based on an estimate of the level of performance of the trade promotion, which is dependent upon factors such as historical trends with similar promotions, expectations regarding customer and consumer participation, and sales and payment trends with similar previously offered programs. Our original estimated costs of trade promotions are reasonably likely to change in the future as a result of changes in trends with regard to customer and consumer participation,

particularly for new programs and for programs related to the introduction of new products. We perform monthly evaluations of our outstanding trade promotions; making adjustments, where appropriate, to reflect changes in our estimates. The ultimate cost of a trade promotion program is dependent on the relative success of the events and the actions and level of deductions taken by our customers for amounts they consider due to them. Final determination of the permissible trade promotion amounts due to a customer generally may take up to 18 months from the product shipment date. Our evaluations during the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008 resulted in no significant adjustments to our estimates relating to trade promotion liability.

Retirement Benefits

We sponsor non-contributory defined benefit pension plans (“DB plans”), defined contribution plans, multi-employer plans and certain other unfunded retirement benefit plans for our eligible employees. The amount of DB plans benefits eligible retirees receive is based on their earnings and age. Retirees may also be eligible for medical, dental and life insurance benefits (“other benefits”) if they meet certain age and service requirements at retirement. Generally, other benefit costs are subject to plan maximums, such that the Company and retiree both share in the cost of these benefits.

Our Assumptions. We utilize independent third-party actuaries to assist us in calculating the expense and liabilities related to the DB plans benefits and other benefits. DB plans benefits or other benefits which are expected to be paid are expensed over the employees’ expected service period. The actuaries measure our annual DB plans benefits and other benefits expense by relying on certain assumptions made by us. Such assumptions include:

•

The discount rate used to determine projected benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost (DB plans benefits and other benefits);

•

The expected long-term rate of return on assets (DB plans benefits);

•

The rate of increase in compensation levels (DB plans benefits); and

•

Other factors including employee turnover, retirement age, mortality and health care cost trend rates.

These assumptions reflect our historical experience and our best judgment regarding future expectations. The assumptions, the plan assets and the plan obligations are used to measure our annual DB plans benefits expense and other benefits expense.

Since the DB plans benefits and other benefits liabilities are measured on a discounted basis, the discount rate is a significant assumption. The discount rate was determined based on an analysis of interest rates for high-quality, long-term corporate debt at each measurement date. In order to appropriately match the bond maturities with expected future cash payments, we utilize differing bond portfolios to estimate the discount rates for the DB plans and for the other benefits. The discount rate used to determine DB plans and other benefits projected benefit obligation as of the balance sheet date is the rate in effect at the measurement date. The same rate is also used to determine DB plans and other benefits expense for the following fiscal year. The long-term rate of return for DB plans’ assets is based on our historical experience, our DB plans’ investment guidelines and our expectations for long-term rates of return. Our DB plans’ investment guidelines are established based upon an evaluation of market conditions, tolerance for risk, and cash requirements for benefit payments.

During the three and six months ended November 1, 2009, we recognized expense for our qualified DB plans of $4.9 million and $9.9 million respectively, and other benefits expense of $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Our remaining fiscal 2010 pension expense for our qualified DB plans is currently estimated to be approximately $10.0 million and other benefits expense is currently estimated to be approximately $0.7 million. Our actual future pension and other benefit expense amounts may vary depending upon the accuracy of our original assumptions and future assumptions.

Goodwill and Intangibles

Del Monte produces, distributes and markets products under many different brand names. Although each of our brand names has value, only those that have been purchased have a carrying amount on our consolidated balance sheet. During an acquisition, the purchase price is allocated to identifiable assets and liabilities, including brand names and other intangibles, based on estimated fair value, with any remaining purchase price recorded as goodwill.

We have evaluated our capitalized brand names and determined that some have lives that generally range from 15 to 40 years (“Amortizing Brands”) and others have indefinite lives (“Non-Amortizing Brands”). Non-Amortizing Brands typically have significant market share and a history of strong earnings and cash flow, which we expect to continue into the foreseeable future.

Amortizing Brands are amortized over their estimated lives. We review the asset groups containing Amortizing Brands (including related tangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. An asset or asset group is considered impaired if its carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flow the asset or asset group is expected to generate. If an asset or asset group is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the book value of the asset exceeds its fair value. Non-Amortizing Brands and goodwill are not amortized, but are instead tested for impairment at least annually. Non-Amortizing Brands are considered impaired if

the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying amount of the reporting unit containing the goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value. If estimated fair value is less than the book value, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recognized.

The estimated fair value of our Non-Amortizing Brands is determined using the relief from royalty method, which is based upon the estimated rent or royalty we would pay for the use of a brand name if we did not own it. For goodwill, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is determined using the income approach, which is based on the cash flows that the unit is expected to generate over its remaining life, and the market approach, which is based on market multiples of similar businesses. Our reporting units are the same as our operating segments—Consumer Products and Pet Products—reflecting the way that we manage our business. Annually, we engage third party valuation experts to assist in this process. Considerable management judgment is necessary in estimating future cash flows, market interest rates, discount rates and other factors affecting the valuation of goodwill and intangibles, including the operating and macroeconomic factors that may affect them. We use historical financial information, internal plans and projections, and industry information in making such estimates.

We did not recognize any impairment charges for our Amortizing Brands or goodwill during the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008. During the three and six months ended November 1, 2009, we recognized an impairment charge of $3.0 million related to one of our Pet Products Non-Amortizing Brands and moved this brand (with a remaining book value of $8.0 million) from Non-Amortizing to Amortizing Brands. We did not recognize any impairment charge for our Non-Amortizing Brands during the three and six months ended October 26, 2008. While we currently believe the fair value of all of our intangible assets exceeds carrying amount, different assumptions regarding future performance and discount rates could result in future impairment losses.

Stock Compensation Expense

We believe an effective way to align the interests of certain employees with those of our stockholders is through employee stock-based incentives. We typically issue two types of employee stock-based incentives: stock options and restricted stock incentives (“Restricted Shares”).

Stock options are stock incentives in which employees benefit to the extent our stock price exceeds the strike price of the stock option before expiration. A stock option is the right to purchase a share of our common stock at a predetermined exercise price. For the stock options that we grant, the employee’s exercise price is typically equivalent to our stock price on the date of the grant (as set forth in our stock incentive plan). Typically, these employees vest in stock options in equal annual installments over a four-year period and such options generally have a ten-year term until expiration.

Restricted Shares are stock incentives in which employees receive the rights to own shares of our common stock and do not require the employee to pay an exercise price. Restricted Shares include restricted stock units, performance share units and performance accelerated restricted stock units. Restricted stock units vest over a period of time. Performance share units vest at predetermined points in time if certain corporate performance goals are achieved or are forfeited if such goals are not met. Performance accelerated restricted stock units vest at a point in time, which may accelerate if certain stock performance measures are achieved.

Fair Value Method of Accounting. We follow the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, under which employee stock option grants and other stock-based compensation are expensed over the vesting period, based on the fair value at the time the stock-based compensation is granted.

Valuation of Stock Options. We measure stock option expense at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This model estimates the fair value of the options based on a number of assumptions, such as interest rates, employee exercises, the current price and expected volatility of our common stock and expected dividends, if any. The expected life is a significant assumption as it determines the period for which the risk-free interest rate, volatility and dividend yield must be applied. The expected life is the average length of time in which we expect our employees to exercise their options. Expected stock volatility reflects movements in our stock price over a historical period that matches the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the expected U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life. The dividend yield assumption is based on our expectations regarding the future payment of dividends as of the grant date.

Valuation of Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Units. The fair value of restricted stock units is calculated by multiplying the average of the high and low price of Del Monte’s common stock on the date of grant by the number of shares granted. The fair value of performance share units is determined based on a model which considers the estimated probability of possible outcomes. For stock awards that are not credited with dividends during the vesting period, the fair value of the stock award is reduced by the present value of the expected dividend stream during the vesting period.

Retained-Insurance Liabilities

Our business exposes us to the risk of liabilities arising out of our operations. For example, liabilities may arise out of claims of employees, customers or other third parties for personal injury or property damage occurring in the course of our operations. We

manage these risks through various insurance contracts from third-party insurance carriers. We, however, retain an insurance risk for the deductible portion of each claim. For example, the deductible under our loss-sensitive workers’ compensation insurance policy is up to $0.5 million per claim. An independent third-party actuary is engaged to assist us in estimating the ultimate costs of certain retained insurance risks. Actuarial determination of our estimated retained-insurance liability is based upon the following factors:

•

Losses which have been reported and incurred by us;

•

Losses which we have knowledge of but have not yet been reported to us;

•

Losses which we have no knowledge of but are projected based on historical information from both our Company and our industry; and

•

The projected costs to resolve these estimated losses.

Our estimate of retained-insurance liabilities is subject to change as new events or circumstances develop which might materially impact the ultimate cost to settle these losses. During the three and six months ended November 1, 2009, we increased our estimate of retained-insurance liabilities related to prior year by approximately $3.4 million primarily as a result of the escalation in healthcare costs on open prior year claims. This increase was partially offset by a $1.1 million reduction in retained insurance liabilities related to prior years as a result of the early closure of a claim. During the three and six months ended October 26, 2008, we reduced our estimate of retained-insurance liabilities related to prior year by approximately $2.3 million primarily as a result of favorable claim history.

Results of Operations

The following discussion provides a summary of operating results for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009, compared to the results for the three and six months ended October 26, 2008.

Net Sales


	Three Months Ended
	November 1, 2009		October 26, 2008		Change		% Change		Volume (a)		Rate (b)
	(in millions, except percentages)
Net Sales
Consumer Products	$	536.8	$	491.9	$	44.9	9.1	%	7.6	%	1.5	%
Pet Products		422.1		409.1		13.0	3.2	%	(4.4	%)	7.6	%

Total	$	958.9	$	901.0	$	57.9	6.4	%


	Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009		October 26, 2008		Change		% Change		Volume (a)		Rate (b)
	(in millions, except percentages)
Net Sales
Consumer Products	$	938.2	$	875.4	$	62.8	7.2	%	1.8	%	5.4	%
Pet Products		834.4		751.8		82.6	11.0	%	0.1	%	10.9	%

Total	$	1,772.6	$	1,627.2	$	145.4	8.9	%

(a)

(b)	This column represents the change, as compared to the prior year period, attributable to per unit changes in net sales or cost of products sold.

Net sales for the three months ended November 1, 2009 were $958.9 million, an increase of $57.9 million or 6.4%, compared to $901.0 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. Net sales for the six months ended November 1, 2009 were $1,772.6 million, an increase of $145.4 million or 8.9%, compared to $1,627.2 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008.

Net sales in our Consumer Products reportable segment were $536.8 million for the three months ended November 1, 2009, an increase of $44.9 million or 9.1% compared to the three months ended October 26, 2008. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by increased volume of certain existing products, primarily vegetables due to increased promotional activity in the current quarter as compared to the year-ago quarter. Additionally, growth in lower margin South American sales contributed to the growth of existing products. New product sales also contributed to the increase in net sales.

Net sales in our Consumer Products reportable segment were $938.2 million for the six months ended November 1, 2009, an increase of $62.8 million or 7.2%, compared to the six months ended October 26, 2008. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by increased volume of certain existing products, primarily vegetables relating to increased promotional activity in the current period as compared to the year-ago period. Additionally, growth in lower margin South American sales contributed to the growth of existing products. Net pricing (pricing, net of the volume decline associated with price increases, or elasticity) and new product sales also contributed to the increase in net sales.

Net sales in our Pet Products reportable segment were $422.1 million for the three months ended November 1, 2009, an increase of $13.0 million or 3.2% compared to $409.1 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. The increase was driven by net pricing (pricing, net of the volume decline associated with price increases, or elasticity). Excluding the impact of elasticity, volume was flat primarily as a result of the decision to not repeat certain dog food promotions that were in place in the prior year quarter and a fiscal 2010 shift in certain pet snack promotions from the second quarter to the third quarter.

Net sales in our Pet Products reportable segment were $834.4 million for the six months ended November 1, 2009, an increase of $82.6 million or 11.0% compared to $751.8 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. The increase was driven by volume growth (excluding the impact of elasticity) in existing products (primarily pet snacks) and net pricing (pricing, net of the volume decline associated with price increases, or elasticity). New product sales also contributed to the increase in net sales.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold for the three months ended November 1, 2009 was $649.7 million, a decrease of $16.8 million, or 2.5%, compared to $666.5 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. Cost of products sold for the six months ended November 1, 2009 was $1,203.5 million, a decrease of $29.8 million, or 2.4%, compared to $1,233.3 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. These decreases were primarily due to continued productivity savings, lower transportation-related costs and lower commodity costs, partially offset by higher raw product and packaging costs.

Gross margin. Our gross margin percentage for the three months ended November 1, 2009 increased 6.2 points to 32.2%, compared to 26.0% for the three months ended October 26, 2008. Pricing benefitted gross margin by 3.0 points. This increase was also impacted by a 2.1 margin point increase related to the lower costs noted above and a 1.1 margin point increase due to favorable product mix.

For the six months ended November 1, 2009, our gross margin percentage increased 7.9 points to 32.1%, compared to 24.2% for the six months ended October 26, 2008. Pricing benefitted gross margin by 5.5 points. This increase was also impacted by a 1.5 margin point increase related to the lower costs noted above and a 0.9 margin point increase due to favorable product mix.

We expect that gross margin for the full fiscal year will be lower than the gross margin for the first and second quarters, driven by increased promotional activity, a less favorable cost environment and less favorable product mix. However, we expect that gross margin for the full fiscal year will be higher than the gross margin in fiscal 2009, driven primarily by the impact of fiscal 2009 pricing and lower costs.

Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense for the three months ended November 1, 2009 was $168.6 million, an increase of $13.6 million, or 8.8%, compared to SG&A of $155.0 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily due to higher marketing costs reflecting increased investments behind products in both the Consumer and Pet Products segments, partially offset by lower transportation-related costs.

For the six months ended November 1, 2009, SG&A expense was $307.6 million, an increase of $6.5 million, or 2.2%, compared to SG&A of $301.1 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily due to higher marketing costs as described above, partially offset by lower transportation-related costs.

Operating Income


	Three Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			Change			% Change
	(in millions, except percentages)
Operating Income
Consumer Products	$	72.5		$	45.8		$	26.7		58.3	%
Pet Products		84.8			45.7			39.1		85.6	%
Corporate (a)		(16.7	)		(12.0	)		(4.7	)	(39.2	%)

Total	$	140.6		$	79.5		$	61.1		76.9	%


	Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008			Change			% Change
	(in millions, except percentages)
Operating Income
Consumer Products	$	104.6		$	55.6		$	49.0		88.1	%
Pet Products		187.6			61.1			126.5		207.0	%
Corporate (a)		(30.7	)		(23.9	)		(6.8	)	(28.5	%)

Total	$	261.5		$	92.8		$	168.7		181.8	%

(a)	Corporate represents expenses not directly attributable to reportable segments.

Operating income for the three months ended November 1, 2009 was $140.6 million, an increase of $61.1 million, or 76.9%, compared to operating income of $79.5 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. For the six months ended November 1, 2009, operating income was $261.5 million, an increase of $168.7 million, or 181.8%, compared to operating income of $92.8 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. We realized productivity savings of approximately $20.0 million and $37.0 million in the three and six months ended November 1, 2009, respectively, and approximately $16.0 million and $29.0 million for the three and six months ended October 26, 2008, respectively.

Our Consumer Products reportable segment operating income increased by $26.7 million, or 58.3%, to $72.5 million for the three months ended November 1, 2009 from $45.8 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. This increase was driven by net pricing, increased volume and lower costs. For the six months ended November 1, 2009, our Consumer Products reportable segment operating income increased by $49.0 million, or 88.1%, to $104.6 million from $55.6 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. This increase was driven by net pricing, increased volume and lower costs, partially offset by increased marketing spending.

Our Pet Products reportable segment operating income increased by $39.1 million, or 85.6%, to $84.8 million for the three months ended November 1, 2009 from $45.7 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. This increase was driven by net pricing and decreased costs, partially offset by increased marketing spending. For the six months ended November 1, 2009, our Pet Products reportable segment operating income increased by $126.5 million, or 207.0%, to $187.6 million from $61.1 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. This increase was driven by net pricing and decreased costs.

Our corporate expenses increased by $4.7 million during the three months ended November 1, 2009 compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher employee-related costs. Our corporate expenses increased by $6.8 million during the six months ended November 1, 2009 compared to October 26, 2008 primarily due to higher employee-related costs.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased $10.9 million, or 36.2%, to $41.0 million for the three months ended November 1, 2009 from $30.1 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. Interest expense increased $7.5 million, or 13.0%, to $65.2 million for the six months ended November 1, 2009 from $57.7 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. These increases resulted from $16.6 million in refinancing expense recognized in the current quarter, partially offset by lower debt levels and lower average interest rates.

Other expense. Other expense decreased $11.2 million, or 93.3%, to $0.8 million for the three months ended November 1, 2009 from $12.0 million for the three months ended October 26, 2008. Other expense decreased $8.2 million, or 75.2%, to $2.7 million for the six months ended November 1, 2009 from $10.9 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. These decreases resulted primarily from lower mark-to-market adjustments for our hedging contracts incurred in the prior year periods.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the three months ended November 1, 2009 was 36.6%, compared to 27.0% for the three months ended October 26, 2008. For the six months ended November 1, 2009, the effective tax rate for continuing operations was 37.2%, compared to 20.2% for the six months ended October 26, 2008. The change in the rates for the three and six month periods was primarily due to the benefit recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 relating to the retroactive extension of a tax credit for companies operating in American Samoa. Due to the sale of the StarKist Seafood business, we have not received any additional tax benefits from the tax law change since the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations. The loss from discontinued operations of $0 and $0.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended November 1, 2009 is primarily related to minor activities as we perform the final wind-down of items related to the StarKist Seafood Business, which was sold in October 2008. See “Corporate Overview” above. The income from discontinued operations of $23.1 million and $21.0 million for the three and six months ended October 26, 2008 primarily results from a $29.6 million gain on the sale of our StarKist Seafood Business, which was sold in October 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have cash requirements that vary based primarily on the timing of our inventory production for fruit, vegetable and tomato items. Inventory production relating to these items typically peaks during the first and second fiscal quarters. Our most significant cash needs relate to this seasonal inventory production, as well as to continuing cash requirements related to the production of our other products. In addition, our cash is used for the repayment, including interest and fees, of our primary debt obligations (i.e. our revolver and term loans under our senior credit facility, our senior subordinated notes and, if necessary, our letters of credit), contributions to our pension plans, expenditures for capital assets, lease payments for some of our equipment and properties, payment of dividends and other general business purposes. We have also used cash for acquisitions, expenditures related to our transformation plan and share repurchases. Although we expect to continue to pay dividends, the declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, is subject to determination by our Board of Directors each quarter and is limited by our senior credit facility and indentures. We may from time to time consider other uses for our cash flow from operations and other sources of cash. Such uses may include, but are not limited to, future acquisitions, transformation or restructuring plans or share repurchases. Our primary sources of cash are typically funds we receive as payment for the products we produce and sell and from our revolver under our senior credit facility.

As of November 1, 2009, we had made contributions to our defined benefit pension plans of $36.7 million in fiscal 2010. As of October 26, 2008, we had made fiscal 2009 contributions of $23.0 million. We currently meet and plan to continue to meet the minimum funding levels required under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “Act”). While we have no required contributions during the remainder of fiscal 2010, we are evaluating whether we will make any additional contributions during the remainder of the fiscal year. The Act imposes certain consequences on our defined benefit pension plans if they do not meet the minimum funding levels. In addition to minimum funding levels, the Act encourages, but does not require, employers to fully fund their defined benefit pension plans and to meet incremental plan funding thresholds applicable prior to 2011. We no longer expect to meet the incremental plan funding targets or to fully fund our defined benefit pension plans by 2011. The Act has resulted in, and in the future may additionally result in, accelerated funding of our defined benefit pension plans. We continue to analyze the full impact of this law on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2009 Annual Report for information about our defined benefit pension plans.

We believe that cash flow from operations and availability under our revolver will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, debt service obligations, planned payment of dividends and planned pension plan contributions for at least the next 12 months.

Our debt consists of the following, as of the dates indicated:


	November 1, 2009		May 3, 2009
	(in millions)
Short-term borrowings:
Revolver	$	55.7	$	—
Other		8.6		2.3

	$	64.3	$	2.3

Long-term debt:
Term A Loan	$	205.6	$	218.5
Term B Loan		636.4		639.7

Total Term Loans		842.0		858.2

8⁵/8% senior subordinated notes		9.5		450.0
6³/4% senior subordinated notes		250.0		250.0
7¹/2% senior subordinated notes		450.0		—

		1,551.5		1,558.2

Less unamortized discount on the 7¹/2% senior subordinated notes		7.7		—
Less current portion		147.9		32.3

	$	1,395.9	$	1,525.9

On October 1, 2009, we consummated a private placement offering of our senior subordinated notes due October 2019 with an aggregate principal amount of $450.0 million and a stated interest rate of 7¹/ 2% (the “New Notes”). We used proceeds from the New Notes along with other available funds to fund a tender offer for our outstanding 8⁵/8 % senior subordinated notes due 2012 (“Old Notes”). We purchased $440.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes pursuant to the tender offer. Old Notes totaling $9.5 million aggregate principal amount were not tendered and remained outstanding as of November 1, 2009. On December 2, 2009, we issued a notice to redeem such remaining Old Notes on December 16, 2009. We recognized $16.6 million of expense related to the issuance of the New Notes and tender offer for the Old Notes, which is included in interest expense in our condensed consolidated statement of income.

We borrowed $135.4 million under our revolver during the three and six months ended November 1, 2009. A total of $79.7 million was repaid during the three and six months ended November 1, 2009. As of November 1, 2009, the net availability under the revolver, which also reflects $63.5 million of outstanding letters of credit, was $330.8 million. The blended interest rate on the revolver was approximately 2.74% on November 1, 2009. Additionally, to maintain availability of funds under the revolver, we pay a 0.375% commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolver.

As of November 1, 2009, scheduled maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in millions):


Remainder of fiscal 2010	$	16.2
Fiscal 2011		331.2
Fiscal 2012		494.6
Fiscal 2013		9.5
Fiscal 2014		—
Fiscal 2015		250.0
Thereafter		450.0

During the next six months we expect to pursue refinancing of our senior credit facility in light of our scheduled maturities. Although we are currently targeting fiscal 2010, the timing, approach, and terms of any such refinancing would depend upon market conditions and management’s judgment, among other factors. Given the current economic environment, we expect that the interest rates on our debt will increase as a result of any such refinancing. In addition, the expenses associated with any such refinancing could be material.

Restrictive and Financial Covenants

Agreements relating to our long-term debt, including the credit agreement governing our senior credit facility (as amended from time to time, the “Senior Credit Facility”) and the indentures governing the senior subordinated notes, contain covenants that restrict the ability of Del Monte Corporation and its subsidiaries, among other things, to incur or guarantee indebtedness, issue capital stock, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, prepay certain indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates, make other restricted payments, including investments, incur liens, consummate asset sales and enter into consolidations or mergers. Del Monte Corporation, the primary obligor on our debt obligations, is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Del Monte Foods Company. Certain of these covenants are also applicable to Del Monte Foods Company.

In addition, we are required to meet a maximum total debt ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio under the Senior Credit Facility. As of November 1, 2009, we believe that we are in compliance with all such financial covenants. The maximum permitted total debt ratio decreases over time, as set forth in the Senior Credit Facility. Compliance with these covenants is monitored periodically in order to assess the likelihood of continued compliance. Our ability to continue to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control.

If we are unable to comply with the covenants under the Senior Credit Facility or any of the indentures governing our senior subordinated notes, there would be a default, which if not waived, could result in the acceleration of a significant portion of our indebtedness.

Contractual and Other Cash Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual and other cash obligations at November 1, 2009:


	Payments due by period
	Total		Less than 1 year		1 - 3 years		3 - 5 years		More than 5 years
	(in millions)
Long-term Debt	$	1,551.5	$	147.9	$	694.1	$	9.5	$	700.0
Capital Lease Obligations		—		—		—		—		—
Operating Leases		292.6		49.2		78.0		56.3		109.1
Purchase Obligations (1)		1,017.2		490.7		256.3		178.7		91.5
Other Long-term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet (2)		270.7		—		59.4		51.5		159.8

Total Contractual Obligations	$	3,132.0	$	687.8	$	1,087.8	$	296.0	$	1,060.4

(1)

Purchase obligations consist primarily of fixed commitments under supply, ingredient, packaging, co-pack, grower commitments and other agreements. The amounts presented in the table do not include items already recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses at November 1, 2009, nor does the table reflect obligations we are likely to incur based on our plans, but are not currently obligated to pay. Many of our contracts are requirement contracts and currently do not represent a firm commitment to purchase from our suppliers. Therefore, requirement contracts are not reflected in the above table. Certain of our suppliers commit resources based on our planned purchases and we would likely be liable for a portion of their expenses if we deviated from our communicated plans. In the above table, we have included estimates of the probable “breakage” expenses we would incur with these suppliers if we stopped purchasing from them as of November 1, 2009. Aggregate future payments for our grower commitments are estimated based on November 1, 2009 pricing and fiscal 2010 volume. Aggregate future payments under employment agreements are estimated generally assuming that each such employee will continue providing services for the next five years, that salaries remain at current levels, and that annual incentive awards to be paid with respect to each fiscal year shall be equal to the amounts actually paid with respect to fiscal 2009, the most recent period for which annual incentive awards have been paid.

(2)	As of November 1, 2009, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $11.6 million. We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows related to this amount. As a result, this amount is not included in the table above.

Cash Flows

During the six months ended November 1, 2009, our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $123.8 million and during the six months ended October 26, 2008, our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $15.3 million.


	Six Months Ended
	November 1, 2009			October 26, 2008
	(in millions)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities	$	(87.4	)	$	(276.8	)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities		(45.7	)		307.1
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		8.8			(45.0	)

Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities for the six months ended November 1, 2009 was $87.4 million, compared to $276.8 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. This change was primarily driven by higher earnings, partially offset by higher inventory levels in the first six months of fiscal 2010 primarily as a result of higher peach yields. The cash requirements of the Consumer Products operating segment vary significantly during the year to coincide with the seasonal growing cycles of fruit, vegetables and tomatoes. The vast majority of our fruit, vegetable and tomato inventories are produced during the packing season, from June through October, and then depleted during the remaining months of the fiscal year. As a result, the vast majority of our total operating cash flow is generated during the second half of the fiscal year.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended November 1, 2009 was $45.7 million compared to cash provided by investing activities of $307.1 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008 . Cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended October 26, 2008 consisted of proceeds from the sale of the StarKist Seafood Business, partially offset by capital spending. Capital spending for the first six months of fiscal 2010 was $45.7 million compared to $39.9 million during the first six months of fiscal 2009. Capital spending for the remainder of fiscal 2010 is expected to approximate $45 million to $55 million and is expected to be funded by cash generated by operating activities.

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended November 1, 2009 was $8.8 million compared to cash used in financing activities of $45.0 million for the six months ended October 26, 2008. During the first six months of fiscal 2010, we borrowed a net of $62.0 million in short-term borrowings, compared to $289.5 million during the first six months of fiscal 2009 as a result of incurring seasonal borrowings for operations. As described in our 2009 Annual Report, at the end of fiscal 2009 we elected to retain cash generated during the year rather than make voluntary debt prepayments. As a result, our seasonal borrowings were lower in the first six months of fiscal 2010 as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2009. In addition, during the six months ended November 1, 2009, we received net proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes of $442.3 million, repaid $440.5 million of Old Notes, made repayments of $16.2 million towards our outstanding term loan principal, and paid $24.4 million of costs related to the issuance of the New Notes and tender offer for the Old Notes. During the six months ended October 26, 2008, we made repayments of $320.8 million towards our outstanding term loan principal. We also paid $17.8 million and $15.8 million in dividends during the six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a statement which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The provisions of this statement are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 and were effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 15. “Subsequent Events” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the disclosures required by this statement.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The ASC establishes two levels of GAAP—authoritative and non-authoritative. The ASC is the source of authoritative, nongovernmental GAAP, except for rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, the ASC was adopted by us in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption of the ASC did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have a risk management program which was adopted with the objective of minimizing our exposure to changes in interest rates, commodity and other prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not trade or use instruments with the objective of earning financial gains on price fluctuations alone or use instruments where there are not underlying exposures.

During the six months ended November 1, 2009, we were primarily exposed to the risk of loss resulting from adverse changes in interest rates, commodity and other prices and foreign currency exchange rates, which affect interest expense on our floating-rate obligations and the cost of our raw materials and other inputs, respectively.

Interest Rates: Our debt primarily consists of floating rate term loans and fixed rate notes. We also use our floating rate revolver primarily to fund seasonal working capital needs and other uses of cash. Interest expense on our floating rate debt is typically calculated based on a fixed spread over a reference rate, such as LIBOR. Therefore, fluctuations in market interest rates will cause interest expense increases or decreases on a given amount of floating rate debt.

We manage a portion of our interest rate risk related to floating rate debt by entering into interest rate swaps in which we receive floating rate payments and make fixed rate payments. On September 6, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap, with a notional amount of $400.0 million, as the fixed rate payer. The swap has an effective date of October 26, 2007 and a maturity date of October 29, 2010. A formal cash flow hedge accounting relationship was established between the swap and a portion of our interest payment on our floating rate debt.

The fair value of our interest rate swap was recorded as a current liability of $17.0 million at November 1, 2009. The fair value of our interest rate swap was recorded as a non-current liability of $21.1 million at May 3, 2009.

Assuming average floating rate loans during the period, a hypothetical one percentage point increase in interest rates would have increased interest expense by approximately $2.6 million and $4.2 million for the six months ended November 1, 2009 and October 26, 2008, respectively.

Commodities: We purchase certain commodities such as soybean meal, corn, wheat, soybean oil, diesel fuel and natural gas (collectively, “commodity contracts”), in the course of normal operations. As part of our commodity risk management activities, we use derivative financial instruments, primarily futures, swaps and options, to reduce the effect of changing prices and as a mechanism to procure the underlying commodity. We use futures, swaps or options contracts as deemed appropriate to reduce the effect of price fluctuations on anticipated purchases. We account for these commodities derivatives as either cash flow or economic hedges. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of derivative gains and losses is deferred in equity and recognized as part of cost of products sold in the appropriate period and the ineffective portion is recognized as other income or expense. Changes in the value of economic hedges are recorded directly in earnings.

On November 1, 2009, the fair values of our commodities hedges were recorded as current assets of $6.1 million and current liabilities of $5.1 million. On May 3, 2009, the fair values of our commodities hedges were recorded as current assets of $1.9 million and current liabilities of $17.0 million.

The sensitivity analyses presented below are the measures of potential losses of fair value resulting from hypothetical changes in market prices related to commodities. Sensitivity analyses do not consider the actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to changes, nor do they consider the effects such hypothetical adverse changes may have on overall economic activity. Actual changes in market prices may differ from hypothetical changes.

Foreign Currency: We manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by entering into forward contracts to cover a portion of our projected expenditures paid in local currency. These contracts generally have a term of less than 24 months and qualify as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the effective derivative gains and losses are deferred in equity and recognized in the period the expenditure is incurred as part of cost of products sold or other income or expense.

The table below presents our foreign currency derivative contracts as of November 1, 2009 and May 3, 2009. All of the foreign currency derivative contracts held on November 1, 2009 are scheduled to mature prior to the end of fiscal 2011.


	November 1, 2009		May 3, 2009
	(in millions)
Contract Amount (Mexican pesos) ($ in millions)	$	29.1	$	37.5
Contract Amount ($CAD) (in millions)		11.6		12.9

A summary of the fair value and the market risk associated with a hypothetical 10% adverse change in currency exchange rates on our foreign currency hedges is as follows:


	November 1, 2009			May 3, 2009
	(in millions)
Fair value of foreign currency contracts, net asset (liability)	$	2.1		$	(0.4	)
Potential net loss in fair value of a hypothetical 10% adverse change in currency exchange rates		(1.7	)		(4.1	)

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, or “Disclosure Controls,” as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. This evaluation, or “Controls Evaluation” was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (our “CEO”) and our Executive Vice President, Administration and Chief Financial Officer (our “CFO”). Disclosure Controls are controls and procedures designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this quarterly report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Disclosure Controls include some, but not all, components of our internal control over financial reporting.

Based upon the Controls Evaluation, and subject to the limitations noted in this Part I, Item 4, our CEO and CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our Disclosure Controls were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that material information relating to Del Monte and its consolidated subsidiaries is made known to management, including the CEO and CFO, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Del Monte have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with associated policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

CEO and CFO Certifications

The certifications of the CEO and the CFO required by Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Rule 13a-14 Certifications” are filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. This “Controls and Procedures” section of the quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes the information concerning the Controls Evaluation referred to in the Rule 13a-14 Certifications and this section should be read in conjunction with the Rule 13a-14 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Except as set forth below, there have been no material developments in our legal proceedings since the legal proceedings reported in our 2009 Annual Report:

On October 13, 2009, Kara Moline and Debra Lowe filed a class action complaint against us in San Francisco Superior Court, alleging violations of California’s False Advertising Act, Unfair Competition Law, and Consumer Legal Remedies Act. Specifically, the plaintiffs allege that we engaged in false and misleading advertising in the labeling of Nature’s Recipe Farm Stand Selects dog food. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, disgorgement of profits in an undisclosed amount, and attorneys’ fees. Additionally, the plaintiffs are seeking class certification. We deny plaintiffs’ allegations and plan to vigorously defend ourselves.

As previously reported in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 2, 2009:

Beginning with the pet food recall announced by Menu Foods, Inc. in March 2007, many major pet food manufacturers, including us, announced recalls of select products. We believe there have been over 90 class actions and purported class actions relating to these pet food recalls. We have been named as a defendant in seven class actions or purported class actions related to our pet food and pet snack recall, which we initiated March 31, 2007.

We are currently a defendant in the following case:

•

Picus v. Del Monte filed on April 30, 2007 in state court in Las Vegas, Nevada.

We were a defendant in the following cases:

•

Carver v. Del Monte filed on April 4, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California;

•

Ford v. Del Monte filed on April 7, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California;

•

Hart v. Del Monte filed on April 10, 2007 in state court in Los Angeles, California;

•

Schwinger v. Del Monte filed on May 15, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri;

•

Tompkins v. Del Monte filed on July 13, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado; and

•

Blaszkowski v. Del Monte filed on May 9, 2007 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The named plaintiffs in these seven cases allege or alleged that their pets suffered injury and/or death as a result of ingesting our and other defendants’ allegedly contaminated pet food and pet snack products. The Picus and Blaszkowski cases also contain or contained allegations of false and misleading advertising by us.

The Multi-District Litigation Cases. The plaintiffs and defendants in the multi-district litigation cases, including the five consolidated cases in which we were a defendant, tentatively agreed to a settlement which was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on May 22, 2008. On May 30, 2008, the Court granted preliminary approval to the settlement. Pursuant to the Court’s order, notice of the settlement was disseminated to the public by mail and publication beginning June 16, 2008. Members of the class were allowed to opt-out of the settlement until August 15, 2008. On November 19, 2008, the Court entered orders approving the settlement, certifying the class and dismissing the complaints against the defendants, including us. The total settlement was $24.0 million. The portion of our contribution to this settlement was $250,000, net of insurance recovery. Four class members have filed objections to the settlement, which objections have been denied by the Court. On December 3, 2008 and December 12, 2008, these class members filed Notices of Appeal.

The Picus Case. The plaintiffs in the Picus case are seeking certification of a class action as well as unspecified damages and injunctive relief against further distribution of the allegedly defective products. We have denied the allegations made in the Picus case. On October 12, 2007, we filed a motion to dismiss in the Picus case. The state court in Las Vegas, Nevada granted our motion in part and denied our motion in part. On December 14, 2007, other defendants in the case filed a motion to deny class certification. On March 16, 2009, the Court granted the motion to deny class certification. On March 25, 2009, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of the Court’s decision. On June 30, 2009, the Court of Appeals denied plaintiffs’ appeal.

The Blaszkowski Case. On April 11, 2008, the plaintiffs in the Blaszkowski case filed their fourth amended complaint. On September 12, 2008 and October 9, 2008, plaintiffs filed stipulations of dismissal with respect to their complaint against certain of the defendants, including us. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered such requested dismissals on such dates, resulting in the dismissal of all claims against us.

As previously reported in the 2009 Annual Report:

On October 14, 2008, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (“Fresh Del Monte”) filed a complaint against us in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Fresh Del Monte amended its complaint on November 5, 2008. Under a trademark license agreement with us, Fresh Del Monte holds the rights to use the Del Monte name and trademark with respect to fresh fruit, vegetables and produce throughout the world (including the United States). Fresh Del Monte alleges that we breached the trademark license agreement through the marketing and sale of certain of our products sold in the refrigerated produce section of customers’ stores, including Del Monte Fruit Naturals products and the more recently introduced Del Monte Refrigerated Grapefruit Bowls. Fresh Del Monte also alleges that our advertising for certain of these products was false and misleading. Fresh Del Monte is seeking damages of $10.0 million, treble damages with respect to its false advertising claim, and injunctive relief. On October 14, 2008, Fresh Del Monte filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, asking the Court to enjoin us from making certain claims about our refrigerated products. On October 23, 2008, the Court denied that motion. We deny Fresh Del Monte’s allegations and plan to vigorously defend ourselves. Additionally, on November 21, 2008, we filed counter-claims against Fresh Del Monte, alleging that Fresh Del Monte has breached the trademark license agreement. Specifically, we allege, among other things, that Fresh Del Monte’s “medley” products (vegetables with a dipping sauce or fruit with a caramel sauce) violate the trademark license agreement.

We are also involved from time to time in various legal proceedings incidental to our business (or our former seafood business), including proceedings involving product liability claims, workers’ compensation and other employee claims, tort claims and other general liability claims, for which we carry insurance, as well as trademark, copyright, patent infringement and related litigation. Additionally, we are involved from time to time in claims relating to environmental remediation and similar events. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of these matters, we believe that none of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including the section entitled “Item 1. Financial Statements” and the section entitled “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our plans, estimates and projections at the time we make the statements, and you should not place undue reliance on them. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in or suggested by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among others:

•

competition, including pricing and promotional spending levels by competitors;

•

our ability to maintain or increase prices and persuade consumers to purchase our branded products versus lower-priced branded and private label offerings;

•

shifts in consumer purchases to lower-priced or other value offerings, particularly during economic downturns;

•

our ability to implement productivity initiatives to control or reduce costs;

•

our debt levels and ability to refinance, service or reduce our debt and comply with covenants;

•

disruptions in the financial markets;

•

the failure of the financial institutions that are part of the syndicate of our revolving credit facility to extend credit to us;

•

cost and availability of inputs, commodities, ingredients and other raw materials, including without limitation, energy (including natural gas), fuel, packaging, fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, grains (including corn), sugar, spices, meats, meat by-products, soybean meal, fats, oils and chemicals;

•

logistics and other transportation-related costs;

•

sufficiency and effectiveness of marketing and trade promotion programs;

•

our ability to launch new products and anticipate changing consumer and pet preferences;

•

performance of our pet products business and produce sales;

•

our ability to maintain or grow revenues or reduce overhead costs, particularly in connection with any termination of the Operating Services Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2008, between DMC and Starkist Co;

•

product distribution;

•

the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers or the financial difficulties, bankruptcy or other business disruption of any such customer;

•

industry trends, including changes in buying, inventory and other business practices by customers;

•

hedging practices and the financial health of the counterparties to our hedging programs;

•

currency and interest rate fluctuations;

•

pension costs and funding requirements;

•

impairments in the carrying value of goodwill or other intangible assets;

•

transformative plans;

•

adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, pestilences and other natural conditions that affect crop yields or other inputs or otherwise disrupt operations;

•

contaminated ingredients;

•

allegations that our products cause injury or illness, product recalls and product liability claims and other litigation;

•

reliance on certain third parties, including co-packers, our broker and third-party distribution centers or managers;

•

any disruption to our manufacturing and distribution, particularly any disruption in or shortage of seasonal pack;

•

changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including environmental regulations and import/export regulations or duties;

•

protecting our intellectual property rights or intellectual property infringement or violation claims;

•

failure of our information technology systems;

•

any accelerated departure from Terminal Island, CA; and

•

acquisitions, if any, including identification of appropriate targets and successful integration of any acquired businesses.

Certain aspects of these and other factors are described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled “Factors That May Affect Our Future Results and Stock Price” in our 2009 Annual Report.

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(a)

NONE.

(b)

NONE.

(c)

NONE.

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

NONE.

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Our Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on September 24, 2009 in San Francisco, California. Five matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders: (i) the election of Samuel H. Armacost, Terence D. Martin and Richard G. Wolford as Class III directors to hold office for three-year terms; (ii) the approval of the amendment and restatement of the Del Monte Foods Company Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the annual election of directors; (iii) the approval of the Del Monte Foods Company 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated; (iv) the approval of the Del Monte Foods Company Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and restated; and (v) the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the Company’s independent auditor for its fiscal year ending May 2, 2010.

At the Annual Meeting, the following individuals were elected to the Board of Directors for three-year terms upon the following vote:


	Votes For	Votes Against	Votes Abstained
Samuel H. Armacost	158,315,870	19,588,669	455,117
Terence D. Martin	170,798,645	7,122,288	438,723
Richard G. Wolford	172,462,407	5,448,631	448,618

175,743,908 votes were cast in favor of the approval of the amendment and restatement of the Del Monte Foods Company Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the annual election of directors. 2,197,137 votes were cast against ratification and 418,611 votes abstained.

115,210,602 votes were cast in favor of the approval of the Del Monte Foods Company 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. 38,953,711 votes were cast against ratification and 637,685 votes abstained. There were 23,557,658 broker non-votes.

129,978,768 votes were cast in favor of the approval of the Del Monte Foods Company Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. 24,367,974 votes were cast against ratification and 455,256 votes abstained. There were 23,557,658 broker non-votes.

175,915,704 votes were cast in favor of the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for its fiscal year ending May 2, 2010. 2,125,893 votes were cast against ratification and 318,059 votes abstained.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

(a)

NONE.

(b)

NONE.

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

(a)	Exhibits.


Exhibit Number		Description
3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of Del Monte Foods Company, as amended and restated September 24, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on September 25, 2009 (“the September 25, 2009 8-K”))

3.2		Del Monte Foods Company Bylaws, as amended and restated September 24, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the September 25, 2009 8-K)

4.1		Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2009, among Del Monte Corporation, Del Monte Foods Company, The Meow Mix Company, LLC, Meow Mix Decatur Production I, LLC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 2, 2009 (“the October 2, 2009 8-K”))

4.2		Form of 7¹/2% Senior Subordinated Note due 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the October 2, 2009 8-K)

4.3		Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2009, among Del Monte Corporation, Del Monte Foods Company, The Meow Mix Company, LLC, Meow Mix Decatur Production I, LLC and the initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the October 2, 2009 8-K)

4.4		Second Supplemental Indenture among Del Monte Corporation, the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, dated September 30, 2009 and effective October 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the October 2, 2009 8-K)

10.1		Del Monte Foods Company 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective July 28, 2009 and approved by the stockholders September 24, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on September 28, 2009 (“the September 28, 2009 8-K”))**

10.2		Del Monte Foods Company Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective July 28, 2009 and approved by the stockholders September 24, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the September 28, 2009 8-K)**

10.3		Del Monte Foods Company Deferred Compensation Plan, effective October 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to a Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on September 29, 2009)**

†10.4		Office Lease Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and PPF OFF ONE MARITIME PLAZA, LP, dated October 27, 2009 (confidential treatment has been requested as to portions of the Exhibit) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to a Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 30, 2009)

*10.5		Del Monte Foods Company Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan dated October 23, 2009**

*10.6		Purchase Agreement for Del Monte Corporation 7¹/2% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019, dated as of September 17, 2009

*31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13-14(a) of the Exchange Act

*31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13-14(a) of the Exchange Act

*32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer furnished Pursuant to Rule 13-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*32.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer furnished Pursuant to Rule 13-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*	filed herewith

**	indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

†	Confidential treatment has been requested as to portions of the exhibit

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY

By:		/s/ RICHARD G. WOLFORD
		Richard G. Wolford
		Chairman of the Board, President and
		Chief Executive Officer; Director

By:		/s/ DAVID L. MEYERS
		David L. Meyers
		Executive Vice President, Administration
		and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: December 9, 2009

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company