Del Monte Fresh Produce has been awarded a two-star 2009 Superior Taste Award for its fresh-cut Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple by the International Taste and Quality Institute.

Every year, the Brussels-based institute gathers a panel of 12 European culinary and sommelier professionals to test food and beverage products. This year, Del Monte’s Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple was tested along with 796 other products from companies from around the world.

The judging panel evaluated the food on criteria such as look, smell, texture and flavour.

James Harvey, managing director of Fresh Del Monte UK, said: “This award is confirmation that consumers can always count on delicious, superior quality fruit every time they purchase Del Monte-branded fresh produce.”