Del Monte Fresh Produce is forming a joint venture with Rene Produce that will sell and market tomatoes grown in Mexico to customers in the U.S. and Canada.

Rene Produce is grower-exporter of tomatoes and other vegetable products in Mexico and has been operating for more than 50 years.

“We are very excited to join forces with RENE, one of Mexico’s outstanding fresh produce operators,” said Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing at Del Monte.

“The Joint Venture with RENE will allow us to sell and market Round, Roma, Specialty, as well as Organic tomatoes on a year-round basis in the USA and Canada. We are also looking forward to working with RENE in the development of diversified vegetables including some of our proprietary varieties.

"RENE’s expansive farming operations have been augmented in 2015 with the addition of greenhouses in the state of Jalisco. Combined with our iconic Del Monte® brand, unparalleled distribution footprint and customer portfolio, this Join Venture further demonstrates our continuous commitment to the category."

Del Monte said both companies also complement each other in their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

"Like Del Monte, RENE has been supporting their employees and their families with housing programs, child education services, breakfast programs for children and community healthcare clinics,” Christou said.

Rene Produce CEO Rene Carillo said: "We feel very strong about our growing operations, and now with the joint venture with Del Monte, utilizing their superb Sales/Marketing team, we feel we can be one step closer to customers in their marketplace."