Del Monte Foods recently laid off 765 employees following the permanent closure of its plant in Modesto, California, on April 7, 2026. These cuts are part of a broader corporate restructuring after the 140-year-old company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025.
Key Details of the Layoffs
- Location Impact: The closure primarily affects the facility at 4000 Yosemite Boulevard in Modesto. Additional impacts were noted at the Hughson, CA facility.
- Employee Breakdown: The 765 jobs lost in this wave include a significant number of general laborers (estimated at 571 for the Modesto site).
- Legal Investigation: Law firms like Strauss Borrelli PLLC are investigating whether Del Monte provided the legally required 60-day notice under the WARN Act before these layoffs took effect.
- Acquisition Context: While many of Del Monte’s assets have been acquired by Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. for approximately $285 million, the Modesto plant was not part of the “go-forward” business plan, leading to its orderly wind-down.
Broader Context & Economic Impact
- Industry Trends: The restructuring is attributed to shifting consumer preferences—moving away from traditional canned goods toward fresh, farm-to-table, and less-processed food options.
- Agricultural Ripple Effects: The Modesto plant served as a major buyer for local farmers; its closure is expected to impact the regional supply chain and agricultural economy significantly.
- Historical Context: This marks the largest single layoff in Stanislaus County since 2018.