Del Monte® is resurrecting its iconic ‘Man from Del Monte’ with a fresh twist – a nationwide search for the first-ever ‘Nans from Del Monte’ to inspire families to keep baking traditions alive.
After a month-long nationwide search, Del Monte®, the UK’s leading canned fruit brand trusted*, trusted by generations for over 130 years, proudly announces the three inspiring grandmothers shortlisted as the “Nans from Del Monte” in the company’s new campaign celebrating traditional family baking.
Del Monte® is giving a fresh twist to its iconic “Man from Del Monte” with the launch of its first-ever “Nans from Del Monte” campaign. This new initiative honours the heart of British baking and celebrates grandmothers who preserve cherished recipes. Just as the “Man from Del Monte” symbolised quality and trust in the 1980s, the “Nans from Del Monte” now recognises the culinary wisdom and tradition that grandmothers bring to the table.
The campaign was inspired by research that revealed 39% of Brits see their grandmothers as their biggest kitchen influences and 41% of respondents said their fondest memories of baking was alongside a grandparent. However, with 74% worried about losing these cherished family recipes, Del Monte® wants to preserve these traditions.
Led by TV presenter and baking enthusiast Fern Britton, the campaign honours grandmothers who preserve beloved recipes and pass down the joy of baking to future generations. Aiming to save classics like apple crumble and Victoria sponge, these “nans” are dedicated to keeping traditional favourites alive.
Del Monte® has selected three grandmothers with remarkable stories of baking and community impact. Chrissie from London, Pauline from Norwich, and Yvonne from Great Yarmouth have earned the honorary title of “Nans from Del Monte”.
Now, the public can vote for their favourite.
Pauline Crosby, 70, Norwich
Nominated by her granddaughter, Poppy, who shares: “My nan is an exceptional cook and baker who turns every meal into an experience. From warming plates before serving to choosing fresh, quality ingredients and setting a welcoming table, her food is about more than just eating—it’s about savouring each moment. Even her packed sandwiches, lovingly crust-free and thoughtfully prepared, are something I look forward to.”
Poppy describes her grandmother as “beautiful, articulate, and wise, with a rich background as a former service member and countless stories to tell. She’s warm, kind, and offers valuable, constructive advice when it’s needed.” Poppy, who now has two daughters of her own, adds, “It’s incredible to see my eldest feel the same joy I did, as my nan—her great-grandmother—shares the same cherished meals with her that I enjoyed as a child.”
Yvonne Jennings, 63, Great Yarmouth
Nominated by her daughter, Leah, who shares: “I’d love to nominate my amazing mum for the Nans of Del Monte campaign! Though she lives a few hours away, she’s a fantastic nanna to my 4-year-old daughter, bringing the same love and care to our visits that I grew up with.”
Leah fondly recalls how her mother taught her to cook and bake, always emphasizing health and honouring their South Indian roots. “She would incorporate ingredients like coconut and Ayurvedic spices, creating dishes that connected us to our heritage,” Leah says. “Now, when we visit, she shares these same recipes with my daughter, creating a beautiful bond across generations.”
Chrissie Lawson, 69, London
Nominated by her friend and neighbour, Mandy, who shares: “Chrissie is an exceptional baker who loves sharing her skills with her grandchildren. I’ve enjoyed over 25 years of Chrissie’s cakes, and you can always rely on her to turn up to a party with a showstopping bake!”
Mandy recalls many joyful hours spent learning Chrissie’s baking secrets, from the perfect Victoria sponge to her creative tips and tricks. “Even when her cupboards are nearly bare, Chrissie manages to whip up something delicious!” she says. Known throughout the community as the “local Mary Berry,” Chrissie is a beloved fixture at community events, always bringing her fabulous cakes to every street party. Mandy believes Chrissie’s warmth, community spirit, and passion for baking make her the perfect choice for the campaign.
Fern Britton, comments: “I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Del Monte to celebrate and protect the importance of family recipes. These dishes are a special part of our heritage, filled with memories. In my family, recipes like pineapple upside-down cake, apple pie, and the classic Victoria sponge have been passed down for generations, and I still make them all the time. It’s wonderful to share these with my children, and I look forward to passing them on to my grandchildren. Baking together creates such beautiful, lasting memories.”
Thierry Montange, Marketing Director at Del Monte®, adds: “These grandmothers remind us of the importance of preserving culinary traditions, and we’re excited to shine a spotlight on their recipes, inspiring families to reconnect in the kitchen.
“As today’s audience seeks deeper connections with family heritage and authenticity, Del Monte saw an opportunity to innovate. This refreshed campaign celebrates these grandmothers as the custodians of family traditions, bridging generations while reinforcing Del Monte’s commitment to quality, family values, and cultural heritage. By honouring these remarkable women, Del Monte blends its long-standing reputation for excellence with a fresh, relevant approach that resonates with modern families.”
Get Involved!
The public is invited to vote for their favourite nan or submit a cherished family recipe on Instagram @DelMonteGB or post to Wilful, 1 Blandford Street, W1U 3DA. The winning nan will become Del Monte’s very first “Nan from Del Monte,” sharing her recipes with the public and offering her all-important seal of approval on new creations. She’ll also receive a year’s supply of Del Monte products and a nutribullet 900 Series. Voting closes on 31/12/24.
By honouring the central role grandparents play in Britain’s culinary history, Del Monte®’s campaign aims to inspire the next generation to dust off their recipe books and keep family baking traditions alive for years to come.
Top favourite classic bakes:
- Apple crumble / pie
- Victoria sponge
- Brownies
- Cookies / biscuits
- Lemon drizzle cake
Featured Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash.