DEL MONTE FOODS CO
S-4/A, 1998-03-20
CANNED, FRUITS, VEG, PRESERVES, JAMS & JELLIES
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 20, 1998
    
   
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-47289
    
================================================================================
   
    
 
   
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
    
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
   
                                       TO
    
 
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                            DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
   
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                              <C>
            MARYLAND                           6719                          13-3542950
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF    (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)    CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)                  NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                                   ONE MARKET
                            SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
                                 (415) 247-3000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANTS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                               WILLIAM R. SAWYERS
                 VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
                            DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY
                                   ONE MARKET
                            SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
                                 (415) 247-3000
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                          COPIES OF CORRESPONDENCE TO:
 
   
                             GREGG F. VIGNOS, ESQ.
    
                             THERESA G. MORAN, ESQ.
                         PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP
                             235 MONTGOMERY STREET
                        SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94104
   
                                 (415) 983-1000
    
                            ------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box.  [ ]
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box.  [ ]
 
   
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
    
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 20, 1998
    
 
   
PROSPECTUS
    
   
    
                       OFFER TO EXCHANGE ALL OUTSTANDING
                     12 1/2% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2007
                                      FOR
                SERIES B 12 1/2% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2007
          WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                       OF
 
                            DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY
                                                                [DEL MONTE LOGO]
 
                            ------------------------
 
     Del Monte Foods Company, a Maryland corporation ("DMFC" and, together with
its subsidiaries, the "Company"), hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in this Prospectus and the accompanying letter of
transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal," and together with this Prospectus, the
"Exchange Offer"), to exchange its Series B 12 1/2% Senior Discount Notes Due
2007 (the "Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement
(as defined herein) of which this Prospectus is a part, for the outstanding
12 1/2% Senior Discount Notes Due 2007 (the "Initial Notes" and, together with
the Exchange Notes, the "Notes") of DMFC.
 
     DMFC will accept for exchange any and all Initial Notes that are validly
tendered on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date the Exchange
Offer expires, which will be             , 1998, unless the Exchange Offer is
extended (the "Expiration Date"). The exchange of Exchange Notes for the Initial
Notes will be made as soon as practicable after the close of the Exchange Offer.
DMFC will accept for exchange all Initial Notes tendered and not validly
withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer and will deliver to the Trustee (as
defined herein) for cancellation all Initial Notes so accepted for exchange.
DMFC shall cause the Trustee to authenticate and deliver to each holder of the
Initial Notes the Exchange Notes equal in principal amount to the Initial Notes
of such holder so accepted for exchange. The Exchange Offer is not conditioned
upon any minimum principal amount of Initial Notes being tendered for exchange.
See "The Exchange Offer." DMFC has agreed to pay the expenses of the Exchange
Offer.
 
     The Exchange Notes will be obligations of DMFC issued pursuant to the
Indenture (as defined herein) under which the Initial Notes were issued. The
form and terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects to
the form and terms of the Initial Notes except that the Exchange Notes will not
contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions and the Exchange Notes have
been registered under the Securities Act. See "The Exchange Offer."
 
   
     The Exchange Notes will mature on December 15, 2007, unless previously
redeemed. Interest payable in cash will not commence to accrue on the Notes
prior to December 15, 2002. Commencing June 15, 2003, interest on the Notes will
be payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 at a rate
of 12 1/2% per annum. The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the
option of the Company on or after December 15, 2002, at the redemption prices
set forth herein. In addition, prior to December 15, 2000, the Company, at its
option, may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of
the Notes originally issued with the Cash Net Proceeds (as defined herein) of
one or more Public Equity Offerings (as defined herein), if any, on the date of
redemption; provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount at
maturity of Notes originally issued remains outstanding immediately after any
such redemption. The Company has recently filed a registration statement with
the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the public sale of its common
stock and intends to use part of the proceeds thereof to redeem a portion of the
Exchange Notes.
    
                                                        (Continued on next page)
 
     THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO, NOR WILL DMFC ACCEPT SURRENDERS
FOR EXCHANGE FROM, HOLDERS OF INITIAL NOTES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE
EXCHANGE OFFER OR THE ACCEPTANCE THEREOF WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
   
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 15 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE EXCHANGE
NOTES.
    
                            ------------------------
 
     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
               THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS             , 1998
<PAGE>   3
 
(Continued from cover page)
 
     The Notes will be general, senior, unsecured obligations of DMFC. DMFC is a
holding company with substantially all of its assets consisting of the stock of
Del Monte Corporation, a New York corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of
DMFC ("DMC"), and, therefore, the Notes will be effectively subordinated to all
outstanding indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, of
DMFC's subsidiaries. As of December 31, 1997, after giving effect to the
Contadina Acquisition (as defined herein) and related financings, the Company
had approximately $1.4 billion of indebtedness and other liabilities, including
trade payables, outstanding, of which $1.3 billion was indebtedness and other
liabilities, including trade payables, of DMC.
 
     Upon a Change of Control (as defined herein), (i) the Company will have the
option, at any time prior to December 15, 2002, to redeem the Notes, in whole,
but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 101% of the Accreted Value
thereof plus the Applicable Premium (as defined herein), together with
Liquidated Damages (as defined herein), if any, to the date of redemption and
(ii) if the Company does not so redeem the Notes or if such Change of Control
occurs after December 15, 2002, each holder of the Notes will have the right to
require the Company to repurchase such holder's Notes at a price equal to 101%
of the Accreted Value plus accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any. In
addition, in certain circumstances, the Company would be obligated to offer to
repurchase the Notes at 100% of the Accreted Value plus accrued interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, in the event of certain Asset Sales (as defined
herein).
 
     The Exchange Notes are being offered hereunder to satisfy certain
obligations of DMFC contained in the Registration Agreement (as defined herein).
Based on existing interpretations of the Securities Act by the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") set forth in several no-action
letters to third parties, and subject to the immediately following sentence,
DMFC believes that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer may
be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by the holders thereof
without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act. However, any holder of the Initial Notes who
is an "affiliate" of DMFC or who intends to participate in the Exchange Offer
for the purpose of distributing the Exchange Notes (i) will not be able to rely
on the interpretation by the staff of the Commission set forth in the above
mentioned no-action letters, (ii) will not be able to tender its Initial Notes
in the Exchange Offer and (iii) must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or
transfer of the Initial Notes unless such sale or transfer is made pursuant to
an exemption from such requirements.
 
     Each holder of the Initial Notes (other than certain specified holders) who
wishes to exchange the Initial Notes for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer is
required to represent to DMFC that (i) it is not an affiliate of DMFC, (ii) any
Exchange Notes to be received by it were acquired in the ordinary course of its
business and (iii) at the time of the commencement of the Exchange Offer, it has
no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes. Each broker-dealer that
receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging
and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that
it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in
exchange for Initial Notes where such Initial Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities. DMFC has agreed that, starting on the Expiration Date and ending on
the close of business on the 180th day following the Expiration Date, it will
make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with
any such resale. See "The Exchange Offer" and "Plan of Distribution."
 
     Until             , 1998 all dealers effecting transactions in the
registered securities, whether or not participating in this distribution, may be
required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of
dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to
their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
 
   
     The Initial Notes and the Exchange Notes constitute new issues of
securities with no established public trading market. The Initial Notes,
however, have traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.'s
PORTAL Market. Any Initial Notes not tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer
will remain outstanding. To the extent that Initial Notes are tendered and
accepted in the Exchange Offer, a holder's ability to sell untendered, and
tendered but unaccepted, Initial Notes could be adversely affected. Following
consummation of the Exchange Offer, the holders of Initial Notes will continue
to be subject to the existing restrictions on transfer thereof and DMFC will
have no further obligation to such holders to provide for the registration under
the Securities Act of the Initial Notes except under certain limited
circumstances. See "The Exchange Offer." No assurance can be given as to the
liquidity of the trading market for either the Initial Notes or the Exchange
Notes.
    
 
     DMFC will not receive any proceeds from this offering, and no underwriter
is being utilized in connection with the Exchange Offer. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                        i
<PAGE>   4
 
   
     Under the terms of the Indenture (as defined herein), under which the
Initial Notes were issued, and under which the Exchange Notes are to be issued,
the Company has agreed that, whether or not it is required to do so by the rules
and regulations of the Commission, for so long as any of the Notes remain
outstanding, it will furnish to the holders of the Notes and file with the
Commission all reports and other information as it would be required to file
with the Commission by Section 13(a) or 15(d) under the Exchange Act if it were
subject thereto.
    
 
     THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM
THE GENERAL COUNSEL AT ONE MARKET, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94105, (415)
247-3000. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST
SHOULD BE MADE AT LEAST FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE
EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
   
     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE ISSUERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL,
OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE EXCHANGE NOTES IN ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATIONS THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
    
                            ------------------------
 
   
     Del Monte(R) and Contadina(R) are the principal registered trademarks of
the Company. The Company's other trademarks include Fruit Cup(R), FreshCut(TM),
Snack Cups(R), Fruit Naturals(R), Orchard Select(R), Fruit Smoothie Blenders(TM)
and Del Monte Lite(R).
    
                            ------------------------
 
   
                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    
 
   
     Certain statements in this Prospectus under the captions "Prospectus
Summary," "Risk Factors," "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Business" and elsewhere constitute "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of the Company, or industry results, to differ materially from any
future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other important
factors include, among others: general economic and business conditions; weather
conditions; crop yields; industry trends; competition; raw material costs and
availability; the loss of significant customers; changes in business strategy or
development plans; availability, terms and deployment of capital; Year 2000
compliance; changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, governmental
regulations, including, without limitation, environmental regulations; industry
trends and capacity and other factors referenced in this Prospectus. See "Risk
Factors." These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this
Prospectus. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to
disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained
herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto
or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement
is based.
    
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>   5
 
   
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
    
 
   
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). The Company filed with the Commission a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement," which term
shall encompass all amendments, exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto)
pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, covering the Exchange Notes
being offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement. For further information with respect to the
Company and the Exchange Offer, reference is made to the Registration Statement.
Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement
or other document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each
such contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete
description of the document or matter involved, and each such statement shall be
deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. The Registration Statement,
including the exhibits thereto, and the reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by the Company with the Commission can be inspected and copied
at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at the Regional Offices of the
Commission at 7 World Trade Center, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
materials can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The
Commission maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants
that file electronically with the Commission.
    
   
    
 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   6
 
   
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
    
 
   
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus ("Prospectus"). Unless the
context otherwise requires, "DMFC" means Del Monte Foods Company, the issuer of
the Notes, and the parent of DMC, "DMC" means Del Monte Corporation, and, unless
stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the "Company" or "Del Monte"
means DMFC and DMC, together with their direct and indirect subsidiaries.
References herein to fiscal years and quarters are to the Company's fiscal year
(which ends on June 30) and related fiscal quarters (which end on the last
Sunday of September, December and March). Unless otherwise indicated, references
herein to U.S. market share data are to case volume sold through retail grocery
stores with at least $2 million in sales and are based upon data provided to the
Company by A.C. Nielsen Company ("ACNielsen"), an independent market research
firm. Market share data for canned vegetables and solid tomato products include
only those categories in which the Company competes. Such data for canned fruit
include those categories in which the Company competes other than the
"specialty" category, which has been an insignificant portion of the Company's
operations. References to the "Contadina Acquisition" are to the Company's
acquisition of certain assets comprising Nestle USA Inc.'s ("Nestle") U.S.
business of manufacturing and marketing certain canned tomato products
("Contadina"). Share data for canned solid tomato products is pro forma for both
Del Monte and Contadina sales.
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company, a branded marketer of premium quality, nutritious food
products, is the largest producer and distributor of canned vegetables and
canned fruit in the United States, with pro forma net sales of $1.4 billion in
fiscal 1997. Management believes that the Company's principal brand, Del Monte,
which has been in existence since 1892, has the highest unaided brand awareness
of any canned food brand in the United States. Del Monte brand products are
found in substantially all national grocery chains and independent grocery
stores throughout the United States. As the brand leader in three major
processed food categories (canned vegetables, fruit and solid tomato products),
the Company has a full-line, multi-category presence that management believes
provides it with a substantial competitive advantage in selling to the retail
grocery industry. The Contadina Acquisition contributes another established
brand and positions the Company as the branded market leader in the high margin
canned solid tomato products category and establishes a strong presence for the
Company in the branded paste-based tomato products category.
    
 
   
     The Company sells its products to national grocery chains and wholesalers
through a nationwide sales network consisting primarily of independent food
brokers. The Company's direct sales force also sells to warehouse club stores,
selected mass merchandisers, such as Wal-Mart and Kmart, and larger mass
merchandising outlets that include full grocery sections, such as Wal-Mart
Supercenters and Kmart's SuperKs. In addition, the Company sells its products to
the foodservice industry, food processors and the military through different
independent food brokers. The Company also exports a small percentage of its
products to certain foreign countries directly and through independent exporters
based in the United States.
    
 
   
     The Company operates 15 production facilities in California, the Midwest,
Washington and Texas, as well as six strategically located distribution centers.
The Company has over 2,500 contracts to purchase vegetables and fruit from
individual growers and cooperatives located in various geographic regions of the
United States, principally California, the Midwest, the Northwest and Texas.
This diversity of sourcing helps insulate the Company from localized disruptions
during the growing season, such as weather conditions, that can affect the price
and supply of vegetables and fruit.
    
 
   
     In April 1997, the Company completed the Recapitalization (as defined
herein) as a result of which Texas Pacific Group, a private investment group,
obtained a controlling interest in the Company. Under a new senior management
team introduced in connection with the Recapitalization, the Company began
implementing a new business strategy designed to increase sales and improve
operating margins by: (i) increasing market share and distribution of high
margin value-added products; (ii) introducing product and packaging innovations;
(iii) increasing penetration of high growth distribution channels, such as
supercenters and club
    
                                        1
<PAGE>   7
 
   
stores; (iv) achieving cost savings through investments in new and upgraded
production equipment and plant consolidations; and (v) completing strategic
acquisitions.
    
 
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
 
   
     Management believes that the following elements contribute to the Company's
position as a leading branded producer, marketer and distributor of canned
vegetable, fruit and tomato products in the United States and provide a solid
foundation for the Company's business strategy.
    
 
   
- - STRONG BRAND NAME RECOGNITION AND LEADING MARKET SHARES -- The Del Monte brand
  name, which has been in existence since 1892, is one of the leading brand
  names in the food industry. Management believes that the Del Monte brand has
  the highest unaided brand awareness of any canned food brand in the United
  States. The Company recently acquired the Contadina brand, an established
  national brand with a strong reputation for quality. The Company's 1997 19.7%
  market share of canned vegetables is larger than the combined market shares of
  the Company's two largest branded competitors, and its 41.0% market share of
  canned fruit is larger than the combined market shares of all other branded
  competitors. The Company, including its Contadina business, had a pro forma
  16.2% market share in the high margin solid segment of the canned tomato
  market for 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     MARKET SHARE FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                            ------------------------------------------------------
                                              MARKET                      NEXT LEADING BRANDED
                 CATEGORY                   POSITION(A)   PERCENTAGE   COMPETITOR'S PERCENTAGE(A)
                 --------                   -----------   ----------   ---------------------------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>
Canned vegetables.........................      #1           19.7%     13.6% (Green Giant)
Canned fruit..............................      #1           41.0%     11.7% (Libby's)
Canned solid tomato products(b)...........      #1           16.2%     11.2% (Hunt's)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) Excludes private label.
    
 
   
(b) Pro forma to include Contadina sales.
    
 
   
- - TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND LOW COST PRODUCTION ADVANTAGES -- The Company has
  significant experience in developing new products and packaging alternatives
  and in engineering efficient food processing operations. These capabilities
  are leveragable across many food categories. The Company has developed
  proprietary vegetable seed varieties, which increase harvest and cannery
  recoveries and improve flavor and quality. The Company benefits from many
  long-term relationships with experienced, geographically diverse growers who
  work with the Company to maximize yields of raw product. These relationships
  also help to ensure a consistent supply of raw product. As a result of its
  technical expertise, proprietary seed varieties and raw product sourcing
  diversity, as well as its modern processing equipment and labeling, packaging,
  warehousing and distribution efficiencies, management believes that the
  Company is one of the lowest cost producers of canned vegetables, fruit and
  tomatoes in the United States.
    
 
   
- - PREFERRED SUPPLIER STATUS -- Competitive pressures in the retail food industry
  are causing many retailers to prefer large suppliers such as the Company that
  are able to provide consumer-favored brands, full product lines and
  sophisticated inventory and category management programs. Del Monte
  anticipated this trend and has developed proprietary software tools to assist
  its customers and promote sales of its products. Del Monte's proprietary
  category management system is designed to address retailers' efforts to
  maximize profitability of shelf space dedicated to canned food categories. A
  substantial majority of the Company's customers that have employed Del Monte's
  category management system have increased the relative amount of shelf space
  dedicated to the Company's products as compared to competing products. The
  Company's proprietary vendor-managed inventory software allows Del Monte to
  manage directly its customers' inventories of the Company's products. This
  inventory management software is designed to reduce customers' overhead costs
  and to enable them to achieve lower average inventory levels while enhancing
  the Company's opportunities to sell its products. Retailers also rely on Del
  Monte's in-depth knowledge as the leading branded marketer in the canned
  vegetable, fruit and tomato categories, and they seek the Company's advice on
  marketing and promoting these categories. Finally, Del Monte has strong,
  well-developed relationships with all major participants in the retail grocery
  trade. The Company believes
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   8
 
   
  that these relationships will become increasingly important as consolidation
  among grocery retailers continues. The Company is seeking to use its category
  knowledge, customer relationships and software tools, along with its
  multi-category product line that can readily be ordered and shipped on a full
  truck-load basis, in order to become the preferred supplier in its product
  categories.
    
 
   
- - EXTENSIVE NATIONAL SALES AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM -- The Company's extensive
  sales and distribution network is responsible for the distribution of finished
  goods to over 2,400 customer destinations nationwide. This network enables the
  Company to compete with other national brands and regional competitors, and to
  introduce new products on a regional or national basis. The Company operates
  six strategically located distribution centers offering customers a variety of
  services, including electronic data interchange and direct store shipments.
  Management believes that the Company's distribution system makes an important
  contribution to the Company's success and provides the Company with a
  competitive advantage over regional and private label competitors.
    
 
   
- - EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM -- Richard G. Wolford and Wesley J. Smith, the
  Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively,
  are veteran senior managers with extensive food industry experience. Mr.
  Wolford has 30 years of experience in the food industry, 20 of which were with
  Dole. He was president of Dole Packaged Foods from 1982 to 1987, and during
  Mr. Wolford's tenure at Dole, Dole experienced increased profitability, sales
  volume and market share. Mr. Wolford played a key role in redefining the Dole
  brand and expanding the range of products sold under the brand. From 1988 to
  1996, he was Chief Executive Officer of HK Acquisition Corp. where he
  developed food industry investments with venture capital investors and managed
  the investor-owned companies. Mr. Smith has 25 years of experience in the food
  industry, 23 of which were at Dole, where he oversaw the building of Dole's
  domestic fresh pineapple business and the restructuring of Dole's sizable
  Hawaiian operations. In addition, Mr. Smith was responsible for establishing
  Dole's juice business with minimal capital investment.
    
 
   
BUSINESS STRATEGY
    
 
   
     Following the consummation of the Recapitalization in 1997, the Company
implemented a new business strategy designed to increase sales and improve
operating margins. The key elements of this new business strategy are discussed
below.
    
 
   
- - LEVERAGE BRAND EQUITY TO INCREASE SALES AND MARKET SHARE OF HIGH MARGIN
  PRODUCTS -- The Company plans to leverage the Del Monte and Contadina brand
  names and its strong relationships with customers to increase sales of its
  existing product lines, focusing specifically on high margin products, such as
  its specialty fruits and vegetables, diced tomatoes and its Fruit Cup line,
  where the Company has historically had either low market share or low
  household penetration relative to its overall category position.
    
 
   
- - FOCUS ON CONSUMPTION-DRIVEN MARKETING STRATEGY -- To enhance its ability to
  leverage its brand equity, the Company has refocused its marketing efforts and
  promotional strategy. To leverage its brand strength, the Company has
  increased consumer-targeted marketing programs, primarily through the
  distribution of free-standing coupon inserts, and has established clearly
  differentiated product positioning that emphasizes the Company's premium
  quality. The Company increased spending on consumer promotions from $12
  million in fiscal 1996 to $46 million in fiscal 1997 and anticipates that its
  consumer spending in fiscal 1998 and 1999 will be generally consistent with
  levels of consumer spending in fiscal 1997. To improve the effectiveness of
  its trade promotion strategy, the Company implemented performance-based
  programs under which trade spending is based on retailers' sales of the
  Company's products to consumers rather than on purchases from the Company. The
  Company believes that this performance-based strategy, coupled with the
  Company's category management capabilities, will continue to increase sales
  and reduce costs.
    
 
   
- - IMPROVE PROFITABILITY THROUGH NEW PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING -- The Company is
  developing new high margin products and line extensions designed to leverage
  the Company's presence in its current product categories and to capitalize on
  its food technology expertise. The Company has successfully introduced
  flavored diced tomatoes, two lines of flavored canned fruit, Orchard Select, a
  premium fruit product packaged in glass, and Fruit Smoothie Blenders, a
  flavored fruit drink. These products extend the Company's traditional product
  lines and appeal to consumers' demands for high quality, convenient and
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   9
 
   
  nutritious food products. The Company is evaluating introductions of other new
  products packaged in glass and plastic to further expand its presence in the
  market beyond the canned food aisle.
    
 
   
- - INCREASE PENETRATION OF HIGH-GROWTH DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS -- Changes in the
  retail grocery environment have resulted in substantial growth of alternative
  retailers such as warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers and supercenters. The
  Company believes it is well-positioned to benefit from these changes because
  these vendors generally seek leading brand name products that generate high
  inventory turnover. In addition, vendors in this category generally are
  attracted to large, technologically sophisticated suppliers such as the
  Company that have the ability to meet their stringent inventory and shelf
  management requirements. The Company believes it is currently the leading
  supplier of canned vegetables and fruit to Wal-Mart's Sam's Club, and is a
  major supplier to PriceCostco. The Company also believes it is the leading
  supplier of canned vegetables, fruit and solid tomato products as a group to
  Wal-Mart Supercenters.
    
 
   
- - IMPLEMENT FURTHER COST SAVINGS -- The Company is aggressively pursuing cost
  reduction opportunities, which have already contributed to an increase in
  EBITDA margins (excluding the results of Divested Operations (as defined
  below)) from 6.9% in 1995 to 10.4% in 1997. Management's strategy is to
  improve profitability through the implementation of capital projects that
  offer rapid returns on investment, and through plant consolidations and
  increased operating efficiencies. The Company has announced plans to
  consolidate, over the next three fiscal years, six existing fruit and tomato
  operations in California into four facilities, including one large
  state-of-the-art facility acquired as part of the Contadina Acquisition. The
  Company continually evaluates its production facilities and believes that
  further consolidations may be warranted in the future. In addition, the
  Company plans to invest in new, state-of-the-art production equipment to
  increase production efficiencies and strengthen its position as a low cost
  producer.
    
 
   
- - COMPLETE STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS -- The Company will pursue strategic
  acquisitions when there are opportunities to leverage the Company's key
  strengths in product development, food processing, marketing, sales and
  distribution. In evaluating potential acquisition candidates, the Company
  seeks, among other things: (i) leading brands that can be expanded by
  leveraging the Company's technical and manufacturing expertise and/or its
  sales and distribution systems, (ii) new products that can achieve growth
  through re-branding and (iii) economies of scale in manufacturing,
  distribution and capacity utilization. The Contadina Acquisition, for example,
  adds a leading national brand which strengthens the Company's market share in
  key tomato segments and allows the Company to realize cost savings through
  plant consolidations. The Contadina Acquisition also allows the Company to
  introduce new branded retail products and to increase sales to the branded
  foodservice market.
    
 
   
THE RECAPITALIZATION
    
 
   
     On April 18, 1997, TPG Shield Acquisition Corporation ("Shield"), an
affiliate of the Company's majority shareholder, was merged with and into DMFC
(the "Merger"), with DMFC surviving. In connection with the Merger, DMC repaid
substantially all of its funded debt obligations (the "Debt Retirement").
    
 
   
     Cash funding requirements for the Recapitalization were $809 million, and
were satisfied through: (i) cash equity investment by Texas Pacific Group
("TPG") and other investors of $161 million; (ii) $380 million of borrowings
under a senior secured term loan facility among DMFC, as guarantor, DMC, as
borrower. Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association ("BofA") and
Bankers Trust Company ("BTCo."), as agents, each an affiliate of an Initial
Purchaser (the "Term Loan Facility"); (iii) $119 million of borrowings under a
senior secured revolving credit facility among DMFC, as guarantor, DMC, as
borrower, BofA and BTCo., as agents, and other lenders party thereto (the
"Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the "Bank
Financing"); (iv) $147 million from the net proceeds of the issuance and sale of
12 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "DMC Notes") by DMFC, as issuer
of a senior subordinated guarantee, and DMC, as issuer; and (v) $2 million of
proceeds from the sale of a surplus property.
    
 
     The above described transactions are herein referred to collectively as the
"Recapitalization."
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   10
 
   
  CONTADINA ACQUISITION
    
 
   
     On December 19, 1997, the Company completed the Contadina Acquisition for a
total of $197 million, comprising of a base price of $177 million and an
estimated working capital adjustment of approximately $20 million. The purchase
price is subject to adjustment based on the final calculation of net working
capital as of the closing date. Nestle has provided its calculation of the net
working capital, which would result in a payment to the Company of approximately
$2 million. The Company has until April 18, 1998 to review this calculation and
determine if it has any objection to the calculation. The Contadina Acquisition
also included the assumption of certain liabilities of approximately $4 million.
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
    
 
                              TEXAS PACIFIC GROUP
 
   
     TPG was founded by David Bonderman, James G. Coulter and William S. Price
III in 1992 to pursue public and private investment opportunities through a
variety of methods, including leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, joint
ventures, restructurings and strategic public securities investments. The
principals of TPG operate TPG Partners, L.P. and TPG Partners II, L.P., both
Delaware limited partnerships with aggregate committed capital of over $3.2
billion. Among TPG's other investments are branded consumer products companies
Beringer Wine Estates, Ducati Motors S.p.A., Favorite Brands International and
J. Crew Group, Inc. Other TPG portfolio companies include America West Airlines,
Belden & Blake Corporation, Denbury Resources, Genesis ElderCare, Paradyne,
Virgin Entertainment, and Vivra Specialty Partners. In addition, the principals
of TPG led the $9 billion reorganization of Continental Airlines in 1993. Prior
to the Equity Contribution, TPG owned 78% of the common equity of the Company.
    
                            ------------------------
 
   
     DMFC was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland in 1989. DMC
was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1978. Each of DMFC
and DMC maintains its principal executive office at One Market, San Francisco,
California 94105, and their telephone number is (415) 247-3000. DMFC is the
parent company of DMC. Subject to receipt of appropriate stockholder approval,
DMFC plans to reincorporate under the laws of the State of Delaware.
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   11
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
  AGREEMENT...................   The Initial Notes were issued on December 17,
                                 1997 to Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., BancAmerica
                                 Robertson Stephens and BT Alex. Brown
                                 Incorporated (the "Initial Purchasers"). The
                                 Initial Purchasers placed the Initial Notes
                                 with institutional investors. In connection
                                 therewith, DMFC and the Initial Purchasers
                                 entered into the Registration Rights Agreement
                                 (as defined herein), providing, among other
                                 things, for the Exchange Offer. See "The
                                 Exchange Offer."
 
THE EXCHANGE OFFER............   Exchange Notes are being offered in exchange
                                 for an equal principal amount of Initial Notes.
                                 As of the date hereof, $230,000,000 aggregate
                                 principal amount at maturity of Initial Notes
                                 is outstanding. Initial Notes may be tendered
                                 only in integral multiples of $1,000.
 
RESALE OF EXCHANGE NOTES......   Based on interpretations by the staff of the
                                 Commission, as set forth in no-action letters
                                 issued to third parties, including the Exchange
                                 Offer No-Action Letters, DMFC believes that the
                                 Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange
                                 Offer may be offered for resale, resold or
                                 otherwise transferred by each holder thereof
                                 (other than a broker-dealer who acquires such
                                 Exchange Notes directly from DMFC for resale
                                 pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act
                                 or any other available exemption under the
                                 Securities Act and other than any holder that
                                 is an "affiliate" (as defined under Rule 405 of
                                 the Securities Act) of DMFC) without compliance
                                 with the registration and prospectus delivery
                                 provisions of the Securities Act, provided that
                                 such Exchange Notes are acquired in the
                                 ordinary course of such holder's business and
                                 such holder is not engaged in, and does not
                                 intend to engage in, a distribution of such
                                 Exchange Notes and has no arrangement with any,
                                 person to participate in a distribution of such
                                 Exchange Notes. By tendering the Initial Notes
                                 in exchange for Exchange Notes, each holder,
                                 other than a broker-dealer, will represent to
                                 DMFC that: (i) it is not an affiliate (as
                                 defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act)
                                 of DMFC; (ii) it is not a broker-dealer
                                 tendering Initial Notes acquired for its own
                                 account directly from DMFC; (iii) any Exchange
                                 Notes to be received by it were acquired in the
                                 ordinary course of its business; and (iv) it is
                                 not engaged in, and does not intend to engage
                                 in, a distribution of such Exchange Notes and
                                 has no arrangement or understanding to
                                 participate in a distribution of the Exchange
                                 Notes. If a holder of Initial Notes is engaged
                                 in or intends to engage in a distribution of
                                 the Exchange Notes or has any arrangement or
                                 understanding with respect to the distribution
                                 of the Exchange Notes to be acquired pursuant
                                 to the Exchange Offer, such holder may not rely
                                 on the applicable interpretations of the staff
                                 of the Commission and must comply with the
                                 registration and prospectus delivery
                                 requirements of the Securities Act in
                                 connection with any secondary resale
                                 transaction. Each Participating Broker-Dealer
                                 that receives Exchange Notes for its own
                                 account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must
                                 acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus
                                 in connection with any resale
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   12
 
                                 of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of
                                 Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and
                                 by delivering a prospectus, a Participating
                                 Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to admit that
                                 it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of
                                 the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may
                                 be amended or supplemented from time to time,
                                 may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
                                 connection with resales of Exchange Notes
                                 received in exchange for Initial Notes where
                                 such Initial Notes were acquired by such
                                 Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of
                                 market-making activities or other trading
                                 activities. DMFC have agreed that they will
                                 make this Prospectus available to any
                                 Participating Broker-Dealer for a period of
                                 time not to exceed 180 days after the
                                 Registration Statement is declared effective
                                 (subject to extension under certain
                                 circumstances) for use in connection with any
                                 such resale. See "Plan of Distribution." To
                                 comply with the securities laws of certain
                                 jurisdictions, it may be necessary to qualify
                                 for sale or register the Exchange Notes prior
                                 to offering or selling such Exchange Notes.
                                 DMFC has agreed, pursuant to the Registration
                                 Rights Agreement and subject to certain
                                 specified limitations therein, to register or
                                 qualify the Exchange Notes for offer or sale
                                 under the securities or "blue sky" laws of such
                                 jurisdictions as may be necessary to permit the
                                 holders of Exchange Notes to trade the Exchange
                                 Notes without any restrictions or limitations
                                 under the securities laws of the several states
                                 of the United States.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO
  EXCHANGE INITIAL NOTES......   Upon consummation of the Exchange Offer,
                                 subject to certain exceptions, holders of
                                 Initial Notes who do not exchange their Initial
                                 Notes for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer
                                 will no longer be entitled to registration
                                 rights and will not be able to offer or sell
                                 their Initial Notes, unless such Initial Notes
                                 are subsequently registered under the
                                 Securities Act (which, subject to certain
                                 limited exceptions, the Company will have no
                                 obligation to do), except pursuant to an
                                 exemption from, or in a transaction not subject
                                 to, the Securities Act and applicable state
                                 securities laws. See "Risk
                                 Factors -- Consequences of Exchange and Failure
                                 to Exchange" and "The Exchange Offer -- Terms
                                 of the Exchange Offer."
 
EXPIRATION DATE...............   5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             ,
                                 1998 (30 calendar days following the
                                 commencement of the Exchange Offer), unless the
                                 Exchange Offer is extended, in which case the
                                 term "Expiration Date" means the latest date
                                 and time to which the Exchange Offer is
                                 extended.
 
INTEREST ON THE EXCHANGE
  NOTES.......................   The Exchange Notes will accrue interest at the
                                 applicable per annum rate set forth on the
                                 cover page of this Prospectus, from (A) the
                                 later of (i) the last interest payment date on
                                 which interest was paid on the Initial Notes
                                 surrendered in exchange therefor or (ii) if the
                                 Initial Notes are surrendered for exchange on a
                                 date subsequent to the record date for an
                                 interest payment date to occur on or after the
                                 date of such exchange and as to which interest
                                 will be paid, the date of such interest payment
                                 or (B) if no interest has been paid on the
                                 Initial Notes, from December 15, 2002. Interest
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   13
 
                                 on the Exchange Notes is payable on June 15 and
                                 December 15 of each year commencing June 15,
                                 2003.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE
  OFFER.......................   The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any
                                 minimum principal amount of Initial Notes being
                                 tendered for exchange. However, the Exchange
                                 Offer is subject to certain customary
                                 conditions, which may be waived by DMFC. See
                                 "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions." Except for
                                 the requirements of applicable federal and
                                 state securities laws, there are no federal or
                                 state regulatory requirements to be complied
                                 with or obtained by DMFC in connection with the
                                 Exchange Offer.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
  INITIAL NOTES...............   Each holder of Initial Notes wishing to accept
                                 the Exchange Offer must complete, sign and date
                                 the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile
                                 thereof, in accordance with the instructions
                                 contained herein and therein, and mail or
                                 otherwise deliver such Letter of Transmittal,
                                 or such facsimile, together with the Initial
                                 Notes to be exchanged and any other required
                                 documentation to the Exchange Agent (as defined
                                 herein) at the address set forth herein or
                                 effect a tender of Initial Notes pursuant to
                                 the procedures for book-entry transfer as
                                 provided for herein. See "The Exchange Offer --
                                 Procedures for Tendering" and "-- Book Entry
                                 Transfer."
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY
  PROCEDURES..................   Holders of Initial Notes who wish to tender
                                 their Initial Notes and whose Initial Notes are
                                 not immediately available or who cannot deliver
                                 their Initial Notes and a properly completed
                                 Letter of Transmittal or any other documents
                                 required by the Letter of Transmittal to the
                                 Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date may
                                 tender their Initial Notes according to the
                                 guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in
                                 "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery
                                 Procedures."
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS.............   Tenders of Initial Notes may be withdrawn at
                                 any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City
                                 time, on the Expiration Date. To withdraw a
                                 tender of Initial Notes, a written or facsimile
                                 transmission notice of withdrawal must be
                                 received by the Exchange Agent at its address
                                 set forth herein under "The Exchange Offer --
                                 Exchange Agent" prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
                                 City time, on the Expiration Date.
 
ACCEPTANCE OF INITIAL NOTES
  AND DELIVERY OF EXCHANGE
  NOTES.......................   Subject to certain conditions, any and all
                                 Initial Notes that are properly tendered in the
                                 Exchange Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
                                 City time, on the Expiration Date will be
                                 accepted for exchange. The Exchange Notes
                                 issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
                                 delivered promptly following the Expiration
                                 Date. See "The Exchange Offer -- Terms of the
                                 Exchange Offer."
 
CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS....   The exchange of Exchange Notes for Initial
                                 Notes should not be a sale or exchange or
                                 otherwise a taxable event for Federal income
                                 tax purposes. See "Certain U.S. Federal Income
                                 Tax Considerations."
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   14
 
EXCHANGE AGENT................   Bankers Trust Company is serving as exchange
                                 agent (the "Exchange Agent") in connection with
                                 the Exchange Offer.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES.............   All expenses incident to consummation of the
                                 Exchange Offer and compliance with the
                                 Registration Rights Agreement will be borne by
                                 DMFC. See "The Exchange Offer -- Fees and
                                 Expenses."
 
USE OF PROCEEDS...............   There will be no cash proceeds payable to DMFC
                                 from the issuance of the Exchange Notes
                                 pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See "Use of
                                 Proceeds."
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   15
 
                               THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
ISSUER........................   Del Monte Foods Company (the "Company").
 
THE NOTES.....................   $230 million aggregate principal amount at
                                 maturity of 12 1/2% Senior Discount Notes due
                                 2007. The Exchange Notes will be entitled to
                                 the benefits of the same Indenture that governs
                                 the Initial Notes and that will govern the
                                 Exchange Notes. The form and terms of the
                                 Exchange Notes are the same in all material
                                 respects as the form and terms of the Initial
                                 Notes, except that the Exchange Notes have been
                                 registered under the Securities Act and
                                 therefore will not bear legends restricting the
                                 transfer thereof. See "Description of the
                                 Notes."
 
MATURITY DATE.................   December 15, 2007.
 
ISSUE PRICE...................   $545.76 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity
                                 of the Notes.
 
YIELD TO MATURITY.............   12 1/2% per annum (computed on a semiannual
                                 bond-equivalent basis), calculated from
                                 December 17, 1997. Interest payable in cash
                                 will not commence to accrue prior to December
                                 15, 2002, and will be payable on each June 15
                                 and December 15 thereafter until maturity,
                                 commencing June 15, 2003.
 
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT.......   Each Note will have an Original Issue Discount
                                 (as defined herein) for United States federal
                                 income tax purposes equal to the excess of all
                                 required principal and interest payments over
                                 the amount of the Issue Price of such Note.
                                 Prospective purchasers of Notes should be aware
                                 that, even though periodic cash payments of
                                 interest on the Notes will not commence until
                                 June 15, 2003, accrued Original Issue Discount
                                 will be includable, periodically, in a holder's
                                 gross income for United States federal income
                                 tax purposes even if in advance of the receipt
                                 of cash payments to which such income is
                                 attributable, regardless of the holder's
                                 regular method of accounting. See "Certain U.S.
                                 Federal Income Tax Considerations" and "Risk
                                 Factors -- Original Issue Discount."
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION...........   The Notes may be redeemed at the option of the
                                 Company in whole or from time to time in part
                                 at any time on and after December 15, 2002 at
                                 the redemption prices set forth herein on the
                                 date of redemption. Notwithstanding the
                                 foregoing, prior to December 15, 2002, upon a
                                 Change of Control (as defined herein) the
                                 Company will have the option to redeem the
                                 Notes, in whole, but not in part, at a
                                 redemption price equal to the Accreted Value
                                 (as defined herein) on the date of redemption,
                                 plus the Applicable Premium (as defined herein)
                                 and Liquidated Damages, if any. In addition,
                                 prior to December 15, 2000, the Company may
                                 redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate
                                 principal amount at maturity of the Notes with
                                 the Cash Net Proceeds (as defined herein) of
                                 one or more Public Equity Offerings (as defined
                                 herein) at a redemption price of 112.5% of
                                 Accreted Value, plus Liquidated Damages, if
                                 any; provided that at least 65% of the original
                                 aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
                                 Notes remains outstanding immediately
                                 thereafter.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   16
 
   
                                 The Company has recently filed a registration
                                 statement with the Commission relating to the
                                 public sale of its common stock and intends to
                                 use part of the proceeds therefrom to redeem a
                                 portion of the Exchange Notes. See "Description
                                 of the Notes -- Optional Redemptions."
    
 
REDEMPTION UPON CHANGE OF
  CONTROL AT HOLDERS'
  OPTION......................   If, upon a Change of Control, the Company does
                                 not redeem the Notes as described under
                                 "Description of the Notes -- Optional
                                 Redemption upon a Change of Control prior to
                                 December 15, 2002", each holder of the Notes
                                 will have the right to require the Company to
                                 repurchase all or a portion of such holder's
                                 Notes at a price equal to 101% of Accreted
                                 Value plus accrued interest and Liquidated
                                 Damages, if any, on the date of repurchase.
 
RANKING AND HOLDING COMPANY
STRUCTURE.....................   The Notes will be general, senior, unsecured
                                 obligations of the Company and will rank pari
                                 passu in right of payment with all future
                                 senior indebtedness of the Company, including
                                 the guarantee by DMFC of the Bank Financing,
                                 and senior to all future subordinated
                                 indebtedness of the Company, including DMFC's
                                 guarantee of the DMC Notes. Substantially all
                                 of the Company's consolidated liabilities
                                 (other than the Notes) are liabilities of its
                                 subsidiaries. DMFC is a holding company and
                                 therefore the Notes will be effectively
                                 subordinated to all existing and future
                                 indebtedness and other liabilities of the
                                 Company's subsidiaries, including trade
                                 payables. As of December 31, 1997, after giving
                                 effect to the Contadina Acquisition and related
                                 financings, the outstanding indebtedness and
                                 other liabilities, including trade payables, of
                                 such subsidiaries were approximately $1.3
                                 billion. See "Risk Factors -- Holding Company
                                 Structure; Limitations on Access to Cash Flow"
                                 and "Description of the Notes."
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS.............   The indenture governing the Notes (the
                                 "Indenture") will limit, among other things,
                                 (i) the incurrence of additional debt and the
                                 issuance of capital stock by the Company and
                                 its subsidiaries, (ii) the payment of dividends
                                 on the capital stock of the Company and its
                                 subsidiaries and the redemption or repurchase
                                 of the capital stock of the Company and its
                                 subsidiaries, (iii) the sale of assets and
                                 subsidiary stock, (iv) transactions with
                                 affiliates, (v) the creation of liens on the
                                 assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and
                                 (vi) consolidations, mergers and transfers of
                                 all or substantially all of the Company's
                                 assets. The foregoing limitations and
                                 prohibitions, however, are subject to a number
                                 of qualifications. See "Description of the
                                 Notes -- Certain Covenants."
 
USE OF PROCEEDS...............   The Company will not receive any proceeds from
                                 the Exchange Offer, and no underwriter is being
                                 utilized in connection with the Exchange Offer.
                                 See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
   
     Prospective investors in the Notes should consider carefully all of the
information set forth in this Prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the
specific factors set forth under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 15 for risks
attendant to an investment in the Notes or tendering of the Initial Notes for
the Exchange Notes offered hereby.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   17
 
   
                SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
    
 
   
     The following table presents summary historical and pro forma financial
data of the Company. The summary historical consolidated financial data
presented below as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the six months then
ended was derived from unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of
the Company as of such dates and for the periods then ended. The summary
historical consolidated financial data presented below as of June 30, 1995, 1996
and 1997 and for the years then ended were derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company. Such historical financial information
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
unaudited pro forma statements of operations information was prepared by the
Company as if the Contadina Acquisition, the Recapitalization and related
financings had occurred as of July 1, 1996 and should be read in conjunction
with the pro forma financial information set forth under "Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Data." The unaudited pro forma statements of operations information
does not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations actually
would have been if the Contadina Acquisition and the Recapitalization had
occurred as of the date indicated or what such results will be for any future
periods.
    
   
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,             DECEMBER 31,
                                           ------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                                    ACTUAL            PRO FORMA     ACTUAL      PRO FORMA
                                           ------------------------   ---------   -----------   ---------
                                            1995     1996     1997      1997      1996   1997     1997
                                           ------   ------   ------   ---------   ----   ----   ---------
                                                        (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>    <C>    <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales(a)............................   $1,527   $1,305   $1,217    $1,373     $628   $620     $712
Cost of sales(a)........................    1,183      984      817       962(b)   430    413      488
                                           ------   ------   ------    ------     ----   ----     ----
Gross profit............................      344      321      400       411      198    207      224
Selling, advertising, administrative and
  general expenses(a)...................      264      239      327(c)     336     156    162      187
                                           ------   ------   ------    ------     ----   ----     ----
Operating income........................       80       82       73        75       42     45       37
Interest expense........................       76       67       52        93       26     36       49
Loss (gain) on sale of assets(d)........       --     (107)       5         5        5     --       --
Other (income) expense(e)...............      (11)       3       30         8       --      6       (1)
                                           ------   ------   ------    ------     ----   ----     ----
Income (loss) before income taxes,
  minority interest, extraordinary item
  and cumulative effect of accounting
  change................................       15      119      (14)      (31)      11      3      (11)
Provision for income taxes..............        2       11       --        --        2     --       --
Minority interest in earnings of
  subsidiary............................        1        3       --        --       --     --       --
                                           ------   ------   ------    ------     ----   ----     ----
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
  and cumulative effect of accounting
  change................................       12      105      (14)      (31)       9      3      (11)
Extraordinary loss(f)...................        7       10       42        --        4     --       --
Cumulative effect of accounting
  change(g).............................       --        7       --        --       --     --       --
                                           ------   ------   ------    ------     ----   ----     ----
Net income (loss).......................   $    5   $   88   $  (56)   $  (31)    $  5   $  3     $(11)
                                           ======   ======   ======    ======     ====   ====     ====
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA(h)...............................   $   76   $   92   $  121    $  119     $ 54   $ 59     $ 56
EBITDA margin(h)........................      6.9%     8.6%    10.4%      9.0%     9.1%   9.5%     7.9%
Depreciation and amortization(i)........       35       26       24        36       12     13       18
Capital expenditures....................       24       16       20        30        5      6       11
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   18
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     JUNE 30,            DECEMBER 31,
                                             ------------------------   --------------
                                              1995     1996     1997    1996     1997
                                             ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                          <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital............................  $   99   $  207   $  116   $ 173   $  224
Total assets...............................     960      736      667     848    1,053
Total debt, including current maturities...     576      373      610     388      856
Redeemable preferred stock.................     215      213       32     213       32
Stockholders' deficit......................    (393)    (304)    (412)   (273)    (368)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(a) In fiscal 1997, certain merchandising allowances, which previously were
    included as a cost of sales, have been reclassified to selling expense. Such
    merchandising allowances totaled $106 million, $100 million, $143 million
    and $68 million in the fiscal years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and
    the six months ended December 31, 1996, respectively. In addition, certain
    military distributor allowances, which previously were treated as a
    reduction in net sales, have been reclassified to selling expense. Such
    military distributor allowances amounted to $1 million, $1 million, $2
    million and $1 million in fiscal years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997
    and the six months ended December 31, 1996, respectively. All financial
    information has been restated to conform to this presentation.
    
 
   
(b) Includes $9 million of inventory step-up as part of the preliminary purchase
    price allocation relating to the Contadina Acquisition.
    
 
   
(c) In connection with the Recapitalization, which was consummated on April 18,
    1997, expenses of approximately $25 million were incurred primarily for
    management incentive payments and, in part, for severance payments. Such
    amount has been excluded from the pro forma fiscal 1997 results.
    
 
   
(d) In November 1995, the Company sold its pudding business for $89 million, net
    of $4 million of related transaction fees. The sale resulted in a gain of
    $71 million. In March 1996, the Company sold its 50.1% ownership interest in
    Del Monte Philippines for $100 million, net of $2 million of related
    transaction fees. The sale resulted in a gain of $52 million of which $16
    million was deferred and $36 million was recognized in fiscal 1996. The
    purchase price included a premium paid to the Company as consideration for
    an eight-year supply agreement. The gain associated with the value of the
    premium was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the agreement.
    In the fiscal quarter ended December 1996, the Company sold Del Monte Latin
    America. The combined sales price of $50 million, reduced by $2 million of
    related transaction expenses, resulted in a loss of $5 million.
    
 
   
(e) In fiscal 1995, other income includes the Company's receipt of proceeds of a
    $30 million letter of credit, reduced by $4 million of related transaction
    expenses, as a result of the termination of a merger agreement with Grupo
    Empacador de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. In fiscal 1997, $22 million of expenses
    were incurred in conjunction with the Recapitalization, primarily for legal,
    investment advisory and management fees. Such amount has been excluded from
    the pro forma fiscal 1997 results.
    
 
   
(f) In June 1995, the Company refinanced its then-outstanding revolving credit
    facility, term loan and senior secured floating rate notes. In conjunction
    with this debt retirement, capitalized debt issue costs of $7 million were
    written off and accounted for as an extraordinary loss. In December 1995 and
    April 1996, the Company prepaid part of its term loan and senior secured
    notes. In conjunction with the early debt retirement, the Company recorded
    an extraordinary loss of $10 million for the early retirement of debt. The
    extraordinary loss consisted of a $5 million prepayment premium and a $5
    million write-off of capitalized debt issue costs related to the early
    retirement of debt. In fiscal 1997, $42 million of expenses related to the
    early retirement of debt and to the Recapitalization was charged to net
    income. In September 1996, the Company repurchased outstanding debt, in
    conjunction with which capitalized debt issue costs of $4 million, net of a
    discount on such debt, were written off and accounted for as an
    extraordinary loss. In conjunction with the refinancing of debt that
    occurred at the time of the Recapitalization, the Company recorded a $38
    million extraordinary loss related to the early retirement of debt. The $38
    million extraordinary loss consisted of previously capitalized debt issue
    costs of approximately $19 million and a premium payment and a term loan
    make-whole payment aggregating to $19 million.
    
 
   
(g) Effective July 1, 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
    Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
    Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." The
    cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 121 resulted in a charge to fiscal
    1996 net earnings of $7 million.
    
 
   
(h) EBITDA represents income (loss) before provision for income taxes, minority
    interest, extraordinary item, and cumulative effect of accounting change,
    plus interest expense and special charges, depreciation and amortization
    expense and other one-time and non-cash charges, less gains (losses) on
    sales of assets and the results of the Divested Operations. EBITDA should
    not be considered in isolation from and is not presented as an alternative
    measure of operating income or cash flow from operations (both as determined
    in accordance with GAAP). For fiscal 1995, EBITDA excludes $26 million
    received in connection with a terminated transaction, $4 million paid by the
    Company to terminate its alliance with Pacific Coast Producers ("PCP") and
    $7 million related to the termination of a management equity plan. For
    fiscal 1996, other one-time charges included $3 million for relocation costs
    and $6 million of costs associated with a significant headcount reduction.
    For fiscal 1997, EBITDA excludes $47 million of expenses incurred in
    connection with the Recapitalization and $7 million related to the write-off
    of a long-term asset. Pro forma one-time charges for the year ended June 30,
    1997 include $7 million related to the write-off of a long-term asset and $9
    million related to the application of purchase accounting in connection with
    the Contadina Acquisition. For the six months ended December 31, 1997, one-
    time charges consisted of $7 million of certain indirect expenses incurred
    in connection with the Contadina Acquisition (such amount has been excluded
    from the pro forma results of that period). EBITDA margin is calculated as
    EBITDA as a percentage of net sales, (excluding net sales of Divested
    Operations of $417 million, $233 million and $48 million for the years ended
    June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively and $35 million for the six
    months ended December 31, 1996).
    
 
   
(i) Depreciation and amortization exclude amortization of $5 million, $5 million
    and $5 million of deferred debt issuance costs for fiscal 1995, 1996 and
    1997, respectively. Depreciation and amortization exclude amortization of $3
    million and $2 million of deferred debt issuance costs in the six-month
    periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Pro forma
    depreciation and amortization exclude amortization of $5 million and $2
    million of pro forma deferred debt issuance costs for fiscal 1997 and for
    the six-month period ended December 31, 1997, respectively.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   19
 
   
                 SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF CONTADINA
    
 
   
     The following table presents summary historical financial data of Contadina
for purchased product lines for the year ended December 31, 1996, the period
from January 1, 1997 through December 18, 1997 derived from the audited
financial statements for those periods, and summary financial data for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997.
    
 
   
     Contadina was not operated as a separate business unit and, as such, it did
not have regularly prepared financial statements. The Company has obtained and
prepared financial information of Contadina for the year ended December 31,
1996, the period ended December 18, 1997 and the nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         NINE MONTHS
                                                                                            ENDED
                                                                     JANUARY 1, 1997    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                   YEAR ENDED            THROUGH        -------------
                                                DECEMBER 31, 1996   DECEMBER 18, 1997   1996    1997
                                                -----------------   -----------------   -----   -----
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>                 <C>     <C>
Net sales....................................         $160                $162          $112    $108
Cost of sales(a).............................          151                 163           108     112
                                                      ----                ----          ----    ----
     Gross margin............................            9                  (1)            4      (4)
Selling, advertising, administrative and
  general expenses(b)........................           20                  26            19      19
                                                      ----                ----          ----    ----
Operating loss...............................          (11)                (27)          (15)    (23)
Interest expense.............................            6                   6             4       4
                                                      ----                ----          ----    ----
     Net loss before taxes...................         $(17)               $(33)         $(19)   $(27)
                                                      ====                ====          ====    ====
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and amortization................         $ 12                $ 13          $  8    $  8
Capital expenditures.........................           10                   8             7       7
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(a)  Cost of sales included royalty expense of $5 million for both the year
     ended December 31, 1996 and the period ended December 18, 1997 and $3
     million for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and
     1997. Under a royalty agreement with Nestle S.A., royalties were charged
     for the license of the Contadina trademarks. This expense will not be
     incurred as part of the on-going operations of Contadina subsequent to the
     date of the Contadina Acquisition. Cost of sales also included an
     allocation from Nestle for certain fixed distribution costs which included,
     without limitation, costs of utilizing outside storage facilities and costs
     for utilizing centralized distribution and storage facilities of $5
     million, $7 million, $5 million and $5 million for the year ended December
     31, 1996, the period ended December 18, 1997, and the nine-month periods
     ended September 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Company believes that,
     as part of on-going operations of Contadina subsequent to the acquisition,
     it will experience distribution costs of a similar nature to those
     allocated by Nestle in its cost allocation but at a significantly reduced
     level; however, no assurances can be given in this regard.
    
 
   
(b)  Selling, advertising, administrative and general expenses included an
     allocation from Nestle for marketing and other general expenses which
     included, without limitation, all selling costs, including direct sales
     force and brokerage expenses; and general and administrative costs
     associated with support services such as finance, legal, human resources
     and information systems. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the period
     ended December 18, 1997, and the nine-month periods ended September 30,
     1996 and 1997, allocated marketing expense was $8 million, $10 million, $7
     million and $8 million, respectively. The Company believes that it will
     experience operating costs of a similar nature to those charged by Nestle
     in its cost allocations, but at a significantly reduced level; however, no
     assurances can be given in this regard. Other general expenses allocated by
     Nestle were $4 million, $10 million, $7 million and $8 million for the year
     ended December 31, 1996, the period ended December 18, 1997, and the
     nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
    
 
   
(c)  Interest expense represents an allocation charged to Contadina by Nestle
     based on the end-of-month working capital balance at an intercompany rate
     equal to 7% for all periods.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   20
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
   
     Before tendering their Initial Notes for the Exchange Notes offered hereby,
holders of Initial Notes and prospective purchasers of the Notes should
carefully consider all the information contained and incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus including the principal risk factors set forth below:
    
 
CONSEQUENCES OF EXCHANGE AND FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
     Holders of Initial Notes who do not exchange their Initial Notes for
Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer of such Initial Notes as set forth in the legend
thereon as a consequence of the issuance of the Initial Notes pursuant to
exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In
general, the Initial Notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under
the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to an
exemption therefrom. The Company does not intend to register the Initial Notes
under the Securities Act. In addition, any holder of Initial Notes who tenders
in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the
Exchange Notes may be deemed to have received restricted securities and, if so,
will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. To
the extent Initial Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the
trading market, if any, for the Initial Notes could be adversely affected. See
"The Exchange Offer."
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE; ABILITY TO SERVICE DEBT
 
   
     The Company is highly leveraged. As of December 31, 1997, after giving
effect to the Contadina Acquisition and related financings, the Company had
approximately $1.4 billion of indebtedness (including trade payables) and its
stockholders' equity (deficit) was $(368) million. In addition, subject to the
restrictions contained in the Bank Financing, the DMC Notes and the Indenture,
the Company and its subsidiaries may incur additional senior or other
indebtedness from time to time to finance acquisitions or capital expenditures
or for other general corporate purposes. As a result of seasonal working capital
requirements, the Company's borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility will
fluctuate significantly during the year, generally peaking in September and
October. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
    
 
   
     The degree to which the Company is leveraged could have important
consequences to the Holders of the Notes, including, but not limited to, the
following: (i) the Company's ability to obtain additional financing in the
future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general
corporate or other purposes may be impaired; (ii) a significant portion of the
Company's cash flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of
principal and interest on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available
to the Company for its operations; (iii) significant amounts of the Company's
borrowings, including all borrowings under the Bank Financing, will be at
variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expense; (iv)
the Indenture, the DMC Notes and the Bank Financing contain financial and/or
restrictive covenants, the failure to comply with which may result in an event
of default which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect
on the Company; (v) the indebtedness outstanding under the Bank Financing is
secured and matures prior to the maturity of the Notes; (vi) the DMC Notes
mature prior to the maturity of the Notes; (vii) the Company may be
substantially more leveraged than certain of its competitors, which may place
the Company at a competitive disadvantage; and (viii) the Company's substantial
degree of leverage may limit its flexibility to adjust to changing market
conditions, reduce its ability to withstand competitive pressures and make it
more vulnerable to a downturn in general economic conditions or its business.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," "Description of Existing Indebtedness" and "Description of the
Notes."
    
 
     The Company's ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance its debt
obligations will depend upon its future financial and operating performance,
which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business
and other factors, certain of which are beyond its control. There can be no
assurance that the Company's operating results, cash flow and capital resources
will be sufficient for payment of its
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   21
 
indebtedness in the future. In the absence of such operating results and
resources, the Company could face substantial liquidity problems and might be
required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet its debt service
and other obligations, and there can be no assurance as to the timing of such
sales or the proceeds that the Company could realize therefrom. In addition,
because the Company's obligations under the Bank Financing bear interest at
floating rates, an increase in interest rates could adversely affect, among
other things, the Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations. The
Company will be required to make scheduled principal payments under the Bank
Financing commencing in the third quarter of fiscal 1998. If the Company is
unable to service its indebtedness, it will be forced to adopt an alternative
strategy that may include actions such as reducing or delaying planned expansion
and capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing its
indebtedness or seeking additional equity capital. There can be no assurance
that any of these strategies could be effected on satisfactory terms, if at all.
 
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE; LIMITATIONS ON ACCESS TO CASH FLOW
 
   
     DMFC is a holding company with no substantial business operations or assets
(other than the capital stock of DMC) of its own. DMFC's assets consist
primarily of its ownership interests in DMC. The Notes will be effectively
subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of
DMFC's subsidiaries because DMFC's right to receive the assets of any such
affiliates upon their liquidation or reorganization will be subordinated by
operation of law to the claims of such subsidiaries' creditors (including trade
creditors), except to the extent that DMFC is itself recognized as a creditor of
any such affiliate, in which case the claims of DMFC would still be subordinated
to any indebtedness of such affiliate that is senior in right of payment to
DMFC's claim. DMFC's subsidiaries have substantial indebtedness and other
liabilities. As of December 31, 1997, DMFC's subsidiaries had $1.3 billion of
indebtedness outstanding (including trade payables). The instruments governing
indebtedness of the Company, including, without limitation, the DMC Notes and
the Bank Financing, severely limit the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to
distribute to the Company any cash or other assets, which could materially and
adversely affect the ability of the Company to service the Notes, when they
require payment of interest in cash commencing June 15, 2003, upon acceleration,
at maturity or otherwise. If the Company is unable to service its obligations on
the Notes as required, it may have to refinance the Notes or otherwise raise
additional funding with regard to which there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to do so on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition,
future borrowings by the Company's subsidiaries can be expected to contain
further restrictions or prohibitions on the payment of dividends by such
subsidiaries to DMFC. See "Description of the Notes."
    
 
   
COMPETITION
    
 
   
     While many companies compete in the domestic canned vegetable, fruit and
tomato product categories, only a small number of well-established companies
operate on both a national and a regional basis with single or multiple branded
product lines. The Company faces substantial competition throughout its product
lines from these and other companies. Certain of these competitors have greater
financial resources and flexibility than the Company. Several of the Company's
product lines are sensitive to competition from regional brands and many of the
Company's product lines compete with imports, private label products and fresh
alternatives. While no single private label competitor has greater market share
than the Company in its principal product categories, for the 52 weeks ended
December 27, 1997, private label competition as a group represented 42.7%, 40.5%
and 30.0% of canned vegetable, fruit and solid tomato product sales,
respectively. Furthermore, the Company cannot predict the pricing or promotional
actions by its competitors or their effects on the Company's ability to market
and sell its products. There can be no assurance that the Company's sales volume
or market shares would not be adversely affected by negative consumer reaction
to its higher prices. The categories of the canned food industry in which the
Company competes have in the past been affected by processing over-capacity.
Although the Company believes that recent consolidation among certain
participants in those categories may result in capacity rationalization, there
can be no assurance that the Company's results will not be adversely affected by
industry over-capacity in the future or that crop supply levels will not change
so as to create an imbalance of supply and demand in future periods.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   22
 
   
RISKS RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF BUSINESS STRATEGY
    
 
   
     The Company's ability to implement its business strategy and improve its
operating results will depend in part on its ability to realize substantial cost
savings through operating efficiencies and to achieve additional penetration and
market share for its high margin products. No assurance can be given that the
Company will be able to achieve such goals or that, in implementing cost saving
measures, it will not impair its ability to respond rapidly or efficiently to
changes in the competitive environment.
    
 
   
RISKS RELATING TO CONTADINA
    
 
   
     Contadina was not operated as a separate business unit and, as such, it did
not have regularly prepared financial statements. Contadina's books and records
have been audited only for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and the
period ended December 18, 1997. Financial information presented herein
concerning Contadina's other periods has of necessity required estimation by the
Company and must therefore not be relied upon to a material extent.
    
 
     The Contadina Acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method.
This accounting treatment requires all purchased assets to be recorded on the
Company's books based upon their fair value. Accordingly, the inventory of
Contadina acquired in the Contadina Acquisition was recorded on the Company's
books at fair value (generally higher than the recorded cost). The Company
expects to report a lower gross margin upon future sales of the revalued
inventory.
 
   
     The full benefits of the acquisition of Contadina's assets will require the
coordination of operations, the implementation of appropriate operational,
financial and management systems and controls in order to operate effectively
and efficiently, and the integration of the Contadina business into the
Company's administrative, finance and marketing organizations. This will require
substantial attention from the Company's management team. The diversion of
management attention, as well as any other difficulties which may be encountered
in the transition and integration process, could have an adverse impact on the
revenue and operating results of the Company. In addition, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in integrating the operations of
Contadina, or that any planned benefits will be realized.
    
 
   
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND NATURAL DISASTERS
    
 
   
     Severe weather conditions and natural disasters, such as floods, droughts,
frosts or earthquakes, may affect the supply of one or more of the Company's
products. For example, the Company's peach and pear growing regions experienced
a compressed summer 1997 harvesting season due to adverse weather. This
shortened time frame for harvesting caused an increase in the use of cold
storage for peaches and pears until processing capacity became available. In
addition, smaller fruit size lowered raw product recoveries and cooler weather
than normal resulted in late plantings for some vegetables, lower field yields
and lower recoveries. Furthermore, competing manufacturers of canned vegetable,
fruit or tomato products may be affected differently depending on the location
of their principal sources of supply. If the supply of any of the Company's
products is adversely affected by weather conditions, there can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient supplies from other sources.
In particular, the Company's tomato and fruit production is concentrated in the
San Joaquin Valley of California. In the winter of 1997-98, certain areas in
California, including some of the Company's growing regions, have experienced
substantial rainfall as a result of the "El Nino" phenomenon. The Company does
not believe at this time that such weather conditions will have a material
adverse effect on the 1998 harvesting season or on the Company's results of
operations. Historically, significant weather-related shortages in fruit,
vegetable and tomato harvests have resulted in price increases that have offset
increases in raw product costs and reductions in sales volumes. Nevertheless, no
assurance can be given that, if such adverse weather conditions persist, the
harvesting season will not be delayed or otherwise adversely affected with
consequent adverse effects on the Company's cost of goods sold, inventory and
sales.
    
 
   
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION; ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
    
 
   
     As a result of its agricultural, food processing and canning activities,
the Company is subject to numerous foreign and domestic environmental laws and
regulations. Many of these laws and regulations, both foreign
    
                                       17
<PAGE>   23
 
   
and domestic, are becoming increasingly stringent and compliance with them is
becoming increasingly expensive. The Company has been named as a potentially
responsible party ("PRP") and may be liable for environmental investigation and
remediation costs at certain designated "Superfund Sites" under the federal
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
("CERCLA"), as amended or under similar state laws. Based on available
information, the Company is defending itself in these actions as appropriate,
and believes that none of the matters will have a material adverse impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations. There can be no assurance
that the Company's defenses will prevail in any litigation with respect to the
foregoing, that the Company's financial condition will not be adversely affected
by the imposition of liability for Superfund or other contaminated sites for
which the Company has been named as a PRP or that the Company will not be
identified as a PRP at additional sites in the future or that additional
remediation requirements will not be imposed on properties currently or
previously owned or operated by the Company. In addition, there can be no
assurance that other sites to which the Company has sent waste will not be
identified for investigation or proposed for listing under CERCLA or similar
state laws. In addition, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the
Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(the "EPA") is involved in a series of actions relating to the evaluation and
use of pesticides in the food industry, and there can be no assurance that the
effect of such actions and any future actions on the availability of pesticides
would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position or
results of operations. See "Business -- Governmental Regulation" and
"-- Environmental Compliance."
    
 
   
CONTROL BY TPG
    
 
     TPG and its affiliates, through their ownership of the voting stock or
through other contractual arrangements, control the Company and have the power
to elect all directors of the Company, approve all amendments to the Company's
charter documents and effect fundamental corporate transactions such as mergers
and asset sales. See "Capital Stock of DMFC."
 
   
     The Company currently has, and will continue to have, contractual
relationships with TPG, including a Transaction Advisory Agreement and a
Management Advisory Agreement, each relating to certain services to be provided
by TPG to the Company. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
    
 
LIMITATION ON CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon a Change of Control, (i) the Company will have the option, at any time
prior to December 15, 2002, to redeem the Notes, in whole but not in part, at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the
Applicable Premium, through the date of redemption, and (ii) if the Company does
not so redeem the Notes or if such Change of Control occurs after December 15,
2002, each Holder of the Notes will have the right to require the Company to
repurchase such Holder's Notes at a price equal to 101% of the Accreted Value
thereof to the date of repurchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The
Change of Control purchase feature of the Notes may in certain circumstances
discourage or make more difficult a sale or takeover of the Company. In
particular, a Change of Control of the Company or certain of its subsidiaries
may cause an acceleration of, or require an offer to repurchase under, the DMC
Notes and other indebtedness, if any, in which case such indebtedness would be
required to be repaid in full before repurchase of the Notes. See "Description
of Existing Indebtedness" and "Description of the Notes -- Change of Control."
The inability to repay such indebtedness, if accelerated, and to purchase all of
the tendered Notes would constitute an event of default under the Indenture.
There can be no assurance that the Company will have funds available to
repurchase the Notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control.
 
RESTRICTIVE DEBT COVENANTS
 
   
     The Company is subject to a number of significant covenants that, among
other things, restrict the ability of the Company to dispose of assets, incur
additional indebtedness, incur guarantee obligations, repay other indebtedness
or amend other debt instruments, pay dividends, create liens on assets, enter
into capital leases, make investments, loans or advances, make acquisitions,
engage in mergers or consolidations, make capital expenditures, engage in
certain transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates and otherwise restrict
corporate
    
                                       18
<PAGE>   24
 
   
activities. In addition, under the Bank Financing, the Company is required to
comply with specified financial ratios and tests, including minimum EBITDA,
minimum net worth, minimum fixed charge coverage and maximum leverage ratios.
Substantially all of the assets of the Company have been pledged to secure the
Indebtedness of the Company. See "Description of Existing Indebtedness" and
"Description of the Notes."
    
 
   
     Compliance with such restrictions could impair the Company's ability to
fund its capital expenditures on a timely basis. Moreover, the Company's ability
to comply with such covenants may be affected by events beyond its control,
including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of
any of such covenants could result in a default, which would permit the
acceleration of such indebtedness and the termination of the commitments of the
Company's senior lenders to make further extensions of credit. Such senior
lenders could also foreclose against collateral securing indebtedness owed them.
    
 
   
BRAND RISK
    
 
   
     The Company has licensed the Del Monte brand name to various unaffiliated
companies internationally and, for certain products, within the United States.
The common stock and certain debt securities of one licensee, Fresh Del Monte
Produce N.V., are publicly traded. Acts or omissions by these unaffiliated
companies may adversely affect the value of the Del Monte brand name or the
market prices for the Exchange Notes. In addition, press and other third party
announcements or rumors relating to any of these licensees may affect the market
prices for the Exchange Notes even though the events announced or rumored may
not relate to the Company.
    
 
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
 
     The Initial Notes were issued at a substantial discount from their
principal amount at maturity. For United States Federal income tax purposes, the
difference between the issue price (the initial price at which the Initial Notes
are sold) and the stated principal amount at maturity of each Note constitutes
original issue discount ("Original Issue Discount"). Holders of the Notes will
be required to include Original Issue Discount in income periodically over the
term of the Notes before receipt of the cash or other payment attributable to
such income.
 
     For United States Federal income tax purposes, each Holder of a Note must
generally include in gross income a portion of the Original Issue Discount in
each taxable year during which the Note is held in an amount equal to the
Original Issue Discount that accrues on the Note during such period, determined
by using a constant yield to maturity method. The Original Issue Discount
included in income for each year will be calculated under a compounding formula
that will result in the allocation of less Original Issue Discount to the
earlier years of the term of the Note and more Original Issue Discount to later
years. Any amount included in income as Original Issue Discount will increase a
Holder's tax basis in the Note.
 
ABSENCE OF A PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     Prior to the Exchange Offer there was no public market for the Exchange
Notes. If such a market were to develop, the Exchange Notes could trade at
prices that may be higher or lower than their Accreted Value. The Company does
not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange
or for quotation of the Exchange Notes on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National
Market or otherwise. The Company has been advised by the Initial Purchasers that
they currently intend to make a market in the Exchange Notes, as permitted by
applicable laws and regulations, after consummation of the Exchange Offer. The
Initial Purchasers are not obligated, however, to make a market in the Exchange
Notes, and any such market making activity may be discontinued at any time
without notice at the sole discretion of the Initial Purchasers. There can be no
assurance as to the liquidity of the public market for the Exchange Notes or
that any active public market for the Exchange Notes will develop or continue.
If an active public market does not develop or continue, the market price and
liquidity of the Exchange Notes may be adversely affected.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   25
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement entered into between DMFC and the Initial Purchasers as of December
17, 1997 (the "Registration Rights Agreement") does not purport to be complete
and reference is made to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement,
which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and a copy of
which is available as set forth under the heading "Available Information."
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
  General
 
     In connection with the issuance of the Initial Notes pursuant to a Purchase
Agreement dated as of December 9, 1997, by and among DMFC and the Initial
Purchasers, the Initial Purchasers and their respective assignees became
entitled to the benefits of the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
     Under the Registration Rights Agreement, DMFC are required to file within
75 days after December 19, 1997 (the date the Contadina Acquisition closed (the
"Acquisition Date")) the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part for a registered exchange offer with respect to an issue of new notes
identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes except that the new
notes shall contain no restrictive legend thereon. Under the Registration Rights
Agreement, DMFC is required to use its best efforts to (i) cause the
Registration Statement to become effective within 150 days after the Acquisition
Date, (ii) keep the Exchange Offer open for at least 30 days (or longer if
required by applicable law) after the date that notice of the Exchange Offer is
mailed to holders of the Initial Notes and (iii) consummate the Exchange Offer
on or prior to the 30th day following the date on which the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the Commission. The Exchange Offer being made
hereby, if commenced and consummated within the time periods described in this
paragraph, will satisfy those requirements under the Registration Rights
Agreement.
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the Letter of Transmittal, all Initial Notes validly tendered and not
withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date will be
accepted for exchange. Exchange Notes of the same class will be issued in
exchange for an equal principal amount of outstanding Initial Notes accepted in
the Exchange Offer. Initial Notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of
$1,000. This Prospectus, together with the Letter of Transmittal, is being sent
to all registered holders as of                            , 1998. The Exchange
Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of Initial Notes
being tendered in exchange. However, the obligation to accept Initial Notes for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions as set
forth herein under "-- Conditions."
 
     Initial Notes shall be deemed to have been accepted as validly tendered
when, as and if the Trustee has given oral or written notice thereof to the
Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering holders
of Initial Notes for the purposes of receiving the Exchange Notes and delivering
Exchange Notes to such holders.
 
     Based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission, as set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, including the Exchange Offer
No-Action Letters, DMFC believes that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the
Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by
each holder thereof (other than a broker-dealer who acquires such Exchange Notes
directly from DMFC for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or
any other available exemption under the Securities Act and other than any holder
that is an "affiliate" (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of
DMFC) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired
in the ordinary course of such holder's business and such holder is not engaged
in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of such Exchange Notes and
has no arrangement with any person to participate in a distribution of such
Exchange Notes. By tendering the Initial Notes in exchange for Exchange Notes,
each holder, other than a broker-dealer, will represent to DMFC that: (i) any
Exchange Notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of
its business; (ii) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a
distribution of such Exchange Notes and has no arrangement
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   26
 
or understanding to participate in a distribution of the Exchange Notes; and
(iii) it is not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act)
of DMFC. If a holder of Initial Notes is engaged in or intends to engage in a
distribution of the Exchange Notes or has any arrangement or understanding with
respect to the distribution of the Exchange Notes to be acquired pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, such holder may not rely on the applicable interpretations of
the staff of the Commission and must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any secondary
resale transaction. Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Exchange
Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that
it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange
Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes
received in exchange for Initial Notes where such Initial Notes were acquired by
such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities. DMFC has agreed that it will make this Prospectus
available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for a period of time not to exceed
180 days after the Registration Statement is declared effective (subject to
extension under certain circumstances) for use in connection with any such
resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
     In the event that (i) any changes in law or the applicable interpretations
of the staff of the Commission do not permit DMFC to effect the Exchange Offer,
(ii) the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 180 days of the Acquisition
Date, (iii) in certain circumstances, certain holders of unregistered Exchange
Notes so request, or (iv) in the case of any of holder of Initial Notes that
participates in the Exchange Offer, such holder does not receive Exchange Notes
on the date of the exchange that may be sold without restriction under the
federal securities laws (other than due solely to the status of such holder as
an affiliate of DMFC within the meaning of the Securities Act), then in the case
of clauses (i) through (iv) of this sentence, DMFC shall (x) promptly deliver to
the holders of Initial Notes and the Trustee written notice thereof and (y) at
their sole expense, (a) as promptly as practicable, file with the Commission a
shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement") covering
resales of the Initial Notes, (b) use their best efforts to cause the Shelf
Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act and (c)
use their best efforts to keep effective the Shelf Registration Statement until
the earlier of two years after Issue Date (subject to extension under certain
circumstances) or such time as all of the applicable Initial Notes have been
sold thereunder. DMFC will, in the event that a Shelf Registration Statement is
filed, provide to each holder of the Initial Notes copies of the prospectus that
is a part of the Shelf Registration Statement, notify each such holder when the
Shelf Registration Statement has become effective and take certain other actions
as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the Exchange Notes. A holder
that sells Initial Notes pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement will be
required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and
to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil
liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and
will be bound by the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement that are
applicable to such a holder (including certain indemnification rights and
obligations).
 
     If DMFC fails to comply with the above provision or if the Registration
Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement (in the event the Shelf
Registration Statement is required to be filed pursuant to the circumstances
described above) fails to become effective, then, as liquidated damages,
additional interest (the "Additional Interest" or "Liquidated Damages") shall
become payable in respect of the Initial Notes as follows:
 
          (i) if (A) neither the Registration Statement nor the Shelf
     Registration Statement is filed with the Commission within 75 days
     following the Acquisition Date or (B) notwithstanding that DMFC has
     consummated or will consummate an Exchange Offer, DMFC is required to file
     a Shelf Registration Statement and such Shelf Registration Statement is not
     filed on or prior to the date required by the Registration Rights
     Agreement, then commencing on the day after either such required filing
     date, Additional Interest shall accrue on the Accreted Value (determined
     pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement) of the Initial Notes at a
     rate of .50% per annum for the first 90 days immediately following
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   27
 
     each such filing date, such Additional Interest rate increasing by an
     additional .50% per annum at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day
     period; or
 
          (ii) if (A) neither the Registration Statement nor a Shelf
     Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission within 150
     days following the Acquisition Date or (B) notwithstanding that DMFC has
     consummated or will consummate an Exchange Offer, DMFC is required to file
     a Shelf Registration Statement and such Shelf Registration Statement is not
     declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the 150th day following
     the Acquisition Date, then, commencing on the day after either such
     required effective date, Additional Interest shall accrue on the Accreted
     Value (determined pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement) of the
     Initial Notes at a rate of .50% per annum for the first 90 days immediately
     following such date, such Additional Interest rate increasing by an
     additional .50% per annum at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day
     period; or
 
          (iii) if (A) DMFC has not exchanged Exchange Notes for all Initial
     Notes validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer
     on or prior to the 30th day after the date on which the Registration
     Statement was declared effective or (B) if applicable, the Shelf
     Registration Statement has been declared effective and such Shelf
     Registration Statement ceases to be effective at any time prior to the
     second anniversary of the Issue Date (other than after such time as all
     Initial Notes have been disposed of thereunder), then Additional Interest
     shall accrue on the Accreted Value (determined pursuant to the Registration
     Rights Agreement) of the Initial Notes at a rate of .50% per annum for the
     first 90 days commencing on (x) the 30th day after such effective date, in
     the case of (A) above, or (y) the day such Shelf Registration Statement
     ceases to be effective in the case of (B) above, such Additional Interest
     rate increasing by an additional .50% per annum at the beginning of each
     subsequent 90-day period;
 
provided, however, that the Additional Interest rate on the Initial Notes may
not exceed in the aggregate 1.0% per anum; provided, further, however, that (1)
upon the filing of the Registration Statement or a Shelf Registration Statement
(in the case of clause (i) above), (2) upon the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or a Shelf Registration Statement (in the case of clause
(ii) above), or (3) upon the exchange of Exchange Notes for all Initial Notes
tendered (in the case of clause (iii)(A) above), or upon the effectiveness of
the Shelf Registration Statement which had ceased to remain effective (in the
case of clause (iii)(B) above), Additional Interest on the Initial Notes as a
result of such clause (or the relevant subclause thereof), as the case may be,
shall cease to accrue.
 
     Any amounts of Additional Interest due pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or
(iii) above will be payable in cash on the original interest payment dates
specified with respect to the Initial Notes.
 
     Upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, subject to certain exceptions,
holders of Initial Notes who do not exchange their Initial Notes for Exchange
Notes in the Exchange Offer will no longer be entitled to registration rights
and will not be able to offer or sell their Initial Notes, unless such Initial
Notes are subsequently registered under the Securities Act (which, subject to
certain limited exceptions, the Company will have no obligation to do), except
pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. See "Risk
Factors -- Consequences of Exchange and Failure to Exchange."
 
  Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination
 
     The term "Expiration Date" shall mean             , 1998 (30 calendar days
following the commencement of the Exchange Offer), unless the Exchange Offering
is extended if and as required by applicable law, in which case the term
"Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is
extended.
 
     In order to extend the Expiration Date, the Company will notify the
Exchange Agent of any extension by oral or written notice and may notify the
holders of the Initial Notes by means of mail of an announcement or by means of
a press release or other public announcement prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City
time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   28
 
     DMFC reserves the right (i) to delay acceptance of any Initial Notes, to
extend the Exchange Offer or to terminate the Exchange Offer and not permit
acceptance of Initial Notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set
forth herein under "-- Conditions" shall have occurred and shall not have been
waived by DMFC (if permitted to be waived), by giving oral or written notice of
such delay, extension or termination to the Exchange Agent, or (ii) to amend the
terms of the Exchange Offer in any manner deemed by it to be advantageous to the
holders of the Initial Notes. Any such delay in acceptance, extension,
termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or
written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent. If the Exchange Offer is amended
in a manner determined by DMFC to constitute a material change, DMFC will
promptly disclose such amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the
holders of the Initial Notes of such amendment.
 
     Without limiting the manner in which DMFC may choose to make public
announcement of any delay, extension, amendment or termination of the Exchange
Offer, DMFC shall have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise
communicate any such public announcement.
 
  Interest on the Exchange Notes
 
     The Exchange Notes will accrue interest payable in cash at the applicable
per annum rate set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, from (A) the
later of (i) the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the
Initial Notes surrendered in exchange therefor or (ii) if the Initial Notes are
surrendered for exchange on a date subsequent to the record date for an interest
payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to which
interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment or (B) if no interest
has been paid on the Initial Notes, from December 15, 2002. Interest on the
Exchange Notes is payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year commencing
June 15, 2003.
 
  Procedures for Tendering
 
     To tender in the Exchange Offer, a holder must complete, sign and date the
Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have the signatures thereon
guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal, and mail or otherwise
deliver such Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile, or an Agent's Message
together with the Initial Notes and any other required documents, to the
Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
In addition, either (i) certificates for such Initial Notes must be received by
the Exchange Agent along with the Letter of Transmittal, (ii) a timely
confirmation of a book-entry transfer (a "Book-Entry Confirmation") of such
Initial Notes, if such procedure is available, into the Exchange Agent's account
at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility" or "DTC")
pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below, must be
received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date or (iii) the holder
must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below. THE METHOD
OF DELIVERY OF INITIAL NOTES, LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDERS. INSTEAD OF DELIVERY BY
MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT HOLDERS USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND-DELIVERY SERVICE.
IF SUCH DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT REGISTERED MAIL, PROPERLY
INSURED, WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME
SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY. NO LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL OR
INITIAL NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMPANY. Delivery of all documents must be
made to the Exchange Agent at its address set forth below. Holders may also
request their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or
nominees to effect such tender for such holders.
 
     The term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility to, and received by, the Exchange Agent and forming a part of
a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that such Book-Entry Transfer Facility
has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in such Book-Entry
Transfer Facility tendering Initial Notes which are the subject of such
Book-Entry Conformation that such participant has received and agrees to be
bound by the terms of the Letter of Transmittal, and that DMFC may enforce such
agreement against such participant.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   29
 
     The tender by a holder of Initial Notes will constitute an agreement
between such holder and DMFC in accordance with the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Only a holder of Initial Notes may tender such Initial Notes in the
Exchange Offer. The term "holder" with respect to the Exchange Offer means any
person in whose name Initial Notes are registered on the books of DMFC or any
other person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the
registered holder.
 
     Any beneficial owner whose Initial Notes are registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such
registered holder to tender on his behalf. If such beneficial owner wishes to
tender on his own behalf, such beneficial owner must, prior to completing and
executing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering his Initial Notes, either
make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Initial Notes in such
owner's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time.
 
     Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the
case may be, must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national
securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the
United States or an "eligible guarantor" institution within the meaning of Rule
17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (each an "Eligible Institution") unless the
Initial Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered holder
(or by a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as
the owner) who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance
Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal
and the Exchange Notes are being issued directly to such registered holder (or
deposited into the participant's account at DTC) or (ii) for the account of an
Eligible Institution.
 
     If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the recordholder(s) of the
Initial Notes tendered thereby, the signature must correspond with the name(s)
written on the face of the Initial Notes without alteration, enlargement or any
change whatsoever. If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a participant in
DTC, the signature must correspond with the name as it appears on the security
position listing as the holder of the Initial Notes.
 
     If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of any Initial Notes listed therein, such Initial Notes must
be endorsed or accompanied by bond powers and a proxy which authorize such
person to tender the Initial Notes on behalf of the registered holder, in each
case as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on the Initial
Notes.
 
     If the Letter of Transmittal or any Initial Notes or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by DMFC, evidence
satisfactory to DMFC of their authority to so act must be submitted with the
Letter of Transmittal.
 
     A tender will be deemed to have been received as of the date when the
tendering holder's duly signed Letter of Transmittal accompanied by Initial
Notes (or a timely confirmation received of a book-entry transfer of Initial
Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC with an Agent's Message) or a
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery from an Eligible Institution is received by the
Exchange Agent. Issuances of Exchange Notes in exchange for Initial Notes
tendered pursuant to a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery by an Eligible Institution
will be made only against delivery of the Letter of Transmittal (and any other
required documents) and the tendered Initial Notes (or a timely confirmation
received of a book-entry transfer of Initial Notes into the Exchange Agent's
account at DTC) with the Exchange Agent.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of the tendered Initial Notes will be
determined by DMFC in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and
binding. DMFC reserves the absolute right to reject any and all Initial Notes
not properly tendered or any Initial Notes which, if accepted, would, in the
opinion of DMFC or its counsel, be unlawful. DMFC also reserves the absolute
right to waive any conditions of the Exchange Offer or irregularities or defects
in tender as to particular Initial Notes. DMFC's interpretation of the terms and
conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions in the Letter of
Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived,
                                       24
<PAGE>   30
 
any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Initial Notes must
be cured within such time as DMFC shall determine. Neither DMFC, the Exchange
Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of
defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Initial Notes, nor shall
any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders
of Initial Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such irregularities
have been cured or waived. Any Initial Notes received by the Exchange Agent that
are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not
been cured or waived will be returned without cost by the Exchange Agent to the
tendering holders of such Initial Notes, unless otherwise provided in the Letter
of Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the Expiration Date.
 
     In addition, DMFC reserves the right in its sole discretion, subject to the
provisions of the Indenture, to (i) purchase or make offers for any Initial
Notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the Expiration Date or, as set forth
under "-- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination," to terminate
the Exchange Offer in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights
Agreement and (ii) to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase Initial
Notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The
terms of any such purchases or offers could differ from the terms of the
Exchange Offer.
 
  Acceptance of Initial Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes
 
     Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the Exchange Offer,
all Initial Notes properly tendered will be accepted, promptly after the
Expiration Date, and the Exchange Notes will be issued promptly after acceptance
of the Initial Notes. See "-- Conditions" below. For purposes of the Exchange
Offer, Initial Notes shall be deemed to have been accepted as validly tendered
for exchange when, as and if DMFC has given oral or written notice thereof to
the Exchange Agent.
 
     In all cases, issuance of Exchange Notes for Initial Notes that are
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after
timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of certificates for such Initial Notes or a
timely Book-Entry Confirmation of such Initial Notes into the Exchange Agent's
account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, a properly completed and duly
executed Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents. If any tendered
Initial Notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and
conditions of the Exchange Offer or if Initial Notes are submitted for a greater
principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, such unaccepted or
nonexchanged Initial Notes will be returned without expense to the tendering
holder thereof (or, in the case of Initial Notes tendered by book-entry transfer
procedures described below, such nonexchanged Initial Notes will be credited to
an account maintained with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility) as promptly as
practicable after the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.
 
  Book-Entry Transfer
 
     The Exchange Agent will make a request to establish an account with respect
to the Initial Notes at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility for purposes of the
Exchange Offer within two business days after the date of this Prospectus. Any
financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's systems may make book-entry delivery of Initial Notes by causing the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such Initial Notes into the Exchange
Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility in accordance with such
Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures for transfer. However, although
delivery of Initial Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the
Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, an Agent's Message
or the Letter of Transmittal or facsimile thereof with any required signature
guarantees and any other required documents must, in any case, be transmitted to
and received by the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth below under
"-- Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date or the guaranteed
delivery procedures described below must be complied with. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
TO DTC DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. All references in
this Prospectus to deposit or delivery of Initial Notes shall be deemed to
include the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's book-entry delivery method.
 
  Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
 
     If a registered holder of the Initial Notes desires to tender such Initial
Notes, and the Initial Notes are not immediately available, or time will not
permit such holder's Initial Notes or other required documents to reach the
Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date, or the procedures for book-entry
transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis and an Agent's Message delivered,
a tender may be effected if (i) the tender is
                                       25
<PAGE>   31
 
made through an Eligible Institution, (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, the
Exchange Agent receives from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and
duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form provided by DMFC (by facsimile
transmission, mail or hand delivery), setting forth the name and address of the
holder of Initial Notes and the amount of Initial Notes tendered, stating that
the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within five business days
after the Expiration Date the certificates for all physically tendered Initial
Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case
may be, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal will be
deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent and (iii) the
certificates for all physically tendered Initial Notes, in proper form for
transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, and all other
documents required by the Letter of Transmittal are received by the Exchange
Agent within five business days after the Expiration Date.
 
  Withdrawal of Tenders
 
     Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Initial Notes may be
withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the business day
prior to the Expiration Date.
 
     For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be
received by the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the
business day prior to the Expiration Date at one of the addresses set forth
below under "-- Exchange Agent" and prior to acceptance for exchange thereof by
DMFC. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person
having tendered the Initial Notes to be withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii)
identify the Initial Notes to be withdrawn (including, if applicable, the
registration number or numbers and total principal amount of such Initial
Notes), (iii) be signed by the Depositor in the same manner as the original
signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which such Initial Notes were tendered
(including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of
transfer sufficient to permit the Trustee with respect to the Initial Notes to
register the transfer of such Initial Notes into the name of the Depositor
withdrawing the tender, (iv) specify the name in which any such Initial Notes
are to be registered, if different from that of the Depositor and (v) if
applicable because the Initial Notes have been tendered pursuant to the
book-entry procedures, specify the name and number of the participant's account
at DTC to be credited, if different than that of the Depositor. All questions as
to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such
notices will be determined by the Company, whose determination shall be final
and binding on all parties. Any Initial Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to
have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offer. Any
Initial Notes which have been tendered for exchange which are not exchanged for
any reason will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to such holder
(or, in the case of Initial Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the
Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the
book-entry transfer procedures described above, such Initial Notes will be
credited to an account maintained with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility for the
Initial Notes) as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or
termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Initial Notes may be
retendered by following one of the procedures described under "-- Procedures for
Tendering" and "-- Book-Entry Transfer" above at any time on or prior to the
Expiration Date.
 
CONDITIONS
 
     Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, Initial Notes will
not be required to be accepted for exchange, nor will Exchange Notes be issued
in exchange for any Initial Notes, and DMFC may terminate or amend the Exchange
Offer as provided herein before the acceptance of such Initial Notes, if because
of any change in law, or applicable interpretations thereof by the Commission,
DMFC determines that it is not permitted to effect the Exchange Offer. DMFC has
no obligation to, and will not knowingly, permit acceptance of tenders of
Initial Notes from affiliates of DMFC (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
Securities Act) or from any other holder or holders who are not eligible to
participate in the Exchange Offer under applicable law or interpretations
thereof by the Commission, or if the Exchange Notes to be received by such
holder or holders of Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer, upon receipt, will not
be tradable by such holder
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   32
 
without restriction under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and without
material restrictions under the "blue sky" or securities laws of substantially
all of the states of the United States.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     The Exchange Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the
Initial Notes, as reflected in the Company's accounting records on the date of
the exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting purposes will be
recognized by the Company. The costs of the Exchange Offer and the unamortized
expenses related to the issuance of the Initial Notes will be amortized over the
term of the Exchange Notes.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
     Bankers Trust Company has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange
Offer. Questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies
of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal should be directed to the
Exchange Agent addressed as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            By Mail                   By Overnight Mail or Courier:                       By Hand
            -------                   -----------------------------                       -------
<S>                              <C>                                      <C>
  BT Services Tennessee, Inc.          BT Services Tennessee, Inc.                 Bankers Trust Company
      Reorganization Unit           Corporate Trust and Agency Group         Corporate Trust and Agency Group
        P.O. Box 292737                    Reorganization Unit                   Receipt & Delivery Window
   Nashville, TN 37229-2737              648 Grassmere Park Road             123 Washington Street, 1st Floor
                                           Nashville, TN 37211                      New York, NY 10006
</TABLE>
 
                     Facsimile Transmission: (615) 835-3701
                      Confirm by Telephone: (615) 835-3572
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     The expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
borne by DMFC. The principal solicitation for tenders pursuant to the Exchange
Offer is being made by mail; however, additional solicitations may be made by
telegraph, telephone, telecopy or in person by officers and regular employees of
the Company.
 
     DMFC will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or other persons
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. DMFC, however, will pay the
Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse
the Exchange Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection
therewith. DMFC may also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding
copies of the Prospectus, Letters of Transmittal and related documents to the
beneficial owners of the Initial Notes, and in handling or forwarding tenders
for exchange.
 
     The expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer will be
paid by DMFC, including fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and Trustee and
accounting, legal, printing and related fees and expenses.
 
     DMFC will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of
Initial Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, certificates
representing Exchange Notes or Initial Notes for principal amounts not tendered
or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or
issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the
Initial Notes tendered, or if tendered Initial Notes are registered in the name
of any person other than the person signing the Letter of Transmittal, or if a
transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Initial Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes
(whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable
by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or
exemption therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount
of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   33
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     There will be no cash proceeds payable to the Company from the issuance of
the Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. In consideration for issuing
the Exchange Notes as contemplated in this Prospectus, the Company will receive
in exchange Initial Notes in like principal amount, the terms of which are
identical in all material respects to the Exchange Notes. The Initial Notes
surrendered in exchange for the Exchange Notes will be retired and cancelled and
cannot be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the Exchange Notes will not
result in any increase in the indebtedness of the Company.
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Company
at December 31, 1997 on an actual basis giving effect to the Contadina
Acquisition and related financings. This table should be read in conjunction
with the "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data" and "Selected Consolidated
Financial Data" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
                                                          -------------
                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                       <C>
Total debt, including current portion:
  Revolving Credit Facility(a)..........................      $ 153
  Term Loan Facility(b).................................        430
  12 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes of DMC..............        147
  12 1/2% Senior Discount Notes offered hereby..........        126
                                                              -----
          Total debt, including current portion.........        856
Redeemable preferred stock..............................         32
Stockholders' deficit...................................       (368)
                                                              -----
          Total capitalization..........................      $ 520
                                                              =====
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) The total capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility is $350 million. The
    purchase price of the Contadina Acquisition is subject to adjustment based
    on the final calculation of the net working capital as of the closing date.
    Any adjustment to the purchase price will result in a corresponding increase
    or decrease to the Revolving Credit Facility. See "Unaudited Pro Forma
    Financial Data" and "Description of Existing Indebtedness."
    
 
   
(b) The Company amended the existing loan documents to increase the amount of
    this facility by $50 million in order to consummate the Contadina
    Acquisition.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   34
 
                       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     On April 18, 1997, the Company completed the Recapitalization. In
connection with the Recapitalization, the Company repaid substantially all of
its funded debt obligations existing immediately before the Recapitalization. On
December 19, 1997, the Company acquired Contadina for $177 million plus an
estimated working capital adjustment of approximately $20 million. The purchase
price is subject to adjustment based on the final calculation of net working
capital as of the closing date for the Contadina Acquisition. The following
Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations were prepared by the Company as if
the Contadina Acquisition, the Recapitalization and related financings had
occurred as of July 1, 1996. The Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations do
not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations actually would
have been if the Contadina Acquisition, the Recapitalization and related
financings had occurred as of the dates indicated or what such results will be
for any future periods.
    
 
     The unaudited pro forma financial data are based on the historical
financial statements of the Company and the assumptions and adjustments
described in the accompanying notes. The Company believes that such assumptions
are reasonable. The unaudited pro forma financial data should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the
accompanying notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
     Contadina was not operated as a separate business unit and, as such, it did
not have regularly prepared financial statements. The Company has obtained and
prepared financial information of Contadina for the year ended December 31,
1996, the period ended December 18, 1997 and for the nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997. Due to the limited information available to the
Company, the Company has prepared the Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of
Operations for the year ended June 30, 1997 using Contadina historical financial
information for the 12-month period ended September 30, 1997 derived from the
audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1996 and unaudited
financial data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1997
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of
Operations for the six-month period ended December 31, 1997 reflects the
historical revenues and expenses of Contadina from July 1, 1997 through December
18, 1997. Such historical financial information includes allocations from Nestle
for certain operating costs including, without limitation, costs of utilizing
outside storage facilities; all selling costs including, without limitation,
direct sales force and brokerage expenses; costs for utilizing centralized
distribution and storage facilities; costs associated with marketing services;
and general and administrative costs associated with support services such as
finance, legal, human resources and information systems. The Company believes
that it will experience operating costs of a similar nature to those charged by
Nestle in its cost allocations but at a significantly reduced level; however, no
assurances can be given in this regard. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to
the Contadina Acquisition."
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   35
 
                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        HISTORICAL
                                              ------------------------------
                                                               CONTADINA(A)
                                                                  TWELVE
                                                DEL MONTE         MONTHS                        PRO FORMA
                                               YEAR ENDED         ENDED         PRO FORMA      YEAR ENDED
                                              JUNE 30, 1997   SEPT. 30, 1997   ADJUSTMENTS    JUNE 30, 1997
                                              -------------   --------------   -----------    -------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                           <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>
Net sales...................................     $1,217            $156           $ --           $1,373
Cost of sales (without inventory step-up)...        817             155            (19)(c)          953
Inventory step-up (d).......................         --              --              9                9
                                                 ------            ----           ----           ------
  Gross profit..............................        400               1             10              411
Selling, advertising, administrative and 
  general expenses..........................        327              20            (11)(e)          336
                                                 ------            ----           ----           ------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS).....................         73             (19)            21               75
Interest expense............................         52               6             35(f)            93
Loss on sale of divested assets.............          5              --             --                5
Other (income) expense......................         30              --            (22)(g)            8
                                                 ------            ----           ----           ------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND
  EXTRAORDINARY ITEM........................        (14)            (25)             8              (31)
Provision for income taxes..................         --              --             --               --
                                                 ------            ----           ----           ------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.....     $  (14)           $(25)          $  8           $  (31)
                                                 ======            ====           ====           ======
Other Data:
EBITDA (h):
  Operating income..........................     $   73                                          $   75
  Other expense.............................        (30)                                             (8)
  Depreciation and amortization (i).........         24                                              36
  One-time and non-cash charges (h).........         54                                              16
                                                 ------                                          ------
                                                 $  121                                          $  119
                                                 ======                                          ======
EBITDA margin (h)...........................       10.4%                                            9.0%
Capital expenditures........................         20                                              30
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(j).......         --                                              --
Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed            $   14                                          $   31
  charges(j)................................
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                            See accompanying notes.
    
                                       30
<PAGE>   36
 
                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
   
                       SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        HISTORICAL
                                                ---------------------------    PRO FORMA
                                                DEL MONTE   CONTADINA(A)(B)   ADJUSTMENTS    PRO FORMA
                                                ---------   ---------------   -----------    ---------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                             <C>         <C>               <C>            <C>
Net sales.....................................    $620           $ 92            $ --          $712
Cost of sales.................................     413             91             (16)(c)       488
                                                  ----           ----            ----          ----
     Gross profit.............................     207              1              16           224
Selling, advertising, administrative and 
  general expenses............................     162             13              12(e)        187
                                                  ----           ----            ----          ----
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS).......................      45            (12)              4            37
Interest expense..............................      36              3              10(f)         49
Other (income) expense........................       6             --              (7)(g)        (1)
                                                  ----           ----            ----          ----
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES.............       3            (15)              1           (11)
Provision for income taxes....................      --             --              --            --
                                                  ----           ----            ----          ----
INCOME (LOSS).................................    $  3           $(15)           $  1          $(11)
                                                  ====           ====            ====          ====
Other Data:
EBITDA (h):
     Operating income.........................    $ 45                                         $ 37
     Other income (expense)...................      (6)                                           1
     Depreciation and amortization (i)........      13                                           18
     One-time charges (h).....................       7                                           --
                                                  ----                                         ----
                                                    59                                           56
                                                  ====                                         ====
EBITDA margin(h)..............................     9.5%                                         7.9%
Capital expenditures..........................       6                                           11
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (j)........     1.1x                                          --
Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges       --                                         $ 11
  (j).........................................
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
                                       31
<PAGE>   37
 
             NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the
adjustments for the Contadina Acquisition, the Recapitalization and related
financings as if such events had occurred as of July 1, 1996.
    
 
   
(a) The historical financial information for Contadina for the 12-month period
    ended September 30, 1997 was derived from the audited financial statements
    and unaudited financial data appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
    historical financial data provided to the Company includes certain allocated
    expenses for functions and services provided by Nestle. Such allocated costs
    are comprised of, without limitation, costs of utilizing outside storage
    facilities; all selling costs including, without limitation, direct sales
    force and brokerage expenses; costs for utilizing centralized distribution
    and storage facilities; costs associated with marketing services; and
    general and administrative costs associated with support services such as
    finance, legal, human resources and information systems and interest
    expense. The additional operating cost allocations were $25 million and $17
    million; and the interest allocations were $6 million and $3 million for the
    12-month period ended September 30, 1997 and the six-month period ended
    December 31, 1997, respectively.
    
 
(b) Represents the historical revenue and expenses of Contadina from July 1,
    1997 through December 18, 1997.
 
(c) Adjustment to cost of sales reflects the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                      YEAR ENDED       ENDED
                                                       JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1997           1997
                                                      ----------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>
Reclassification of Contadina trade promotion
  costs.............................................     $(14)          $(13)
Elimination of royalties to Nestle for trademark
  license...........................................       (5)            (3)
                                                         ----           ----
                                                         $(19)          $(16)
                                                         ====           ====
</TABLE>
 
   
(d) Represents the cost of sales related to the sales of the inventory acquired
    from Contadina which was written-up by the Company to estimated fair value
    as part of the preliminary purchase price allocation relating to the
    Contadina acquisition.
    
 
(e) Adjustment to selling, advertising, administrative and general expenses
    reflect the following:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                      YEAR ENDED       ENDED
                                                       JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1997           1997
                                                      ----------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>
Reclassification of Contadina trade promotion
  costs.............................................     $ 14           $13
Exclusion of Recapitalization expenses(1)...........      (25)           --
Elimination of amortization of Nestle goodwill......       (1)           (1)
Amortization of intangible acquired.................        1            --
                                                         ----           ---
                                                         $(11)          $12
                                                         ====           ===
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
        (1) Expenses primarily related to management incentive payments.
    
 
   
(f) Represents pro forma interest adjustments due to debt incurred in connection
    with the Contadina Acquisition, interest adjustments for the pro forma
    interest related to the Recapitalization and the reversal of interest
    allocated from Nestle.
    
 
   
(g) For the year ended June 30, 1997, represents the exclusion of $22 million of
    expenses incurred in connection with the Recapitalization. For the six
    months ended December 31, 1997, represents exclusion of $7 million of
    certain indirect expenses incurred in connection with the Contadina
    Acquisition.
    
 
(h) EBITDA represents income (loss) before provision for income
    taxes,extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting change, plus
    interest expense and special charges, depreciation and amortization expense
    and other one-time and non-cash charges, less gains (losses) on sales of
    assets and the results of
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   38
 
   
the Divested Operations. Pro forma EBITDA represents income (loss) before
provision for income taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of
accounting change, plus interest expense and special charges, depreciation and
     amortization expense and other one-time and non-cash charges, less gains
     (losses) on sales of assets and the results of the Divested Operations.
     EBITDA is not presented as an alternative measure of operating income or
     cash flow from operations (both as determined in accordance with GAAP) but
     rather to provide additional information related to the ability to service
     debt. For fiscal 1997, historical one-time and non-cash charges exclude $47
     million of expenses incurred in connection with the Recapitalization and $7
     million related to the write-off of a long-term asset. For the year ended
     June 30, 1997, pro forma one-time and non-cash charges include $7 million
     related to the write-off of a long-term asset and $9 million related to the
     application of purchase accounting in connection with the Contadina
     Acquisition for fiscal 1997. For the six months ended December 31, 1997,
     historical one-time charges include $7 million of certain indirect expenses
     related to the Contadina Acquisition. EBITDA margin is calculated as EBITDA
     as a percentage of net sales (excluding net sales of Divested Operations of
     $48 million for the year ended June 30, 1997).
    
 
   
(i) Historical depreciation and amortization exclude amortization of $5 million
    and $2 million of deferred debt issue costs for fiscal 1997 and for the
    six-month period ended December 31, 1997, respectively. Pro forma
    depreciation and amortization exclude amortization of $5 million and $2
    million of pro forma deferred debt issue costs for fiscal 1997 and for the
    six-month period ended December 31, 1997, respectively.
    
 
   
(j) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the
    deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges, earnings are defined as
    income (loss) before extraordinary items, cumulative effect of accounting
    change and provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
    consist of interest expense on all indebtedness (including amortization of
    deferred debt issue costs) and the interest component of rent expense.
    
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   39
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following table sets forth historical consolidated financial
information of the Company. The historical unaudited financial data presented
below as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the six months then ended were
derived from interim consolidated financial statements of the Company as of such
dates which, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting
of only normal, recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of such
data and which have been prepared in accordance with the same accounting
principles followed in the presentation of the Company's audited financial
statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997. Operating results for the
six months ended December 31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of results to
be expected for the full fiscal year. The statement of operations data for each
of the fiscal years in the four-year period ended June 30, 1996 and the balance
sheet data as of June 30, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been derived from
consolidated financial statements of the Company audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors. The statement of operations data for the year ended June
30, 1997 and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 1997 have been derived from
consolidated financial statements of the Company audited by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, independent auditors. The table should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," the consolidated financial statements of the Company and related
notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   SIX MONTHS
                                                                                     ENDED
                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,            DECEMBER 31,
                                    ------------------------------------------   --------------
                                     1993     1994     1995     1996     1997    1996     1997
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales(a)......................  $1,556   $1,500   $1,527   $1,305   $1,217   $ 628   $  620
Cost of sales(a)..................   1,213    1,208    1,183      984      817     430      413
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
Gross profit......................     343      292      344      321      400     198      207
Selling, advertising,
  administrative and general
  expenses(a).....................     286      225      264      239      327(b)   156     162
Special charges(c)................     140       --       --       --       --      --       --
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
Operating income (loss)...........     (83)      67       80       82       73      42       45
Interest expense..................      68       61       76       67       52      26       36
Loss (gain) on sale of
  assets(d).......................     (13)     (13)      --     (107)       5       5       --
Other (income) expense(e).........       4        8      (11)       3       30      --        6
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
  minority interest, extraordinary
  item and cumulative effect of
  accounting change...............    (142)      11       15      119      (14)     11        3
Provision for income taxes........      10        3        2       11       --       2       --
Minority interest in earnings of
  subsidiary......................       8        5        1        3       --      --       --
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
  item and cumulative effect of
  accounting change...............    (160)       3       12      105      (14)      9        3
Extraordinary loss(f).............      --       --        7       10       42       4       --
Cumulative effect of accounting
  change(g).......................      28       --       --        7       --      --       --
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
Net income (loss).................  $ (188)  $    3   $    5   $   88   $  (56)  $   5   $    3
                                    ======   ======   ======   ======   ======   =====   ======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   40
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   SIX MONTHS
                                                                                     ENDED
                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,            DECEMBER 31,
                                    ------------------------------------------   --------------
                                     1993     1994     1995     1996     1997    1996     1997
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -----   ------
                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
OTHER DATA:
Gross margin(a)...................    22.0%    19.5%    22.5%    24.6%    32.9%   31.5%    33.4%
EBITDA(h).........................  $   62   $   63   $   76   $   92   $  121   $  54   $   59
EBITDA margin(h)..................     5.4%     5.7%     6.9%     8.6%    10.4%    9.1%     9.5%
Depreciation and
  amortization(i).................  $   59   $   35   $   35   $   26   $   24   $  12   $   13
Capital expenditures..............      34       36       24       16       20       5        6
SELECTED RATIOS:
Ratio of earnings to fixed
  charges(j)......................      --     1.2x     1.2x     2.6x       --    1.3x     1.1x
Deficiency of earnings to cover
  fixed charges(j)................  $  142       --       --       --   $   14      --       --
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   AT JUNE 30,                   AT DECEMBER 31,
                                    ------------------------------------------   ----------------
                                     1993     1994     1995     1996     1997     1996     1997
                                    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   -------
                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital...................  $   92   $   88   $   99   $  207   $  116   $ 173    $  224
Total assets......................   1,066      936      960      736      667     848     1,053
Total debt, including current
  maturities......................     624      569      576      373      610     388       856
Redeemable preferred stock........     216      215      215      213       32     213        32
Stockholders' equity (deficit)....    (385)    (384)    (393)    (304)    (412)   (273)     (368)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(a) In fiscal 1997, certain merchandising allowances, which previously were
    included as a cost of sales, have been reclassified to selling expense. Such
    merchandising allowances totaled $113 million, $67 million, $106 million,
    $100 million, $143 million and $68 million in the fiscal years ended June
    30, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, and the six months ended December 31,
    1996, respectively. In addition, certain military distributor allowances,
    which previously were treated as a reduction in net sales, have been
    reclassified to selling expense. Such military distributor allowances
    amounted to $1 million, $1 million, $1 million, $1 million, $2 million and
    $1 million in fiscal years ended June 30, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
    and the six months ended December 31, 1996, respectively. All financial
    information has been restated to conform to this presentation.
 
   
(b) In connection with the Recapitalization expenses of approximately $25
    million were incurred primarily for management incentive payments and, in
    part, for severance payments.
    
 
(c) In June 1993, the Company recorded special charges of $140 million, which
    included $115 million for permanent impairment of acquisition-related
    intangible assets, including goodwill, and $25 million for facility
    consolidations.
 
(d) The Company sold its equity investment in Del Monte International in the
    fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1993 and recognized a $13 million gain. The
    Company sold its can manufacturing operations in the fiscal quarter ended
    December 31, 1993 and recognized a $13 million gain. In November 1995, the
    Company sold its pudding business for $89 million, net of $4 million of
    related transaction fees. The sale resulted in a gain of $71 million. In
    March 1996, the Company sold its 50.1% ownership interest in Del Monte
    Philippines for $100 million, net of $2 million of related transaction fees.
    The sale resulted in a gain of $52 million of which $16 million was deferred
    and $36 million was recognized in fiscal 1996. The purchase price included a
    premium paid to the Company as consideration for an eight-year supply
    agreement. The gain associated with the value of the premium was deferred
    and is being amortized over the term of the agreement. In the fiscal quarter
    ended December 1996, the Company sold Del Monte Latin America. The combined
    sales price of $50 million, reduced by $2 million of related transaction
    expenses, resulted in a loss of $5 million.
 
   
(e) In fiscal 1995, other income includes the Company's receipt of proceeds of a
    $30 million letter of credit, reduced by $4 million of related transaction
    expenses, as a result of the termination of a merger agreement with Grupo
    Empacador de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. In fiscal 1997, $22 million of expenses
    were
    
                                       35
<PAGE>   41
 
    incurred in conjunction with the Recapitalization, primarily for legal,
    investment advisory and management fees.
 
(f) In June 1995, the Company refinanced its then-outstanding revolving credit
    facility, term loan and senior secured floating rate notes. In conjunction
    with this debt retirement, capitalized debt issue costs of $7 million were
    written off and accounted for as an extraordinary loss. In December 1995 and
    April 1996, the Company prepaid part of its term loan and senior secured
    notes. In conjunction with the early debt retirement, the Company recorded
    an extraordinary loss of $10 million for the early retirement of debt. The
    extraordinary loss consisted of a $5 million prepayment premium and a $5
    million write-off of capitalized debt issue costs related to the early
    retirement of debt. In fiscal 1997, $42 million of expenses related to the
    early retirement of debt and to the Recapitalization was charged to net
    income. In September 1996, the Company repurchased outstanding debt, in
    conjunction with which capitalized debt issue costs of $4 million, net of a
    discount on such debt, were written off and accounted for as an
    extraordinary loss. In conjunction with the refinancing of debt that
    occurred at the time of the Recapitalization in April 1997, the Company
    recorded a $38 million extraordinary loss related to the early retirement of
    debt. The $38 million extraordinary loss consisted of previously capitalized
    debt issue costs of approximately $19 million and a premium payment and a
    term loan make-whole payment aggregating $19 million.
 
(g) Effective July 1, 1992, the Company adopted SFAS No. 106, "Employers'
    Accounting for Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." The Company
    elected to recognize this change in accounting on the immediate recognition
    basis. The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 106 resulted in a charge
    to fiscal 1993 net earnings of $28 million. Effective July 1, 1995, the
    Company adopted SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
    Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." The cumulative effect
    of adopting SFAS No. 121 resulted in a charge to fiscal 1996 net earnings of
    $7 million.
 
   
(h) EBITDA represents income (loss) before provision for income taxes, minority
    interest, extraordinary item, and cumulative effect of accounting change,
    plus interest expense and special charges, depreciation and amortization
    expense and other one-time and non-cash charges, less gains (losses) on
    sales of assets and the results of the Divested Operations (as defined
    herein). EBITDA is not presented as an alternative measure of operating
    income or cash flow from operations (both as determined in accordance with
    GAAP) but rather to provide additional information related to the ability of
    the Company to service debt. In fiscal 1993, non-cash charges of $19 million
    represented amortization of intangible assets subsequently written off. In
    fiscal 1994, other one-time and non-cash charges included $1 million of fees
    related to a terminated transaction, $1 million related to write-offs of
    labels due to new labeling laws and $6 million of benefit plan charges. For
    fiscal 1995, EBITDA excludes $26 million received in connection with a
    terminated transaction, $4 million paid by the Company to terminate its
    alliance with PCP and $7 million related to the termination of a management
    equity plan. For fiscal 1996, other one-time charges included $3 million for
    relocation costs and $6 million of costs associated with a significant
    headcount reduction. For fiscal 1997, EBITDA excludes $47 million of
    expenses incurred in connection with the Recapitalization and $7 million
    related to the write-off of a long-term asset. For the six months ended
    December 31, 1997, one-time charges consisted of $7 million of certain
    indirect expenses incurred in connection with the Contadina Acquisition.
    EBITDA margin is calculated as EBITDA as a percentage of net sales
    (excluding net sales of Divested Operations of $402 million, $399 million,
    $417 million, $233 million and $48 million for the years ended June 30,
    1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively).
    
 
   
(i)  Depreciation and amortization exclude amortization of $8 million, $5
     million, $5 million, $5 million and $5 million of deferred debt issuance
     costs for fiscal 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
     Depreciation and amortization exclude amortization of $3 million and $2
     million of deferred debt issuance costs in the six-month periods ended
     December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
    
 
   
(j)  For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the
     deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges, earnings are defined as
     income (loss) before extraordinary item, cumulative effect of accounting
     change and provision for income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
     consist of interest expense on all indebtedness (including amortization of
     deferred debt issue costs) and the interest component of rent expense.
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   42
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the
consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company
during the six-month periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the
three-year period ended June 30, 1997. This discussion should be read in
conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company
for the six-month periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three-year period ended
June 30, 1997 and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company reports its financial results on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal
year basis to coincide with its inventory production cycle, which is highly
seasonal. Raw product is harvested and packed primarily in the months of June
through October, during which time inventories rise to their highest levels. At
the same time, consumption of canned products drops, reflecting, in part, the
availability of fresh alternatives. This situation affects operating results as
sales volumes, revenues and profitability decline during this period. Results
over the remainder of the fiscal year are affected by many factors including
industry supply and the Company's share of that supply. See "Seasonality."
    
 
   
     Consistent with the Company's strategy to generate growth through
acquisitions, the Company consummated the Contadina Acquisition in December
1997. The Contadina Acquisition contributes another established brand and
positions the Company as the branded market leader in the high margin canned
solid tomato category. The Contadina Acquisition also establishes a strong
presence for the Company in the branded paste-based tomato products category,
which includes tomato paste, tomato sauce and pizza sauce. The Company believes
that Contadina's strong brand recognition, particularly in paste-based tomato
products, complements the Company's brand leadership in canned solid tomato
products and will enhance the Company's market share and household penetration.
    
 
   
     In addition to diversifying further the Company's revenue base, the
Contadina Acquisition will expand the Company's processing scale, which the
Company believes will result in production cost efficiencies. Moreover, among
the facilities acquired by the Company is a state-of-the-art manufacturing
facility at Hanford, California. As part of its efforts to consolidate
production, tomato production at the Company's Modesto, California facility is
expected to be transferred to Hanford following the summer 1998 pack. The
Modesto facility would then be converted to a fruit processing facility and
would assume the production currently conducted at the Company's San Jose and
Stockton facilities in California, which are expected to be closed after the
summer 1999 and 2000 packs, respectively. It is anticipated that these
properties will be sold in the year following closure. In connection with these
actions, the Company anticipates that it will incur charges of approximately $35
million in the third quarter of fiscal 1998, principally consisting of asset
write-offs. The Company does not anticipate that it will incur material
additional charges as a result of these plant closures. The Company is, however,
continuing to evaluate its production facilities and believes that further
consolidations may be appropriate. In conjunction with the purchase price
allocation relating to the Contadina Acquisition, the Company has stepped up the
value of the purchased inventory. Such step-up is currently estimated to be $9
million.
    
 
   
     Commencing in 1996, the Company has sought to leverage its brand and price
leadership to improve sales and operating margins and, to that end, increased
prices for many of its fruit and vegetable products in that year. As a result,
the Company experienced an anticipated market share decline. In the case of its
fruit operations, the Company's significantly improved margins generally offset
the effects of the lower volume, and the Company's market share recovered by
year-end 1997 to achieve a higher level than that experienced prior to the price
increases. In the case of its vegetable operations, the Company's market share
has stabilized at a level lower than its share prior to the price increases. The
Company coupled these price increases with a new marketing strategy that
emphasizes consumption-driven trade promotion programs, as well as consumer-
targeted promotions such as advertising and coupons, to encourage retailers to
use store advertisements, displays and consumer-targeted promotions, rather than
periodic price-only promotions. The Company plans to continue to emphasize its
status as a price leader and, in 1997, in connection with the Recapitalization,
began implementing a new business strategy designed to improve sales and
operating margins by:
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   43
 
   
(i) increasing market share and household penetration of high margin value-added
products; (ii) introducing product and packaging innovations; (iii) increasing
penetration of high growth distribution channels, such as supercenters and club
stores; (iv) achieving cost savings through operating efficiencies, plant
consolidations and investments in new and upgraded production equipment; and (v)
completing strategic acquisitions. As part of this new strategy, the Company
completed the Contadina Acquisition in December 1997. See "Prospectus
Summary -- Summary Historical Financial Data of Contadina" and "Unaudited Pro
Forma Financial Data."
    
 
   
     In fiscal 1995, Del Monte terminated an exclusive supply agreement with PCP
to purchase substantially all of PCP's tomato and fruit production. During
fiscal 1996 and the first half of fiscal 1997, the Company sold its pudding
business, its 50.1% interest in Del Monte Philippines and all of its interest in
Del Monte Latin America. At the end of fiscal 1997, a distribution agreement
expired under which Del Monte sold certain products for Yorkshire Dried Fruits
and Nuts, Inc. ("Yorkshire") at cost. These events are collectively referred to
as the "Divested Operations."
    
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items
from the Company's consolidated statements of operations, expressed as
percentages of the Company's net sales for such fiscal period:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             SIX MONTHS
                                                        FISCAL YEAR            ENDED
                                                       ENDED JUNE 30,       DECEMBER 31,
                                                    --------------------    ------------
                                                    1995    1996    1997    1996    1997
                                                    ----    ----    ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                 <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Net sales.......................................    100%    100%    100%    100%    100%
Cost of sales...................................     78      76      67      68      67
                                                    ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
Gross profit....................................     22      24      33      32      33
Selling, advertising, administrative and general
  expenses......................................     17      18      27      25      26
                                                    ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
Operating income................................      5%      6%      6%      7%      7%
                                                    ===     ===     ===     ===     ===
Interest expense................................      5%      5%      4%      4%      6%
                                                    ===     ===     ===     ===     ===
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the Company's
net sales by product categories, expressed in dollar amounts and as percentages
of the Company's total net sales for such period:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SIX MONTHS
                                                                            ENDED
                                           FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                           --------------------------    ------------
                                            1995      1996      1997     1996    1997
                                           ------    ------    ------    ----    ----
                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
NET SALES:
Canned vegetables(a)...................    $  441    $  402    $  437    $227    $248
Canned fruit(a)........................       394       367       431     226     218
Tomato products(a).....................       211       217       229     101     116
Canned pineapple(a)....................        66        72        65      35      34
Other(b)...............................       219        89        41      25       4
                                           ------    ------    ------    ----    ----
          Subtotal domestic............     1,331     1,147     1,203     614     620
Latin America..........................        65        55        17      17      --
Philippines............................       180       142        --      --      --
Intercompany sales.....................       (49)      (39)       (3)     (3)     --
                                           ------    ------    ------    ----    ----
          Total net sales..............    $1,527    $1,305    $1,217    $628    $620
                                           ======    ======    ======    ====    ====
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   44
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                                FISCAL YEAR            ENDED
                                                               ENDED JUNE 30,       DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------    ------------
                                                            1995    1996    1997    1996    1997
                                                            ----    ----    ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                         <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
AS A PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES:
Canned vegetables(a)....................................     29%     31%     36%     36%     40%
Canned fruit(a).........................................     26      28      35      36      35
Tomato products(a)......................................     14      16      19      16      19
Canned pineapple(a).....................................      4       6       5       6       5
Other(b)................................................     14       7       4       3       1
                                                            ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
          Subtotal domestic.............................     87      88      99      97     100
Latin America...........................................      4       4       1       3      --
Philippines.............................................     12      11      --      --      --
Intercompany sales......................................     (3)     (3)     --      --      --
                                                            ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
          Total.........................................    100%    100%    100%    100%    100%
                                                            ===     ===     ===     ===     ===
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
   
(a) Includes sales of the entire product line across each channel of
    distribution, including sales to grocery chains, warehouse clubs,
    supercenters, mass merchandisers and other grocery retailers, as well as the
    Company's foodservice, food ingredients, export and vegetable private label
    businesses and military sales.
    
 
   
(b) Includes dried fruit, gel and pudding cups and certain other retail
    products, as well as the Company's private label fruit and tomato
    businesses, which were discontinued in fiscal 1995 with the termination of
    the alliance with PCP.
    
 
   
SEASONALITY
    
 
   
     The Company's quarterly operating results have varied in the past and are
likely to vary in the future based upon a number of factors. The Company's
historical net sales have exhibited seasonality, with the second and third
fiscal quarters having the highest net sales. These two quarters reflect
increased sales of the Company's products during the holiday period in the
United States extending from late November through December, as well as sales
associated with the Easter holiday. Net sales in the first fiscal quarter have
historically been affected by lower levels of promotional activity, the
availability of fresh produce and other factors. Quarterly gross profit
primarily reflects fluctuations in sales volumes and is also affected by the
overall product mix. The Company's fruit operations have a greater percentage of
annual sales and cost of sales in the first fiscal quarter, as compared to its
vegetable and tomato operations, due principally to increased sales of fruit
cups during the "back to school" period. The Company's vegetable and fruit
operations have a greater percentage of annual sales and cost of sales in the
second and third fiscal quarters, principally due to the year-end holiday season
in the United States, although sales of ketchup and related cost of sales
typically increase in the fourth fiscal quarter. Selling, advertising,
administrative and general expenses tend to be greater in the first half of the
fiscal year, reflecting promotional expenses relating to the "back to school"
period and the year-end holiday season, while Easter is the only major holiday
in the second half of the fiscal year.
    
 
   
     During the early 1990s, the markets for the Company's principal products of
canned vegetables and canned fruit were in a position of stable demand and
excess supply. This excess supply primarily resulted from overplanting and
abundant harvests of raw product, combined with processing over-capacity. During
such periods of industry oversupply, pressure was placed on absolute volumes and
gross margins. The Company, as well as certain of its competitors, implemented
vegetable plant closures in an attempt to reduce processing over-capacity. The
summer 1995 pack was below average for both vegetables and fruit due to flooding
in the Midwest and heavy rains in California during the winter and spring of
1995. As a result, inventory levels during fiscal 1996 were lower than in
previous years, leaving industry supply for vegetables and fruit in a
balanced-to-tight position. The summer 1996 pack was slightly below average for
fruit, while tomato production was slightly higher than expected. Vegetable
production during the summer of 1996 was above average. This, coupled with an
industry decrease in sales, resulted in higher than expected carryover
inventories of vegetables. In response, planned vegetable plantings were
decreased for summer 1997 which resulted in higher vegetable costs. In addition,
cooler weather than normal resulted in late plantings for some vegetables
causing lower recoveries, while smaller fruit size lowered raw product fruit
recoveries. These
    
                                       39
<PAGE>   45
 
   
conditions have had very little impact on the Company's supply of product
available for sale, however, since carry-in inventories (inventories on hand at
the start of a packing season) were adequate to cover shortfalls from the summer
1997 harvest.
    
 
   
     The weather conditions which existed during the summer of 1995 resulted in
reduced acreage yields and production recoveries of fruits and vegetables which
negatively impacted the Company's production costs in fiscal 1996. During fiscal
1996, the Company's management developed a strategy to increase prices. These
price increases resulted in volume and market share decreases for the Company
during fiscal 1996 as competitors sold greater volume because their prices
remained below the Company's. Despite the reduced market share, the Company's
profitability was significantly higher in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 as a
result of higher net selling prices. These price increases were applied to all
product lines in fiscal 1997. Although the Company's aggregate volumes decreased
in fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996, the Company regained and exceeded
prior year fruit market share while vegetable market share was maintained and
profitability growth continued due to these higher net selling prices.
Profitability growth and market share may be unfavorably affected in the future
due to the market dynamics of available supply and competitors' pricing.
    
 
   
     In the winter of 1997-98, certain areas in California, one of the Company's
principal growing regions for tomatoes and fruit, experienced substantial
rainfall as a result of the "El Nino" phenomenon. The Company does not believe
at this time that such weather conditions will have a material adverse effect on
the 1998 harvesting season or on its results of operations. Historically,
significant weather-related shortages in fruit, vegetable and tomato harvests
have resulted in price increases that have offset increases in raw product costs
and reductions in sales volumes. Nevertheless, no assurance can be given that,
if such adverse weather conditions persist, the harvesting season will not be
delayed or otherwise adversely affected with consequent adverse effects on the
Company's cost of goods sold, inventory and sales.
    
 
   
SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 VS. SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
 
   
  Contadina Acquisition
    
 
   
     On December 19, 1997, the Company completed the Contadina Acquisition for a
total of $197 million, comprising of a base price of $177 million and an
estimated working capital adjustment of approximately $20 million. The purchase
price is subject to adjustment based on the final calculation of net working
capital as of the closing date. Nestle has provided its calculation of the net
working capital, which would result in a payment to the Company of approximately
$2 million. The Company has until April 18, 1998 to review this calculation and
determine if it has any objection to the calculation. The Contadina Acquisition
also included the assumption of certain liabilities of approximately $4 million.
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
    
 
  Net Sales
 
   
     Consolidated net sales for the six months ended December 31, 1997 decreased
by $8 million compared to the same period of the prior year. Net sales, after
adjusting for the effect of the Divested Operations, increased by $27 million
compared to the prior year six-month period primarily due to higher volumes in
the vegetable and tomato businesses and the acquisition of Contadina ($6
million). The vegetable and tomato businesses have experienced an increase in
sales volumes year-to-date of 9% and 17%, respectively, while net sales for the
vegetable and tomato businesses increased by 10% and 15%, respectively, compared
to the prior year period. Although fruit volume has been relatively flat, net
sales for fruit decreased 3% primarily due to competitive pricing pressures in
the foodservice market. The Company addressed competitive discounting in the
marketplace in the vegetable and tomato businesses by using an effective mix of
targeted trade and consumer promotions. These actions enabled the Company to
achieve increased volumes and net sales in the vegetable and tomato businesses.
    
 
  Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit for the first half of fiscal 1998 increased by $9 million from
the same prior year period. Gross margin percentage on a year-to-date basis,
after adjusting for the effect of the Divested Operations, has remained
relatively stable. Although costs have increased in the current year over the
prior year, this increase has been offset to date by a favorable sales mix of
higher margin products.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   46
 
   
     Costs have increased in the current year primarily due to an increase in
processing costs caused by a compressed harvesting season for fruits, which
resulted in the increased use of cold storage until processing capacity became
available. Also affecting costs were reduced plantings for some vegetables and
lower fruit raw product recoveries. The adverse harvesting conditions have had
very little impact on the Company's supply of product available for sale,
however, since carry-in inventories were adequate to cover shortfalls from the
current year harvest.
    
 
  Selling, Advertising, Administrative and General Expenses
 
     Selling, advertising, administrative and general expenses, after adjusting
for Divested Operations, increased by $9 million for the six-month period versus
the same period of the prior year. Selling, advertising, administrative and
general expenses have increased from the prior year period due to an increase in
trade promotion support offset by lower benefit plan costs. The increase in
trade promotion was primarily due to an increase in volumes.
 
  Interest Expense
 
     Interest expense has increased by $10 million for the first half of fiscal
1998 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to higher
outstanding debt balances in the first half of the current year resulting from
the Recapitalization that occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997.
 
  Other Expense
 
     Other expense for the current year primarily represents certain indirect
costs associated with the Contadina Acquisition.
 
   
  Provision for Income Taxes
    
 
   
     There was no provision for income taxes for the six months ended December
31, 1997 as a result of utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, as
compared to a provision of $2 million for the six-month period ended December
31, 1996.
    
 
THREE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
   
  Net Sales
    
 
   
     Consolidated net sales for fiscal 1996 decreased $222 million or 15% from
the prior year due to lower volumes in domestic operations. Net sales for the
domestic operations, after adjusting for the effect of Divested Operations, were
$1,072 million for fiscal 1996 as compared to $1,110 million for fiscal 1995, a
decrease of $38 million or 3%. The Company increased retail fruit and vegetable
prices; however, these price increases were not immediately followed by the
competition and resulted in lower sales volumes as compared to the prior year.
In fiscal 1996, the Company's market share for Del Monte brand vegetables was
20.4% versus 24.1% for the previous year, and the Company's market share for Del
Monte brand fruit was 35.6% versus 38.8% for the previous year. Consolidated net
sales for fiscal 1997 decreased by $88 million or 7% from fiscal 1996. This
decrease was attributable to the absence of the Divested Operations. Net sales
for the domestic operations, after adjusting for the effect of Divested
Operations, increased by $97 million from $1,072 million in fiscal 1996 to
$1,169 million in fiscal 1997 due to higher prices across all product lines. The
retail vegetable and fruit businesses increased prices in the second half of
fiscal 1996. The export and foodservice businesses each increased fruit prices
at the beginning of fiscal 1997. Generally balanced industry supplies of fruit
and the Company's emphasis on consumer promotions were contributing factors
towards realizing the higher prices. Volume increases in the fruit business were
more than offset by volume decreases in the vegetable and tomato businesses. The
volume decrease in the Company's vegetable business reflects, in part, an
overall decline in canned vegetable consumption. In fiscal 1997, the Company's
market share for Del Monte brand vegetable products was 20.3% versus 20.4% in
the previous year, while the Company's market share for Del Monte brand fruit
products was 40.6% compared to 35.6% for the previous year.
    
 
     Del Monte Philippines' net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1996,
until the Company's sale of its interest in this joint venture, accounted for 8%
of consolidated net sales for the year ended June 30, 1996. Del Monte Latin
America's net sales for fiscal 1996 (4% of consolidated sales in fiscal 1996)
decreased
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   47
 
$10 million or 15% even though volumes were at approximately the same level as
the prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to the significant
Mexican peso devaluation.
 
   
  Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
    
 
   
     Gross margin was 22.5%, 24.6% and 32.9% in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. Domestic gross margin (adjusted for the absence of the Divested
Operations) was 26.4%, 26.4% and 34.0% in fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. Higher selling prices, changes in marketing strategy and
relatively stable costs resulted in significantly higher gross profit margin
than in prior years. In fiscal 1996, higher manufacturing costs were offset by
price increases across all major product lines.
    
 
     Del Monte Philippines' gross margins were 11.8% and 17.4% in fiscal 1995
and 1996, respectively. Gross margins for Del Monte Latin America were 23.8% and
24.3% in fiscal 1995 and 1996, respectively. The increases in fiscal 1996
resulted primarily from opportunistic price increases due to inflationary
conditions in Mexico with a lag in increases of cost of goods sold due to
seasonal packing.
 
  Selling, Advertising, Administrative and General Expenses
 
   
     Selling, advertising, administrative and general expense as a percentage of
net sales (excluding the Divested Operations) were 21.2%, 19.8% and 27.5% in
fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Selling, advertising, administrative
and general expenses for fiscal 1997 increased significantly due to the
Recapitalization and the change in marketing strategy. Expenses incurred
primarily for management incentive payments and, in part, for severance payments
incurred related to the Recapitalization were approximately $25 million.
Marketing spending increased as the Company placed more emphasis on consumer
promotion programs versus discounts from retailers' list prices than in the
prior year.
    
 
     Included in general and administrative expenses are research and
development costs of $6 million, $6 million and $5 million for fiscal 1995, 1996
and 1997, respectively. Research and development spending in fiscal 1995, 1996
and 1997 remained focused on strategic spending to maintain the existing
business and to develop product line extensions.
 
   
  Interest Expense
    
 
   
     The 12% decrease in interest expense for fiscal 1996 compared to fiscal
1995 resulted from lower net borrowings under the Company's revolving credit
facility and lower outstanding debt balances resulting in part from the sale of
the Divested Operations. Interest expense decreased 22% in fiscal 1997 compared
to fiscal 1996. This decrease was due to the lower outstanding debt balances
during the first nine months of fiscal 1997 (before the Recapitalization).
    
 
   
  Other (Income) Expense
    
 
   
     Other income for fiscal 1995 reflects the Company's receipt of the proceeds
of a $30 million letter of credit (reduced by $4 million of related transaction
expenses) as a result of the termination of the merger agreement with Grupo
Empacador de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. in September 1994. Other expense for fiscal
1997 increased due to $22 million of expenses incurred in the Recapitalization
(primarily legal, investment advisory and management fees). Also included in
fiscal 1997 other expense is the revaluation of a long-term asset.
    
 
   
  Provision for Income Taxes
    
 
   
     The tax provision increased to $11 million in fiscal 1996 from $2 million
in fiscal 1995 primarily due to alternative minimum tax and state income tax as
a result of the sales of divested assets in fiscal 1996. There was no tax
provision in fiscal 1997 compared to a provision of $11 million in fiscal 1996.
This decrease was primarily due to the expenses of the Recapitalization. As of
June 30, 1997, the Company had $84 million in net operating loss carryforwards
for tax purposes, which will expire between 2008 and 2012.
    
 
   
  Extraordinary Loss
    
 
   
     In June 1995, the Company refinanced its then-outstanding revolving credit
facility, term loan and senior notes. The net proceeds of the pudding business
sale and proceeds of the Del Monte Philippines sale were used for the early
retirement of debt. In conjunction with this early debt retirement, in the
second and fourth
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   48
 
quarters of fiscal 1996, $5 million in capitalized debt issue costs were written
off and $5 million primarily related to a prepayment premium were charged to
income, both of which have been accounted for as an extraordinary item. In
conjunction with the debt retirement, capitalized debt issue costs of $7 million
were written off and accounted for as an extraordinary loss as required by
generally accepted accounting principles. In conjunction with an exchange offer,
capitalized debt issue costs of approximately $4 million, net of a discount,
were charged to net income in fiscal 1997 and accounted for as an extraordinary
loss. In conjunction with the refinancing of debt that occurred at the time of
the Recapitalization, previously capitalized debt issue costs of approximately
$19 million and a note premium and a term loan make-whole aggregating $19
million were charged to fiscal 1997 net income and accounted for as an
extraordinary loss.
 
  Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
 
     Effective July 1, 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed
Of." The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 121 resulted in a charge to
fiscal 1996 net earnings of $7 million.
 
   
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
    
 
   
     In October 1996, the AICPA Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 96-1 "Environmental Remediation Liabilities."
The SOP provides guidance with respect to the recognition, measurement and
disclosure of environmental remediation liabilities. SOP No. 96-1 is required to
be adopted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1996. The Company has
adopted SOP 96-1 for the first quarter of fiscal year 1998 and, based on current
circumstances, does not believe the effect of adoption will be material.
    
 
   
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") recently issued SFAS
No. 129, "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure"; SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income"; SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information"; and SFAS No. 132 "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." The Company believes the
effect of adoption of these statements will not be material.
    
 
   
YEAR 2000
    
 
   
     As part of its information services outsourcing arrangements with
Electronic Data Systems Corporation ("EDS"), EDS maintains and operates the
Company's proprietary software applications and also owns and operates a
substantial portion of the related hardware. EDS is expected to update the
Company's software application portfolio by June 1999. The cost for such
updating has been fully budgeted by the Company for expenditure in fiscal years
1998 and 1999 and is not material to the Company's expected cash outlays. The
Company is conducting inquiries regarding the Year 2000 compliance programs of
its suppliers and customers. No assurance can be given that all of the Company's
suppliers and customers will be year 2000 compliant. The Company cannot predict
to what extent its operations may be adversely affected if they are not
compliant.
    
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company's primary cash requirements are to fund debt service, finance
seasonal working capital needs and make capital expenditures. Internally
generated funds and amounts available under its revolving credit and other
short-term borrowing facilities are the Company's primary sources of liquidity.
 
   
     Management believes that cash flow from operations and availability under
the Revolving Credit Facility will provide adequate funds for the Company's
foreseeable working capital needs, planned capital expenditures and debt service
obligations. The Company's ability to fund its operations and make planned
capital expenditures, to make scheduled debt payments, to refinance its
indebtedness and to remain in compliance with all of the financial covenants
under its debt agreements depends on its future operating performance and cash
flow, which, in turn, are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to
financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond its control. The
Company actively considers various means of reducing inventory levels to improve
cash flow.
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   49
 
  Operating Activities
 
     The working capital position of the Company is seasonally affected by the
growing cycle of the vegetables, fruit and tomatoes it processes. Substantially
all inventories are produced during the harvesting and packing months of June
through October and depleted through the remaining seven months. Accordingly,
working capital requirements fluctuate significantly. The Company uses funds
from its Revolving Credit Facility, which provides for a $350 million line of
credit, to finance the seasonal working capital needs of its operations.
 
   
     Cash used in operating activities in the six months ended December 31, 1997
was $75 million as compared to $65 million for the same period in fiscal 1997.
Inventories at December 31, 1997 consist of inventories of Contadina of $101
million (as calculated based on the preliminary working capital which is subject
to adjustment based on the final calculation of the working capital adjustment
and activity since acquisition) and other inventories of $499 million. The
increase in inventories (excluding the Contadina inventory) at December 31, 1997
from June 30, 1997 reflects the seasonal inventory buildup. The increase in
accounts payable and accrued expenses from June 30, 1997 to December 31, 1997
primarily reflects accrued expenses resulting from higher levels of trade and
consumer promotions and accruals remaining from the peak production period. As
of December 31, 1997, $153 million was outstanding under the Revolving Credit
Facility, compared to $82 million at June 30, 1997.
    
 
     Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $3 million in fiscal
1996 over fiscal 1995 primarily due to a decrease in inventories and in accounts
receivable offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The
decrease in inventories resulted from high carry-over inventories from fiscal
1995 versus low inventory levels at the end of fiscal 1996 due to a tight
industry supply of certain inventory items. The decrease in accounts receivable
resulted primarily from a decrease in sales activity during June 1996 as
compared to June 1995. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses was
due primarily to a decrease in amounts payable to PCP due to the termination of
a joint venture at the end of fiscal 1995 and a decrease in marketing accruals
due to a change in marketing strategy during fiscal 1996. Also impacting accrued
expenses in fiscal 1996 was a charge to an accrual established in fiscal 1993 to
implement multi-year cost savings measures. The decrease occurred as costs
associated with fiscal 1996 consolidation efforts were charged to this accrual.
In fiscal 1997, cash provided by operations decreased by $35 million over fiscal
1996 primarily due to various expenses associated with the Recapitalization, as
well as an increase in inventories due to lower sales volume during the year
than anticipated.
 
  Investing Activities
 
   
     The increase of $191 million in cash provided by investing activities in
fiscal 1996 versus fiscal 1995 and the decrease of $133 million in cash provided
by investing activities in fiscal 1997 versus fiscal 1996 was principally due to
net cash proceeds from the sale of its pudding business ($85 million) and the
sale of its interest in Del Monte Philippines ($98 million) in fiscal 1996. The
effect of the fiscal 1996 divested asset sales was partially offset in fiscal
1997 by the sale of the Company's Latin America subsidiaries ($48 million).
    
 
   
     Capital expenditures for fiscal 1997 were $20 million including
approximately $1 million for environmental compliance. The Company expects that
capital expenditures during fiscal 1998 will be approximately $35 million as the
Company implements a new program which is intended to generate cost savings by
introducing new equipment that would result in general production efficiencies.
Approximately $11 million of such amount had been spent through February 1998.
The Company also plans an aggregate of approximately $136 million of additional
capital expenditures through 2001, of which $54 million, $58 million and $24
million is expected to be spent in fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively. The
Company continually evaluates its capital expenditure requirements, and such
plans are subject to change depending on market conditions, the Company's cash
position, the availability of alternate means of financing and other factors.
Capital expenditures are expected to be funded from internally generated cash
flows and by borrowing from available financing sources.
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   50
 
   
  Financing Activities -- 1998 Activity
    
 
   
     Contadina Acquisition. In connection with the Contadina Acquisition, the
Company issued discount notes with an aggregate principal amount at maturity of
$230 million and received gross proceeds of approximately $126 million. These
Notes accrue interest at 12.50% payable on each June 15 and December 15, which
will be accreted through December 15, 2002, after which time interest is
required to be paid in cash until maturity. The Initial Notes mature on December
15, 2007.
    
 
   
     In connection with the Contadina Acquisition, the Company also amended its
bank financing agreements and related debt covenants to permit additional
funding under the existing Term B loan in an amount of $50 million, thus
increasing the aggregate amount outstanding under the Term Loan Facility to $430
million. Amortization of the additional Term B loan amount is incremental to the
scheduled amortization of the existing Term B loan. Such additional amortization
will begin on a quarterly basis in the second quarter of fiscal 1999 in the
amount of $0.5 million on an annual basis with such amortization increasing in
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, through the third quarter of fiscal 2005, to
approximately $12 million per quarter.
    
 
   
  Financing Activities -- 1997 Activity
    
 
   
     The Recapitalization. On February 21, 1997, DMFC entered into a merger
agreement (the "Merger Agreement") which was amended and restated as of April
14, 1997, with TPG and Shield. On April 18, 1997, DMFC was recapitalized through
the merger of Shield with and into DMFC, with DMFC being the surviving
corporation. By virtue of the Recapitalization, shares of DMFC's preferred stock
having an implied value of approximately $14 million held by certain of DMFC's
stockholders who remained investors were cancelled and were converted into the
right to receive new DMFC Common Stock. All other shares of DMFC stock were
cancelled and were converted into the right to receive cash consideration. In
connection with the Recapitalization, DMC repaid substantially all of its funded
debt obligations existing immediately before the Recapitalization. In the
Recapitalization, the common stock and preferred stock of Shield was converted
into new shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, respectively, of DMFC.
    
 
   
     Cash funding requirements for the Recapitalization totaled $809 million and
included repayment of $158 million of PIK Notes, $113 million of the
then-existing term loan, and $30 million of the then-existing revolving credit
facility. In addition, $422 million was paid to former shareholders as cash
consideration for their shares and approximately $86 million was paid in other
fees and expenses. These cash funding requirements were satisfied through the
following: (i) a cash equity investment by TPG and other investors of $126
million in Common Stock; (ii) a cash equity investment by TPG and other
investors of $35 million in shares of redeemable preferred stock and warrants to
purchase Common Stock; (iii) $380 million of borrowings under the Term Loan
Facility; (iv) $119 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility;
(v) $147 million from the net proceeds of the offering of the DMC Notes; and
(vi) $2 million of proceeds from the sale of a surplus property.
    
 
   
     Bank Financing. Concurrent with the Recapitalization, the Company entered
into the Bank Financing. The Term Loan Facility provides for term loans in the
aggregate amount of $380 million, consisting of Term Loan A of $200 million and
Term Loan B of $180 million. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for
revolving loans in an aggregate amount of $350 million, including a $70 million
Letter of Credit subfacility. The Revolving Credit Facility will expire in
fiscal 2003, Term Loan A will mature in fiscal 2003, and Term Loan B will mature
in fiscal 2005. Scheduled principal payments on Term Loan A begin in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999 and continue quarterly through maturity. Initial
quarterly amortization is approximately $8 million per quarter, rising
periodically at approximately $1 million per quarter to a final quarterly
amortization, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2003, of approximately
$17 million through maturity. Scheduled principal payments on Term Loan B begin
in the third quarter of fiscal 1998 and continue quarterly through maturity.
Initial quarterly amortization amounts to approximately $2 million per year.
Substantial amortization begins in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, with
quarterly amortization of approximately $42 million. The interest rates
applicable to amounts outstanding under Term Loan A and the Revolving Credit
Facility are currently at the Company's option, either (i) the base rate (the
higher of .50% above the Federal Funds Rate and the bank's reference rate) plus
1.00% or (ii) the reserve adjusted offshore rate plus 2.00%. Interest rates
    
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   51
 
on Term Loan B are, at the Company's option, either (i) the base rate plus 2.00%
or (ii) the offshore rate plus 3.00%.
 
   
     Senior Subordinated Notes. In connection with the Recapitalization, on
April 18, 1997, DMC issued senior subordinated notes with an aggregate principal
amount of $150 million and received gross proceeds of $147 million. The DMC
Notes accrue interest at 12.25% per year, payable semiannually in cash on each
April 15 and October 15. The DMC Notes are guaranteed by DMFC and mature on
April 15, 2007. DMC's obligations under the senior subordinated notes are
secured by substantially all personal property of DMC and by first priority
liens on certain of its unencumbered real property for interests. DMFC's
guarantee is secured by a pledge of the stock of DMC.
    
 
   
     The terms of the Company's indebtedness contain restrictive covenants, the
most restrictive of which is that the Company must maintain a minimum level of
EBITDA (as defined). See "Description of Certain Indebtedness." The Company is
in compliance with all such covenants.
    
 
   
  Financing Activities -- 1996 Activity
    
 
   
     The increase in net cash used in financing activities of $180 million in
fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 reflects a lower balance under the
Revolving Credit Facility at year end 1996 versus 1995 and higher net pay-down
of long-term debt. The higher payments on the Revolving Credit Facility and
long-term debt were due to cash available from the Company's sales of the
pudding business and Del Monte Philippines. In connection with the early debt
repayment a prepayment penalty of $5 million was charged to income and recorded
as an extraordinary loss. Included in other financing activities in fiscal 1996
was a deposit of $30 million of Del Monte Philippines sale proceeds into a
collateral account until agreement was reached with the term lenders as to final
application.
    
 
   
PENSION FUNDING
    
 
   
     As described more fully in Note F to the audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company for the year ended June 30, 1997, the Company's
defined benefit pension plans are underfunded. It had been the Company's policy
to fund the Company's retirement plans in an amount consistent with the funding
requirements of federal law and regulations and not to exceed an amount that
would be deductible for federal income tax purposes. In connection with the
Recapitalization, the Company has entered into an agreement with the U.S.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation dated April 7, 1997 whereby the Company
contributed $15 million within 30 days after the consummation of the
Recapitalization to its defined benefit pension plans. The Company will also
contribute a minimum of $15 million in calendar 1998, of which $5 million has
been paid, $9 million in calendar 1999, $8 million in calendar 2000 and $8
million in calendar 2001, for a total of $55 million. The agreement provides
that the contributions required to be made in 1999, 2000 and 2001 will be
secured by a $20 million letter of credit to be obtained by the Company by
August 31, 1998. The contribution required to be made in 1998 will be paid prior
to any scheduled amortization under the Bank Financing in excess of $1 million,
and the Company has agreed not to make voluntary prepayments of the loans under
the Bank Financing prior to making the contribution required to be made in 1998
or prior to obtaining the letter of credit.
    
 
TAX NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
 
   
     As of June 30, 1997, the Company had $84 million in net operating loss
carryforwards, which will expire between 2008 and 2012. The Company's use of
these net operating loss carryforwards in any year may be limited by applicable
law.
    
 
INFLATION
 
     The Company's costs are affected by inflation and the effects of inflation
may be experienced by the Company in future periods. However, the Company has
historically mitigated the inflationary impact of increases in its costs by
controlling its overall cost structure.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   52
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company was originally incorporated in 1916 and remained a publicly
traded company for over sixty years until its acquisition in 1979 by the
predecessor of RJR Nabisco. In December 1989, RJR Nabisco sold the Company's
fresh produce operations ("Fresh Del Monte"), to Polly Peck International PLC
("Polly Peck"). In January 1990, an investor group led by Merrill Lynch & Co.
("ML & Co.") purchased the Company and certain of its subsidiaries from RJR
Nabisco for $1.5 billion (the "RJR Nabisco Sale"). Following such sale, the
Company divested several of its non-core businesses and all of its foreign
operations.
    
 
   
     The Company, a branded marketer of premium quality, nutritious food
products, is the largest producer and distributor of canned vegetables and
canned fruit in the United States, with pro forma net sales of $1.4 billion in
fiscal 1997. Management believes that the Company's principal brand, Del Monte,
which has been in existence since 1892, has the highest unaided brand awareness
of any canned food brand in the United States. Del Monte brand products are
found in substantially all national grocery chains and independent grocery
stores throughout the United States. As the brand leader in three major
processed food categories (canned vegetables, fruit and solid tomato products),
the Company has a full-line multi-category presence that management believes
provides it with a substantial competitive advantage in selling to the retail
grocery industry. The Contadina Acquisition contributes another established
brand and strengthens the Company's position as the branded market leader in the
high margin canned solid tomato category and establishes a strong presence for
the Company in the branded paste-based tomato products category.
    
 
   
     The Company sells its products to national grocery chains and wholesalers
through a nationwide sales network consisting primarily of independent food
brokers. The Company's direct sales force also sells to warehouse clubs stores,
selected Mass Merchandisers, such as Wal-Mart and Kmart, and larger mass
merchandising outlets that include full grocery selections, such as Wal-Mart
Supercenters and Kmart's SuperKs. In addition, the Company sells its products to
the foodservice industry, food processors and the military through different
independent food brokers. The Company also exports a small percentage of its
products to certain foreign countries directly and through independent exporters
based in the United States.
    
 
   
     The Company operates 15 production facilities in California, the Midwest,
Washington and Texas, as well as six strategically located distribution centers.
The Company has over 2,500 contracts to purchase vegetables and fruit from
individual growers and cooperatives located in various geographic regions of the
United States, principally California, the Midwest, the Northwest and Texas.
This diversity of sourcing helps insulate the Company from localized disruptions
during the growing season, such as weather conditions, that can affect the price
and supply of vegetables and fruit.
    
 
   
     The Company owns a number of registered and unregistered trademarks that it
uses in conjunction with its business, including the trademarks Del Monte, Fruit
Cup, FreshCut, Snack Cups, Fruit Naturals, Orchard Select, Fruit Smoothie
Blenders, Del Monte Lite and Contadina. In connection with and subsequent to the
RJR Nabisco Sale, the Company granted various perpetual, exclusive royalty-free
licenses for the use of the Del Monte name and trademark, as well as the use of
certain copyrights, patents, and trade secrets, generally outside of the United
States. The licensees include Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates (which
succeeded to Polly Peck as the owner of the Company's former fresh produce
operations), Del Monte International, Kikkoman Corporation ("Kikkoman"),
affiliates of RJR Nabisco, and Yorkshire. None of the licensees is an affiliate
of the Company, other than Yorkshire with respect to which the Company owns 20%
of the common stock. See "Risk Factors -- Brand Risk."
    
 
   
     In April 1997, the Company completed the Recapitalization as a result of
which Texas Pacific Group, a private investment group, obtained a controlling
interest in the Company. Under a new senior management team introduced in
connection with the Recapitalization, the Company began implementing a new
business strategy designed to increase sales and improve operating margins, by:
(i) increasing market share and distribution of high margin value-added
products; (ii) introducing product and packaging innovations; (iii) increasing
penetration of high growth distribution channels, such as supercenters and
clubstores; (iv) achieving cost savings through investments in new and upgraded
production equipment and plant consolidations; and (v) completing strategic
acquisitions.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   53
 
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
 
   
     Management believes that the following elements contribute to the Company's
position as a leading branded producer, marketer and distributor of canned
vegetables, fruit and cut tomato products in the United States and provide a
solid foundation for the Company's business strategy.
    
 
   
- - STRONG BRAND NAME RECOGNITION AND LEADING MARKET SHARES -- The Del Monte brand
  name, which has been in existence since 1892, is one of the leading brand
  names in the food industry. Management believes that the Del Monte brand has
  the highest unaided brand awareness of any canned food brand in the United
  States. The Company recently acquired the Contadina brand, an established
  national brand with a strong reputation for quality. The Company's 1997 19.7%
  market share of canned vegetables is larger than the combined market shares of
  the Company's two largest branded competitors, and its 41.0% market share of
  canned fruit is larger than the combined market shares of all other branded
  competitors. The Company, including its Contadina business had a pro forma
  16.2% market share in the high margin solid segment of the canned tomato
  market for 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    MARKET SHARE FOR 52 WEEKS ENDED
                                                           DECEMBER 27, 1997
                                         -----------------------------------------------------
                                           MARKET                      NEXT LEADING BRANDED
               CATEGORY                  POSITION(A)   PERCENTAGE   COMPETITOR'S PERCENTAGE(A)
               --------                  -----------   ----------   --------------------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>
Canned vegetables......................      #1          19.7%      13.6% (Green Giant)
Canned fruit...........................      #1          41.0%      11.7% (Libby's)
Canned solid tomato products(b)........      #1          24.0%      10.8% (Hunt's)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(a) Excludes private label.
   
(b) Pro forma to include Contadina sales.
    
 
   
- - TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND LOW COST PRODUCTION ADVANTAGES -- The Company has
  significant experience in developing new products and packaging alternatives
  and in engineering efficient food processing operations. These capabilities
  are leveragable across many food categories. The Company has developed
  proprietary vegetable seed varieties, which increase harvest and cannery
  recoveries and improve flavor and quality. The Company also benefits from many
  long-term relationships with experienced, geographically diverse growers who
  work with the Company to maximize yields of raw product. These relationships
  also help to ensure a consistent supply of raw product. As a result of its
  technical expertise, proprietary seed varieties and raw product sourcing
  diversity, as well as its modern processing equipment and labeling, packaging,
  warehousing and distribution efficiencies, management believes that the
  Company is one of the lowest cost producers of canned vegetables, fruit and
  tomatoes in the United States.
    
 
   
- - PREFERRED SUPPLIER STATUS -- Competitive pressures in the retail food industry
  are causing many retailers to prefer large suppliers such as the Company that
  are able to provide consumer-favored brands, full product lines and
  sophisticated inventory and category management programs. Del Monte
  anticipated this trend and has developed proprietary software tools to assist
  its customers and promote sales of its products. Del Monte's proprietary
  category management system is designed to address retailers' efforts to
  maximize profitability of shelf space dedicated to canned food categories. A
  substantial majority of the Company's customers that have employed Del Monte's
  category management system have increased the relative amount of shelf space
  dedicated to the Company's products as compared to competing products. The
  Company's proprietary vendor-managed inventory software allows Del Monte to
  manage directly its customers' inventories of the Company's products. This
  inventory management software is designed to reduce customers' overhead costs
  and to enable them to achieve lower average inventory levels while enhancing
  the Company's opportunities to sell its products. Retailers also rely on Del
  Monte's in-depth knowledge as the leading branded marketer in the canned
  fruit, vegetable and tomato categories, and they seek the Company's advice on
  marketing and promoting these categories. Finally, Del Monte has strong,
  well-developed relationships with all major participants in the retail grocery
  trade. The Company believes that these relationships will become increasingly
  important as consolidation among grocery retailers continues. The Company is
  seeking to use its category knowledge, customer relationships and software
  tools, along with its multi-category product line that can readily be ordered
  and shipped on a full truck-load basis, to become the preferred supplier in
  its product categories.
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   54
 
   
- - EXTENSIVE NATIONAL SALES AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM -- The Company's extensive
  sales and distribution network is responsible for the distribution of finished
  goods to over 2,400 customer destinations nationwide. This network enables the
  Company to compete with other national brands and regional competitors, and to
  introduce new products on a regional or national basis. The Company operates
  six strategically situated distribution centers offering customers a variety
  of services, including electronic data interchange and direct store shipments.
  Management believes that the Company's distribution system makes an important
  contribution to the Company's success and provides the Company with a
  competitive advantage over regional and private label competitors.
    
 
   
- - EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM -- Richard G. Wolford and Wesley J. Smith, the
  Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively,
  are veteran managers with extensive food industry experience. Mr. Wolford has
  30 years of experience in the food industry, 20 of which were with Dole. He
  was president of Dole Packaged Foods from 1982 to 1987, and during Mr.
  Wolford's tenure at Dole, Dole experienced increased profitability, sales
  volume and market share. Mr. Wolford played a key role in redefining the Dole
  brand and expanding the range of products sold under the brand. From 1988 to
  1996, he was Chief Executive Officer of HK Acquisition Corp. where he
  developed food industry investments with venture capital investors and managed
  the investor-owned companies. Mr. Smith has 25 years of experience, 23 of
  which were with Dole, where he oversaw the building of Dole's domestic fresh
  pineapple business and the restructuring of Dole's sizable Hawaiian
  operations. In addition, Mr. Smith was responsible for establishing Dole's
  juice business at Dole with minimal capital investment.
    
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
   
     Following the consummation of the Recapitalization in 1997, the Company
implemented a new business strategy designed to increase sales and improve
operating margins. The key elements of this new business strategy are discussed
below.
    
 
   
- - LEVERAGE BRAND EQUITY TO INCREASE SALES AND MARKET SHARE OF HIGH MARGIN
  PRODUCTS -- The Company plans to leverage the Del Monte and Contadina brand
  names and its strong relationships with customers to increase sales of its
  existing product lines, focusing specifically on high margin products, such as
  its specialty fruits and vegetables, diced tomatoes and its Fruit Cup line,
  where the Company has historically had either low market share or low
  household penetration relative to its overall category position.
    
 
   
- - FOCUS ON CONSUMPTION-DRIVEN MARKETING STRATEGY -- To enhance its ability to
  leverage its brand equity, the Company has refocused its marketing efforts and
  promotional strategy. To leverage its brand strength, the Company has
  increased consumer-targeted marketing programs, primarily through the
  distribution of free-standing coupon inserts, and has established clearly
  differentiated product positioning that emphasizes the Company's premium
  quality. The Company increased spending on consumer promotions from $12
  million in fiscal 1996 to $46 million in fiscal 1997 and anticipates that its
  consumer spending in fiscal 1998 and 1999 will be generally consistent with
  levels of consumer spending in fiscal 1997. To improve the effectiveness of
  its trade promotion strategy, the Company implemented performance-based
  programs under which trade spending is based on retailers' sales of the
  Company's products to consumers rather than on purchases from the Company. The
  Company believes that this performance-based strategy, coupled with the
  Company's category management capabilities, will continue to increase sales
  and reduce costs.
    
 
   
- - IMPROVE PROFITABILITY THROUGH NEW PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING -- The Company is
  developing new high margin products and line extensions designed to leverage
  the Company's presence in its current product categories and to capitalize on
  its food technology expertise. The Company has successfully introduced
  flavored diced tomatoes, two lines of flavored canned fruit, Orchard Select, a
  premium fruit product packaged in glass, and Fruit Smoothie Blenders, a
  flavored fruit drink. These products extend the Company's traditional product
  lines and appeal to consumers' demands for high quality, convenient and
  nutritious food products. The Company is evaluating introductions of other new
  products packaged in glass and plastic to further expand its presence in the
  market beyond the canned food aisle.
    
 
   
- - INCREASE PENETRATION OF HIGH-GROWTH DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS -- Changes in the
  retail grocery environment have resulted in substantial growth of alternative
  retailers such as warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers and supercenters. The
  Company believes it is well-positioned to benefit from these changes because
  these
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   55
 
   
  vendors generally seek leading brand name products that generate high
  inventory turnover. In addition, vendors in this category generally are
  attracted to large, technologically sophisticated suppliers such as the
  Company that have the ability to meet their stringent inventory and
  shelf-management requirements. The Company believes it is currently the
  leading supplier of canned vegetables and fruit to Wal-Mart's Sam's Club, and
  is a major supplier to Price Costco. The Company also believes it is the
  leading supplier of canned vegetables, fruit and solid tomato products as a
  group to Wal-Mart Supercenters.
    
 
   
- - IMPLEMENT FURTHER COST SAVINGS -- The Company is aggressively pursuing cost
  reduction opportunities, which have already contributed to an increase in
  EBITDA margins (excluding the results of Divested Operations) from 6.9% in
  1995 to 10.4% in 1997. Management's strategy is to improve profitability
  through the implementation of capital projects that offer rapid returns on
  investment, and through plant consolidations and increased operating
  efficiencies. The Company has announced plans to consolidate, over the next
  three fiscal years, six existing fruit and tomato operations in California
  into four facilities, including one large state-of-the-art facility acquired
  as part of the Contadina Acquisition. The Company continually evaluates its
  production facilities and believes that further consolidations may be
  warranted in the future. In addition, the Company plans to invest in new,
  state-of-the-art production equipment to increase production efficiencies and
  strengthen its position as a low cost producer.
    
 
   
- - COMPLETE STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS -- The Company will pursue strategic
  acquisitions when there are opportunities to leverage the Company's key
  strengths in product development, food processing, marketing, sales and
  distribution. In evaluating potential acquisition candidates, the Company
  seeks, among other things: (i) leading brands that can be expanded by
  leveraging the Company's technical and manufacturing expertise and/or its
  sales and distribution systems, (ii) new products that can achieve growth
  through re-branding and (iii) economies of scale in manufacturing,
  distribution and capacity utilization. The Contadina Acquisition, for example,
  adds a leading national brand which strengthens the Company's market share in
  key tomato segments and allows the Company to realize cost savings through
  plant consolidations. The Contadina Acquisition also allows the Company to
  introduce new branded retail products and to increase sales to the branded
  foodservice market.
    
 
   
THE INDUSTRY
    
 
   
     The domestic canned food industry is generally characterized by relatively
stable growth based on modest price and population increases. Within the
industry, however, certain categories have been experiencing substantial growth.
Over the last ten years, the industry has experienced consolidation as
competitors have shed non-core business lines and made strategic acquisitions to
complement category positions, maximize economies of scale in raw material
sourcing and production and expand retail distribution. Sustaining strong
relationships with retailers has become a critical success factor for food
companies and is driving initiatives such as category management. Food companies
with category leadership positions and strong retail relationships have
increasingly benefited from these initiatives as a way to maintain and increase
shelf space and maximize distribution efficiencies.
    
 
   
     Pricing and innovation in the canned food segments in which the Company
competes are typically led by branded food manufacturers. A majority of market
share in these categories is, however, attributable to private label
manufacturers. The private label segment has historically been highly fragmented
among regional producers seeking to compete principally based on price. The
aggregate market share of these manufacturers has remained relatively stable
over the past several years in each of the Company's principal product
categories. For the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997, private label
manufacturers as a group represented 42.7%, 40.5% and 30.0% of canned vegetable,
fruit and solid tomato product sales, respectively. Recently, some consolidation
has occurred among private label manufacturers in the canned vegetable category.
The Company believes that this consolidation may result in increasing
rationalization of production capacity in the industry, which may in turn result
in higher price positioning by private label manufacturers of canned vegetable
products.
    
 
   
     The Company increased vegetable and fruit prices in fiscal 1996 to cover
higher raw product costs and to improve margins. Higher prices put the Company
at a significant price disadvantage in the marketplace for most of the year as
competition did not raise prices until late in the fiscal year. As a result, the
Company
    
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   56
 
   
experienced an anticipated volume loss and market share decline. In the case of
its fruit operations, however, the Company's significantly improved margins
generally offset the effects of the lower volume, and the Company's market share
recovered by year-end 1997 to achieve a higher level than that experienced prior
to the price increases. In the case of its vegetable operations, the Company's
market share has stabilized at a level lower than its share prior to the price
increases. See "Risk Factors -- Competition."
    
 
COMPANY PRODUCTS
 
   
     The Company has a full-line, multi-category presence with products in four
major processed food categories: canned vegetable, fruit, tomato and pineapple
products.
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the Company's
net sales by canned product category, expressed in dollar amounts and as a
percentage of the Company's total pro forma net sales for such period:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SIX MONTHS
                                                          FISCAL YEAR          ENDED
                                                        ENDED JUNE 30,     DECEMBER 31,
                                                             1997              1997
                                                        ---------------    -------------
                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>
Vegetables (a)........................................  $  437      32%    $248      35%
Fruit(a)..............................................     431      31      218      31
Tomato products(a)(b).................................     385      28      208      29
Pineapple(a)..........................................      65       5       34       5
Other(c)..............................................      55       4        4      --
                                                        ------     ---     ----     ---
          Total(b)....................................  $1,373     100%    $712     100%
                                                        ======     ===     ====     ===
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(a) Includes sales of the entire product line across each channel of
    distribution, including sales to grocery chains, warehouse clubs,
    supercenters, mass merchandisers and other grocery retailers, as well as the
    Company's foodservice, food ingredients, export and vegetable private label
    business and military sales.
    
 
   
(b) Includes $156 million and $92 million of sales of tomato products by
    Contadina on a pro forma basis, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 and
    the six months ended December 31, 1997, respectively.
    
 
   
(c) Includes pickles, dried fruit and certain other retail products, as well as
sales of Divested Operations.
    
 
   
     Vegetables
    
   
    
 
   
     The canned vegetable industry in the United States generated approximately
$3.3 billion in sales in fiscal 1997. The domestic canned vegetable industry is
a mature segment characterized by high household penetration. Industry sales of
canned vegetables, including processed vegetables packaged in glass, through all
channels of distribution, have grown at an average of 24% annually since 1993
remained stable in recent years, as illustrated in the following table:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                 1993     1994     1995     1996     1997
                                                ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                                              (IN BILLIONS)
<S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Vegetables....................................   $3.0     $3.0     $3.1     $3.2     $3.3
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Source: ACNielsen Market Planner.
    
 
   
     The Company views the retail canned vegetable market as consisting of three
distinct segments: major, flanker and specialty products. The Company competes
in each of these segments. The major segment consists of corn, green beans and
peas and represents the largest volume segment, accounting for $780 million or
approximately 65% of fiscal 1997 canned vegetable supermarket case sales
(excluding pickles and tomato products). The Company's entries in the major
segment include cut green beans and French-style green beans, as well as whole
kernal and cream-style corn. The flanker segment, which includes mixed
vegetables, spinach, beets, carrots, potatoes and sauerkraut, accounted for $237
million or approximately 17% of fiscal 1997 canned vegetables supermarket case
sales. The specialty segment, comprised of asparagus, zucchini, baby beets and a
variety of corn and bean offerings, represents $284 million or approximately 12%
of fiscal 1997 canned vegetable supermarket case sales. Many of the Company's
specialty vegetable products are enhanced with flavors and seasonings, such as
the Company's zucchini in tomato sauce and its Fiesta corn,
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   57
 
   
which is made with green peppers and seasonings. The Company's specialty
vegetables are priced at a premium to its other vegetable products and carry
higher margins. All of the Company's vegetable products are offered to the
retail market principally in 14 - 15 ounce sizes and to the foodservice market
primarily in a larger commercial size can. The Company produces six or eight can
multi-packs primarily for its club store customers. A cross-segment, buffet
products, includes all of the above varieties in smaller can sizes. The Company
also offers a no-salt product line across most of its core varieties. Within
these segments, the Del Monte brand accounted for $349 million in retail sales
in fiscal 1997. During the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997, Del Monte brand
vegetable products enjoyed an average premium of 19c (41%) per item over private
label products and the Company held a 19.7% share of the canned vegetable market
for that year.
    
 
   
     The canned vegetable market is concentrated among a small universe of
branded players and a large, fragmented pool of private label competitors. In
the major vegetable market, the Company is the branded market share leader and
for the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997 held a 23.6% market share in green
beans, a 19.0% market share in corn and a 16.3% market share in peas. The
Company also is the branded market share leader in the flanker category and is
the overall market share leader in the buffet market. Private label products
taken as a whole command the largest share of the canned vegetable market (42.7%
for the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997), but their market share has remained
relatively stable over the past decade. The Company's primary branded
competitors in the market include Green Giant nationally, and regional brands
such as Freshlike, Stokely and Libby's, in addition to private label producers.
    
 
   
                             VEGETABLE MARKET SHARE
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
DEL MONTE...................................................   19.7%
Green Giant (Pillsbury).....................................   13.6%
Libby's (Seneca)............................................    3.6%
Stokely (Chiquita)..........................................    2.4%
Freshlike (Dean Foods)......................................    2.1%
All private label combined..................................   42.7%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
Source: ACNielsen SCANTRACK, 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997 (based on
equivalent cases).
    
 
   
     The Company has relationships with approximately 900 vegetable growers
located primarily in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington and Texas.
    
 
   
     Fruit. The processed canned fruit industry in the United States generates
approximately $2.4 billion in sales per year. The domestic canned fruit industry
is a mature segment characterized by high household penetration. Industry sales
of canned fruit, including processed fruit packaged in glass, have remained
virtually flat in recent years, as illustrated in the following table.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                 1993     1994     1995     1996     1997
                                                ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                                              (IN BILLIONS)
<S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Fruit.........................................   $2.3     $2.3     $2.3     $2.2     $2.4
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Source: ACNielsen Market Planner.
    
 
   
     The Company is the largest processor of branded canned fruit in the United
States. The Company competes in three distinct segments of the canned fruit
industry: major, specialty and pineapple products. These three distinct segments
account for over 60% of the canned fruit industry's total sales. The major
segment consists of cling peaches, pears and fruit cocktail/mixed fruit and
fruit cups. The specialty segment includes apricots, freestone and spiced
peaches, mandarin oranges and cherries. The major fruit and specialty fruit
segments of the canned fruit market together accounted for $1.4 billion of total
canned fruit industry sales in fiscal 1997. The pineapple segment is discussed
separately below.
    
 
   
     Major fruit accounted for sales by retailers of $624 million in fiscal
1997. Sales by retailers of Del Monte brand major fruit products totaled $291
million in fiscal 1997. For the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997, the Company
was the branded share leader with a 41.0% market share. The Company is also the
share leader in every major sub-segment of the major category. In single serve
sizes, the Company has over a 65% market share. The Company's major fruit and
fruit cup products are distributed in substantially all grocery outlets.
    
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   58
 
   
     The Company is the branded leader in the specialty category as a whole and
the market leader in apricots and freestone and spiced peaches. Specialty fruits
are higher margin, lower volume niche items, which benefit from the Company's
brand recognition. Del Monte apricots and freestone peaches are distributed in
over 71% and 66% of grocery outlets, respectively. Mandarin oranges and cherries
are distributed in 23% and 8% of grocery outlets, respectively.
    
 
   
     The Company believes that it has substantial opportunities to leverage the
Del Monte brand name to increase sales of its existing high margin specialty
products, such as its Fruit Cup line. The Company has also been developing new
high margin products designed to leverage the Company's presence in existing
categories, to capitalize on its existing manufacturing capabilities and to
expand the Company's presence in the market beyond the canned food aisle. For
example, following initial success in test markets, the Company is planning
national distribution of its Orchard Select, a premium fruit product packaged in
glass. The Company is also test marketing a new flavored fruit drink, Fruit
Smoothie Blenders, to expand its presence into the beverage aisle. An important
focus of the Company's new product development efforts is the production of high
quality, convenient and nutritious products, particularly snack-type products.
    
 
     The Company competes in the canned fruit business on the basis of product
quality and category support to both the trade and consumers. On the industry's
highest volume can size (15-16 oz.), the Del Monte brand commanded an average 7c
(8%) per item premium. The Company faces competition in the canned fruit segment
primarily from Tri-Valley Growers and PCP, both of which are grower
co-operatives that produce private label products. Tri-Valley Growers also packs
the Libby's and S&W brands. Libby's holds an overall canned fruit market share
of 11.7%. Forty-one percent of industry sales are generated primarily by private
label producers including Tri-Valley Growers and PCP.
 
   
                            MAJOR FRUIT MARKET SHARE
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
DEL MONTE...................................................   41.0%
Libby's (Tri-Valley)........................................   11.7%
All private label combined..................................   40.5%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   
Source: ACNielsen SCANTRACK, 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997 (based on
equivalent cases).
    
 
   
     The Company has relationships with approximately 600 fruit growers located
primarily in California, Oregon and Washington.
    
 
   
     Tomato Products
    
 
   
     Tomato products generated fiscal 1997 industry-wide sales of $5.4 billion.
Total sales of tomato products have grown steadily in recent years, achieving a
five-year compound annual growth rate of 3% per year. The diced segment of the
retail canned solid tomato category (which segment includes chunky tomatoes and
tomato wedges) grew 13% on an equivalent case basis during the 52 weeks ended
December 27, 1997 as consumer preferences trend toward more convenient cut and
seasoned tomato products. The following table presents total industry sales of
all processed tomato products in recent years.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                 1993     1994     1995     1996     1997
                                                ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                                              (IN BILLIONS)
<S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Tomato products...............................   $4.7     $4.8     $5.1     $5.3     $5.4
  Solid tomato products(a)....................   $0.6     $0.6     $0.6     $0.7     $0.7
  Paste-based tomato products(b)..............   $4.1     $4.2     $4.5     $4.6     $4.7
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
Source: AC Nielsen Market Planner
    
 
   
(a) Includes diced/chunky/wedges and stewed, whole and crushed canned tomato
    products.
    
 
   
(b) Includes ketchup, spaghetti/marinara, pizza, sloppy joe, chili and other
    cooking sauces, seafood and cocktail sauces, and tomato paste, sauce and
    puree.
    
 
   
     The processed tomato market can be separated into more than ten distinct
product categories which differ widely in terms of profitability, price
sensitivity and growth potential. Consumers use tomato products for a variety of
purposes ranging from ingredients to condiments, beverages and main dishes.
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   59
 
   
     The Company's tomato product offerings consist of two major segments: solid
tomato products, which are differentiated primarily by cut style, with varieties
including stewed, crushed, diced, chunky and wedges, and paste-based tomato
products, such as ketchup, tomato sauce and tomato paste and value-added
products, including spaghetti, pasta and sloppy joe sauces.
    
 
   
     The Company is the leading producer of canned solid tomato products, which
are generally higher margin tomato products and are the fastest growing segment
of the Company's tomato products. As a result of the Contadina Acquisition, the
Company extended its presence in this segment through the addition of
Contadina's share of the market for crushed tomato products. The canned solid
tomato segment has evolved to include additional value-added items, such as
flavored diced tomato products. The Company believes that there is substantial
opportunity to increase sales of solid tomato products, including particularly
crushed tomato products, through similar line extensions that capitalize on the
Company's manufacturing and marketing expertise.
    
 
   
                       SOLID TOMATO PRODUCTS MARKET SHARE
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
DEL MONTE/CONTADINA.........................................   16.2%
Hunt's (ConAgra)............................................   11.2%
S&W (TriValley Growers).....................................    5.2%
All private label combined..................................   30.0%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
Source: ACNielsen SCANTRACK, 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997 (based on
        equivalent cases).
    
 
   
     With the Contadina Acquisition, the Company has strengthened its position
in the branded paste-based tomato products categories in which it competes. The
Company markets its spaghetti, pasta and sloppy joe sauces, as well as its
ketchup products, under the Del Monte brand name using a "niche" marketing
strategy targeted toward value-conscious consumers seeking a branded, high
quality product. The Company's tomato paste products are marketed under the
Contadina brand name, which is an established national brand for Italian-style
food products. Contadina also targets the branded food service tomato market,
including small restaurants that use Contadina brand products, such as finished
spaghetti and pasta sauces. The Company plans to use this presence as a platform
to expand its branded foodservice business, including sales of Del Monte brand
products, to new and existing Contadina foodservice customers.
    
 
   
     The Company faces competition in the tomato product market from brand name
competitors including S&W and Hunt's in the solid tomato category; Heinz and
Hunt's in the ketchup category; and Hunt's and Campbell Soup's Prego and
Unilever's Ragu in the spaghetti sauce category. Hunt's is the Company's chief
competitor in the tomato paste segment. In addition, the Company faces
competition from private label products in all major categories. While the
Company has a small share of the overall tomato product market (with market
shares for the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997 of 4.1% in spaghetti sauce and
6.2% in tomato sauce), it is the largest branded competitor in the solid tomato
segment with a market share of 16.2% for the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997.
Hunt's, the next largest branded processor, possessed a 11.2% share of the solid
tomato segment for this period. In other key categories, for the 52 weeks ended
December 27, 1997, Heinz was the market leader in ketchup with a 46.5% market
share, and Hunt's was the leader in tomato sauce with a 34.9% market share.
    
 
   
     Pineapple
    
   
    
 
     The canned pineapple products industry in the United States generated
approximately $339 million in sales in fiscal 1997. The domestic pineapple
industry is a mature segment of the canned fruit industry that has generated
stable sales. Industry sales of canned pineapple products have remained
virtually flat in recent years, as illustrated in the following table.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                 1993     1994     1995     1996     1997
                                                ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Pineapple products............................   $334     $329     $317     $329     $339
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
Source: ACNielsen Market Planner.
    
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   60
 
     Individual pineapple items are differentiated by cut style, with varieties
including sliced, chunk, tidbits and crushed. Currently, 84% of pineapple
product sold is packed in juice, with the remaining 16% packed in heavy syrup.
Size offerings include the 20 oz. size, which accounts for 74% of category
sales. Other sizes offered include the 8 oz. and 15 oz. varieties.
 
   
     The Company's retail pineapple line consists of sliced, chunk, crushed and
juice products in a variety of container sizes. In addition to sales by
retailers, which totaled $35 million in fiscal 1997, the Company sells a
significant amount of juice concentrate and crushed pineapple through the food
ingredients channel and also sells pineapple solids and juice products to
foodservice customers. The Company has operated its canned pineapple business
primarily on a regional basis, but plans to expand its distribution of these
products to other markets.
    
 
   
     The Company is the second leading brand of canned pineapple, with a 14.0%
market share for the 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997. Dole is the industry
leader with a market share of 45.1%. Private label and foreign pack brands
comprise the low-price segment of this category and hold market shares of 27.4%
and 12.2%, respectively. The five major foreign pack brands, Geisha, Libby's,
Liberty Gold, Empress and 3-Diamond, have regional distribution and are supplied
by Thai and Indonesian packers. Certain foreign brands grew through 1995 by
"dumping" product in the United States at below cost prices which depressed
category pricing. In 1995, the U.S. Government imposed anti-dumping tariffs on
Thai packers which allowed the domestic industry to recover some of its margins
and volume.
    
 
   
                             PINEAPPLE MARKET SHARE
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
DEL MONTE...................................................   14.0%
Dole........................................................   45.1%
Foreign pack................................................   12.2%
All private label combined..................................   27.4%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   
Source: ACNielsen SCANTRACK, 52 weeks ended December 27, 1997 (based on
equivalent cases).
    
 
   
     The Company sources virtually all of its pineapple requirements from its
former subsidiary, Del Monte Philippines, under a long-term supply agreement.
The agreement provides for a guaranteed supply of quality pineapple with pricing
based on fixed retail and foodservice margins.
    
 
SUPPLY AND PRODUCTION
 
   
     The Company owns virtually no agricultural land. Each year, the Company
buys over one million tons of fresh vegetables, fruit and tomatoes pursuant to
over 2,500 contracts with individual growers and cooperatives located primarily
in the United States, many of which are long-term relationships. The Company is
exploring ways in which to extend its growing season. For example, it has been
planting green bean crops in Texas, which has a longer growing season than the
Company's other bean growing locations in the Midwest region. Like other
processed vegetable, fruit and tomato product manufacturers the Company is
subject to market-wide price fluctuations resulting from seasonal or other
factors, although its long-term relationships with growers help to ensure a
consistent supply of raw product.
    
 
   
     The Company's vegetable growers are located in Wisconsin, Illinois,
Minnesota, Washington, Texas and Arizona. The Company provides the growers with
planting schedules, seeds, insecticide management and hauling capabilities and
actively participates in agricultural management and quality control with
respect to all sources of supply. The Company's vegetable supply contracts are
generally for a one-year term. The Company believes that one of its competitive
advantages in the canned vegetable category derives from its proprietary seed
varieties. For example, the Company believes that its "Del Monte Blue Lake Green
Bean" variety is higher yielding than green bean varieties used by the Company's
competitors. In addition, the Company's green bean production is primarily on
irrigated fields, which facilitates production of high quality, uniformly-sized
beans.
    
 
   
     The Company's fruit and tomato growers are located primarily in California;
pear growers are also located in Oregon and Washington. The Company's fruit
supply contracts range from one to ten years. Prices are generally negotiated
with grower associations. The Company actively participates in agricultural
management
    
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   61
 
and quality control and provides insecticide management and hauling
capabilities. Where appropriate, the Company manages the growers' agricultural
practices.
 
   
     Fifteen Company-owned plants, located throughout the United States, process
the Company's products. The Company produces the majority of its products
between June and October. Most of the Company's seasonal plants operate at close
to full capacity during the packing season.
    
 
   
     The following table lists the Company's production facilities:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             LOCATION                          PRIMARY PRODUCT LINE              SQUARE FOOTAGE
             --------                          --------------------              --------------
<S>                                 <C>                                          <C>
Hanford, CA.......................  Solid and Paste-Based Tomato Products           589,000
Kingsburg, CA.....................  Peaches, Zucchini and Corn                      121,000
Modesto, CA.......................  Solid and Paste-Based Tomato Products and       220,000
                                      Snap-E-Tom
San Jose, CA......................  Apricots, Fruit Cups, Fruit Cocktail,           371,000
                                    Chunky Fruit and Diced Pears
Stockton, CA......................  Peaches, Cocktail Cherries, Fruit Cocktail      446,000
                                    and Fruit Concentrate
Woodland, CA......................  Bulk Paste and Bulk Diced Tomatoes              520,000
Mendota, IL.......................  Peas, Corn, Lima Beans, Mixed Vegetables,       246,000
                                      Carrots and Peas & Carrots
Plymouth, IN......................  Paste-Based Tomato Products, Snap-E-Tom and     156,000
                                      Pineapple Juice
Sleepy Eye, MN....................  Peas and Corn                                   230,000
Crystal City, TX..................  Green Beans, Spinach, Carrots, Beets and        362,000
                                      Potatoes
Toppenish, WA.....................  Asparagus, Corn, Lima Beans and Peas            228,000
Yakima, WA........................  Cherries and Pears                              214,000
Arlington, WI.....................  Peas, Corn and Sauerkraut                       209,000
Markesan, WI......................  Green Beans, Wax Beans and Italian Beans        291,000
Plover, WI........................  Beans, Carrots, Beets and Potatoes              250,000
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     In January 1998, the Company announced a four-year plan to consolidate its
California production facilities in order to enhance the efficiency of fruit and
tomato processing operations and to better meet the competitive challenges of
the market. Tomato production currently taking place at the Modesto plant is
expected to be transferred to the Company's newly acquired state-of-the-art
facility in Hanford in 1999. The Modesto location would then be converted to a
fruit processing plant allowing production currently processed at the San Jose
plant to be transferred to Modesto. At the end of the production season in 2000,
the Company is also expected to close its Stockton fruit plant and transfer
production from that plant to Modesto. Considerations of plant age and location
were primary factors in the decision to close the 80-year-old San Jose plant and
the 70-year old Stockton plant and transfer production closer to growing areas.
The Company plans an aggregate of approximately $136 million of capital spending
through 2001 to increase production efficiency and reduce costs.
    
 
     Co-packers are used for pickles and certain other non-core products and to
supplement supplies of certain canned vegetables, fruit and tomato products.
 
   
     Prior to December 1993, the Company produced almost all of the cans used to
package its products in the United States at its nine can manufacturing
facilities located throughout the United States. In December 1993, the Company
sold substantially all the assets (and certain related liabilities) of the
Company's can manufacturing business to Silgan Container Corporation ("Silgan").
The transaction included the sale or lease of the Company's nine can
manufacturing facilities. In connection with this agreement, Silgan and the
Company entered into a ten-year supply agreement, with optional successive
five-year extensions under which Silgan agreed to supply all of the Company's
requirements for metal food and beverage containers in the United States. The
Company's total annual can usage is approximately two billion cans.
    
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   62
 
   
SALES, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
    
 
   
  Sales and Marketing
    
 
   
     The Company's sales organization for retail products is divided into three
groups: (i) a retail broker network (which consists of 100% independent broker
representation at the market level, managed by Company sales managers); (ii) an
in-house sales force with responsibility for warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers
and supercenters; and (iii) an in-house team responsible for trade promotion.
Retail brokers are independent, commissioned sales organizations which represent
multiple manufacturers. The Company's broker network represents the Company to a
broad range of grocery retailers. The Company's warehouse club, mass
merchandiser and supercenter group calls on these customers directly
(non-brokered) and is responsible for the development and implementation of
sales programs for non-grocery channels of distribution that include Wal-Mart,
PriceCostco, Kmart and Target. Foodservice, food ingredients, private label and
military sales are accomplished through both direct sales and brokers.
    
 
   
     The Company's marketing group directs product development, pricing
strategy, consumer promotion, advertising, publicity and package design.
Consumer advertising and promotion support are used, together with trade
spending, to support awareness of new items and initial trial by consumers and
to build recognition of the Del Monte and Contadina brand names.
    
 
   
     The Company has been enhancing its sales and marketing efforts with
proprietary software applications, principally its Trade Wizard application and
applications designed to assist customers in managing product categories. The
Trade Wizard application assists the Company in implementing and managing the
timing and scope of its trade and consumer promotions. Customers using the
Company's category management software tools are able to more rapidly identify
sales levels for various product categories so as to achieve an optimal product
mix. Use of the Category Management tools has resulted in increased shelf
presence for the Company's products, particularly fruit products, relative to
those of the Company's competitors. The Company also has proprietary tools that
allow it to manage customers' inventory requirements for its products thereby
reducing customers' inventory levels while enhancing the Company's opportunities
to sell its products.
    
 
   
  Distribution
    
 
   
     The Company's distribution organization is responsible for the distribution
of finished goods to over 2,400 customer destinations. Customers can order
products to be delivered via third party trucking, rail or on a customer pickup
basis. The Company's distribution centers provide, among other services, casing,
labeling, special packaging, cold storing and fleet trucking services. Other
services the Company provides to customers include One Purchase Order/One
Shipment, in which the Company's most popular products are listed on a
consolidated invoicing service; the UCS Electronic Data Interchange, a paperless
system of purchase orders and invoices; and the Store Order Load Option (SOLO),
in which products are shipped directly to stores.
    
 
   
     The following table lists the Company's distribution centers:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          LOCATION             OWNED/LEASED    SQUARE FOOTAGE
          --------             ------------    --------------
<S>                            <C>             <C>
Birmingham, AL...............   Leased            292,000
Clearfield, UT...............   Leased             80,000
Dallas, TX...................   Leased            175,000
Rochelle, IL.................    Owned            425,000
Stockton, CA.................   Leased            512,000
Swedesboro, NJ...............    Owned            267,000
</TABLE>
    
 
   
CUSTOMERS
    
 
   
     The Company's customer base is broad and diverse, and no single customer
accounted for more than 10% of fiscal 1997 net sales. The Company's 15 largest
customers during fiscal 1997 represented approximately 45.1% of the Company's
net sales. These companies have all been Del Monte customers for at least ten
years and, in some cases, for 20 years or more. The Company has sought to
establish and strengthen its alliances with key customers by offering
sophisticated proprietary software applications to assist customers in managing
inventories. The Company plans to expand its promotion of these applications
with its customers.
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   63
 
COMPETITION
 
   
     The Company faces substantial competition throughout its product lines from
numerous well-established businesses operating nationally or regionally with
single or multiple branded product lines, as well as with private label
manufacturers. In general, the Company competes on the basis of quality, breadth
of product line and price. See "Risk Factors -- Competition" and " -- Company
Products."
    
 
INFORMATION SERVICES
 
   
     In November 1992, the Company entered into an agreement with EDS to provide
services and administration to the Company in support of its information
services functions. Payments under the terms of the agreement are based on
scheduled monthly base charges subject to various adjustments based on such
factors as production levels and inflation. The agreement expires in November
2002 with optional successive one-year extensions. The Company periodically
reviews its general information system needs, including Year 2000 compliance.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Year 2000."
    
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
   
     The Company's research and development organization provides product,
packaging and process development and analytical and microbiological services,
as well as agricultural research and seed production. In fiscal 1995, 1996 and
1997, R&D expenditures (net of revenue for services to third parties) were $6
million, $6 million and $5 million, respectively. The Company maintains an R&D
facility in Walnut Creek, California where it conducts research in a number of
areas related to its business including seed production, packaging, pest
management, food and nutrition science and plant breeding.
    
 
EMPLOYEES
 
   
     At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 2,700 full-time
employees. An additional 12,400 individuals are hired on a temporary basis
during the pack season. The Company considers its relations with its employees
to be good.
    
 
   
     The Company has ten collective bargaining agreements with seven union
locals covering approximately 10,800 of its hourly and seasonal employees. Two
collective bargaining agreements expire in calendar 1998. These agreements are
being renegotiated, and the Company believes that negotiations will be completed
by the end of calendar 1998. The remaining agreements expire in calendar 1999,
2000 and 2001.
    
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
   
     The Company owns a number of registered and unregistered trademarks for use
in connection with various food products, including the marks Del Monte, Snack
Cups, Fruit Cup, Fresh Cut, Fruit Naturals, Orchard Select, Fruit Smoothie
Blenders, Del Monte Lite and Contadina. These trademarks are important to the
Company because brand name recognition is a key factor in the success of the
Company's products. The current registrations of these trademarks in the United
States and foreign countries are effective for varying periods of time, and may
be renewed periodically, provided that the Company, as the registered owner, or
its licensees, where applicable, comply with all applicable renewal requirements
including, where necessary, the continued use of the marks in connection with
similar goods. The Company is not aware of any material challenge to the
ownership by the Company of its major trademarks.
    
 
   
     DMC owns approximately 12 issued U.S. patents covering machines used in
filling, cleaning, and sealing cans, food preservation methods, extracts and
colors, and peeling and coring devices. The patents expire between 2002 and 2014
and cannot be renewed. Patents are generally not material to the Company's
business.
    
 
   
     The Company claims copyright protection in its proprietary category
management software and vendor-managed inventory software. The Company's
customers receive reports generated by these software programs and provide data
to the Company for use in connection with the programs. The software itself,
however, is not currently licensed to the Company's customers. The copyrights
are not registered.
    
 
     The Company has developed a number of proprietary vegetable seed varieties
which it protects against disclosure by restricting access and/or by the use of
non-disclosure agreements. There can be no assurance
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   64
 
   
that the means taken by the Company to protect the secrecy of its seed varieties
will be sufficient to protect their secrecy or that others will not
independently develop similar technology. The Company has obtained U.S. plant
variety protection certificates under the Plant Variety Protection Act on some
of its proprietary seed varieties. Under such a certificate, the breeder has the
right, among other rights, to exclude others from offering or selling the
variety or reproducing it in the United States. The protection afforded by a
plant variety protection certificate generally runs for 20 years from the date
of its issuance.
    
 
   
     In connection with the RJR Nabisco Sale, and the divestitures of the
Company's non-core and foreign operations subsequent to that sale, the Company
granted various perpetual, exclusive, royalty-free licenses for use of the Del
Monte name and mark along with certain other trademarks, patents, copyrights and
trade secrets to the acquiring companies or their affiliates. In particular,
with respect to all food and beverage products other than fresh fruits,
vegetables and produce, affiliates of RJR Nabisco hold the rights to use Del
Monte trademarks in Canada and South America; Kikkoman holds the rights to use
Del Monte trademarks in the Far East and Pacific Rim (excluding the
Philippines); Del Monte International holds the rights in Europe, Africa, the
Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Fresh Del Monte holds the rights to use
the Del Monte name and trademark with respect to fresh fruit, vegetables, and
produce and certain chilled and frozen products related thereto throughout the
world. With respect to dried fruit, nut and snack products, Yorkshire holds the
rights to use Del Monte trademarks in the United States, Mexico, Central America
and the Caribbean. In connection with agreements to sell Del Monte Latin
America, an affiliate of Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst acquired the right to use the
Del Monte trademarks with respect to all food and beverage products other than
fresh fruits, vegetables and produce in Mexico and Capital Universal Ltd. (an
affiliate of Donald W. Dickerson, Inc.) acquired similar rights in Central
America and the Caribbean. Dewey Limited (an affiliate of Del Monte
International) owns the rights in the Philippines to the Del Monte brand name.
See "Risk Factors -- Brand Risk."
    
 
     The Company retains the right to review the quality of the licensee's
products under each of its license agreements. The Company generally may inspect
the licensees' facilities and the licensees must periodically submit samples to
the Company for inspection. Licensees may grant sublicenses but all sublicensees
are bound by these quality control standards and other terms of the license.
 
     The Company has also granted various security and tangible interests in its
trademarks and related trade names, copyrights, patents, trade secrets and other
intellectual property to its creditors, in connection with the Bank Financing,
and to its licensees, to secure certain of the Company's obligations under the
license agreements.
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
 
     The Company's operating businesses are subject to regulation and inspection
by various federal, state and local governmental agencies which enforce strict
standards of sanitation, product composition, packaging and labeling, work place
safety and environmental compliance. The Company believes it is in substantial
compliance with such regulations.
 
   
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
    
 
   
     The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings
incidental to its business, including claims with respect to product liability,
worker's compensation, tort and other general liability and automobile
liability, for which the Company carries insurance or is self-insured, as well
as trademark, copyright and related litigation, and wrongful discharge and other
employer/employee claims and litigation. The Company believes that no such legal
proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the results of operations,
cash flow, liquidity or financial condition of the Company. See
" -- Environmental Compliance" for a description of certain environmental
matters in which the Company is involved.
    
 
   
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
    
 
     As a result of its agricultural, food processing and canning activities,
the Company is subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. Many of
these laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent and compliance
with them is becoming increasingly expensive. The Company believes that it is in
substantial compliance with all such laws and regulations. The Company cannot
predict the extent to which any environmental law or regulation that may be
enacted or enforced in the future may affect its operations. The
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   65
 
Company is engaged in a continuing program to maintain its compliance with
existing laws and regulations and to establish compliance with anticipated
future laws and regulations. The Company spent an aggregate of approximately $5
million on domestic environmental expenditures from fiscal 1995 through fiscal
1997, and projects that it will spend an aggregate of approximately $4 million
in fiscal 1998 and 1999 on capital projects and other expenditures in connection
with environmental compliance.
 
   
     In connection with the Company's divestiture of certain properties, the
Company may be required to remediate environmental conditions at such
properties. The Company has also identified certain conditions that require
remediation at properties it continues to own or operate. At one such property,
the Company is currently conducting a groundwater investigation for
contamination that it believes resulted from third party operations. At the
present time, the Company is unable to predict the total remediation cost for
this matter or the extent to which it may obtain contributions for any related
remediation from such third party. Nonetheless, the Company does not expect that
these and other such remediation costs will have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
    
 
   
     The Company has been notified by governmental authorities and private
claimants that it is a PRP for environmental investigation and remediation costs
at certain contaminated sites under CERCLA or under similar state laws.
Currently the Company is indemnified for any liability at two of these sites,
which indemnification obligation has been accepted by the indemnitors for each
such matter.
    
 
   
     With one exception, the Company is considered a PRP at each site because it
sent certain wastes from its operations to these sites for disposal. With
respect to the sites at which the Company has been identified as a PRP and is
not indemnified by another party, the environmental investigation and
remediation activities are at various stages. Because the investigation and
remediation process is usually long and complicated, it is difficult to predict
the ultimate extent of the Company's liability. However, at most such sites, the
Company believes it will incur a minor, if any, share of liability. There can be
no assurance that the Company will not be identified as a PRP at additional
sites in the future or that additional investigation or remediation requirements
will not be imposed on properties currently or previously owned or operated by
the Company. The Company believes that its CERCLA and any other environmental
liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.
    
 
   
PROPERTIES
    
 
   
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company operated 15 production facilities and
six distribution centers. See "-- Supply and Production" and "-- Sales,
Marketing and Distribution." The Company's production facilities are owned
properties, while its distribution centers are owned or leased. The Company has
various warehousing/storage facilities, which are primarily leased facilities.
The Company's leases are generally long term. Virtually all of the Company's
properties, whether owned or leased, are subject to liens or security interests.
    
 
   
     The Company's principal administrative headquarters are located in leased
office space in San Francisco, California. The Company owns its primary research
and development facility in Walnut Creek, California.
    
 
   
     The Company holds certain excess properties for sale and periodically
disposes of excess land and facilities through sales.
    
 
   
     Management considers its facilities to be suitable and adequate for the
business conducted therein, and to have sufficient production capacity for the
purposes for which they are presently intended.
    
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   66
 
                               CORPORATE HISTORY
 
   
     DMC was acquired in 1979 by the predecessor of RJR Nabisco. In 1990, DMC
and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates were sold in the RJR Nabisco Sale
for $1.5 billion to DMFC and DMPF Corp., a Delaware corporation, which were
organized by ML&Co. and capitalized by ML&Co. and certain other investors
including Court Square Capital, L.P., an affiliate of Citibank, N.A., Kikkoman,
Polly Peck, W.R. Huff Asset Management Co., Charterhouse Equity Partners, L.P.
and certain present and former members of management of the Company. The RJR
Nabisco Sale excluded certain businesses that were retained by RJR Nabisco, such
as the Del Monte processed foods operations in Canada and South America. Certain
other Del Monte businesses were not acquired, including the Del Monte fresh
produce business, which was sold by RJR Nabisco to Polly Peck, which, in turn,
sold it to Fresh Del Monte. In connection with the RJR Nabisco Sale and,
subsequently, in connection with the sale of the Company's foreign operations,
as described below, the Company granted various perpetual, exclusive
royalty-free licenses for the use of the Del Monte name and trademark. The
licensees of the Del Monte name and trademark include Del Monte International,
Kikkoman, Fresh Del Monte and Yorkshire. None of the licensees is affiliated
with the Company except for Yorkshire, of which the Company owns 20% of the
common stock. See "Risk Factors -- Brand Risk" and "Business -- Intellectual
Property."
    
 
   
     Following the RJR Nabisco Sale, the Company sold certain of its properties,
including the Company's processed foods operations in the Far East (other than
the Philippines) to Kikkoman for approximately $104 million; the Hawaiian Punch
business to Procter & Gamble for approximately $147 million; and Del Monte
International to Gravelgrove Limited for approximately $360 million, and applied
substantially all of the proceeds from such sales to the partial repayment of
the bank financing used to finance the RJR Nabisco Sale. In connection with the
sale of Del Monte International, the Company acquired an 8.35% equity investment
in Del Monte International. Subsequently, in the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
1993, the Company sold such equity investment for approximately $23 million.
    
 
     In January 1991, the Company completed the sale of a 49.9% interest in Del
Monte Philippines. As a result of this transaction, the Company received $16.7
million in cash, $17.9 million in notes (which were subsequently repaid), $8.7
million in a future purchase price adjustment (all of which has been paid) and
$1.3 million of preferred stock of a subsidiary of Del Monte Philippines (20% of
which was redeemed in May 1994 and 20% redeemed in May 1995). The Company
retained a 50.1% interest in Del Monte Philippines. In March 1996, the Company
sold its 50.1% interest in Del Monte Philippines and the remaining preferred
stock to a joint venture affiliated with Del Monte International for $100
million. In connection with the sale of its interest in Del Monte Philippines,
the Company signed an eight-year supply agreement under which the Company is
required to source substantially all of its pineapple requirements from Del
Monte Philippines over the term of the agreement.
 
     In August 1993, the Company sold its dried fruit and snack operation to
Yorkshire for cash and stock totaling $22.6 million. As part of the asset sale
transaction, the Company acquired 20% of the outstanding common stock and 1,000
shares of 7% preferred stock of Yorkshire. Following the expiration of a
standstill agreement in July 1996, the Company granted a right of first refusal
to Yorkshire to acquire the Company's equity interest in Yorkshire, and
Yorkshire Foods, Inc., the parent of Yorkshire ("YFI"), granted a right of
co-sale to the Company in the event that YFI proposed to sell its equity
interest in Yorkshire.
 
     In December 1993, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and
certain related liabilities of its can manufacturing operations in the United
States to Silgan for $72 million. At the same time, the Company entered into a
ten-year supply agreement under which Silgan would, effective immediately after
the sale, provide the Company with substantially all of its domestic can
requirements. The supply agreement provides the Company with a long-term supply
of cans at prices that adjust over time for normal manufacturing cost increases
or decreases. See "Business -- Supply and Production."
 
     On June 27, 1994, DMFC entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"1994 Merger Agreement") with Grupo Empacador de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and CCP
Acquisition Company of Maryland, Inc., which were formed by an investor group
led by Mr. Carlos Cabal Peniche for the purpose of effecting an acquisition (the
"Proposed Acquisition") of the Company. The Merger Agreement provided that DMFC
was entitled to terminate the 1994 Merger Agreement if the effective date of the
Proposed Acquisition failed to
                                       61
<PAGE>   67
 
occur on or prior to September 19, 1994. The effective date of the Proposed
Acquisition did not occur on or prior to such date and, on September 21, 1994,
DMFC terminated the 1994 Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms. Pursuant
to the 1994 Merger Agreement, because the Proposed Acquisition failed to occur
by September 19, 1994, DMFC drew $30 million under a letter of credit issued by
Banco Union, S.A., a bank affiliated with Mr. Cabal. Such amount was applied to
the repayment of indebtedness then-outstanding under the Company's then-existing
revolving credit agreement.
 
     In November 1995, the Company sold its pudding business to Kraft for $89
million.
 
     In October 1996, the Company sold its Mexican subsidiary for $38 million,
and, in November 1996, sold its Central American and Caribbean operations for
$12 million.
 
   
     On April 18, 1997, TPG Shield was merged with and into DMFC, with DMFC
being the surviving corporation. In connection with the merger, DMC repaid
substantially all of its funded debt obligations existing immediately before the
closing of the merger.
    
 
   
     On December 19, 1997, the Company acquired the Contadina business for $177
million in cash, plus an estimated working capital adjustment of approximately
$20 million. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on the final
calculation of net working capital as of the closing date. Nestle has provided
its calculation of the net working capital which would result in a payment to
the Company of approximately $2 million. The Company has until April 18, 1998 to
review this calculation and determine if it has any objection to the
calculation. The Contadina Acquisition also included the assumption of certain
liabilities of approximately $4 million.
    
 
TEXAS PACIFIC GROUP
 
   
     Texas Pacific Group was founded by David Bonderman, James G. Coulter and
William S. Price III in 1992 to pursue public and private investment
opportunities through a variety of methods, including leveraged buyouts, joint
ventures, restructurings, bankruptcies and strategic public securities
investments. The principals of TPG operate TPG Partners, L.P. and TPG Partners
II, L.P., both Delaware limited partnerships, with aggregate committed capital
of over $3.2 billion. Prior to the Equity contribution, TPG owned 78% of the
common equity of the Company.
    
 
   
     Prior to the formation of TPG, certain of its principals oversaw the
successful investment of more than $1 billion of equity capital from 1982 to
1992 on behalf of Keystone, Inc. (formerly the Robert M. Bass Group), including
such transactions as the acquisition of American Savings Bank, Wometco Cable,
National Reinsurance Corp. and Bell & Howell. In addition, TPG's principals led
the $9 billion reorganization of Continental Airlines in 1993. In addition to
the Company, TPG's portfolio companies include America West Airlines, Belden &
Blake Corporation, Beringer Wine Estates, Denbury Resources, Ducati Motors
S.p.A., Favorite Brands International, Genesis ElderCare, J. Crew Group, Inc.,
Paradyne, Virgin Entertainment and Vivra Specialty Partners.
    
 
   
     The acquisition of the Company was TPG's third major investment in the food
and beverage industry in the last two years. In September 1995, TPG acquired the
North American marshmallow and confections business from Kraft, which is now
called Favorite Brands International. Since the acquisition, Favorite Brands
International has acquired five other businesses, quintupling its revenues and
making it the fourth largest candy and confections company in the United States.
Additionally, in January 1996, TPG acquired Beringer Wine Estates from Nestle,
which included Meridian Vineyards, Napa Ridge and Chateau Souverain. Beringer
subsequently acquired Chateau St. Jean and Stags' Leap Winery, giving Beringer
one of the nation's largest portfolios of premium wineries.
    
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   68
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
   
     The following table sets forth the name, age and position of individuals
who are serving as directors and executive officers of each of DMC and DMFC.
Each director will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or
until his successor has been elected and qualified. Officers of DMC and DMFC are
elected by their respective Boards of Directors and serve at the discretion of
such Boards.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 NAME                    AGE                  POSITIONS
                 ----                    ---                  ---------
<S>                                      <C>   <C>
Richard W. Boyce.......................  43    Chairman of the Board; Director
Richard G. Wolford.....................  53    Chief Executive Officer; Director
Wesley J. Smith........................  51    Chief Operating Officer; Director
Timothy G. Bruer.......................  40    Director
Al Carey...............................  46    Director
Patrick Foley..........................  66    Director
Brian E. Haycox........................  56    Director
Denise M. O'Leary......................  40    Director
William S. Price III...................  41    Director
Jeffrey A. Shaw........................  33    Director
David L. Meyers........................  52    Executive Vice President,
                                               Administration and Chief Financial
                                               Officer
Glynn M. Phillips......................  60    Executive Vice President, Sales
Brent D. Bailey........................  45    Executive Vice President, Marketing
Thomas E. Gibbons......................  50    Senior Vice President and Treasurer
William J. Spain.......................  56    Senior Vice President, Technology
Richard L. French......................  40    Vice President and Chief Accounting
                                               Officer
William R. Sawyers.....................  35    Vice President, General Counsel and
                                               Secretary
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     Richard W. Boyce, Chairman of the Board; Director. Mr. Boyce became
Chairman of the Board and a director of both DMC and DMFC in August 1997. Mr.
Boyce became President of SRB, Inc., which provides management services to TPG
and its affiliated companies, in 1997. He was employed by PepsiCo from 1992 to
1997, most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations for Pepsi-Cola North
America. From 1980 to 1992, Mr. Boyce was employed by Bain & Co.
    
 
     Richard G. Wolford, Chief Executive Officer; Director. Mr. Wolford joined
both DMC and DMFC as Chief Executive Officer and a director in April 1997 upon
consummation of the Recapitalization. From 1967 to 1987, he held a variety of
positions at Dole Foods, including President of Dole Packaged Foods from 1982 to
1987. From 1988 to 1996, he was Chief Executive Officer of HK Acquisition Corp.
where he developed food industry investments with venture capital investors.
 
     Wesley J. Smith, Chief Operating Officer; Director. Mr. Smith joined both
DMC and DMFC as Chief Operating Officer and a director in April 1997 upon
consummation of the Recapitalization. From 1972 to 1995, he was employed by Dole
Foods in a variety of positions, including senior positions in finance,
marketing, operations and general management in California, Hawaii and Honduras.
 
   
     Timothy G. Bruer, Director. Mr. Bruer became a director of both DMC and
DMFC in August 1997. Mr. Bruer has been President and Chief Executive Officer
and a director of Silverado Foods, Inc. since March 1997. From 1993 until that
time, he was Vice President and General Manager of the Culinary Division of
Nestle USA. He is also a director of Authentic Specialty Foods Inc.
    
 
     Al Carey, Director. Mr. Carey became a director of both DMC and DMFC in
November 1997. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Frito-Lay, Inc., a division
of PepsiCo, Inc., and has been employed in various capacities with that company
since 1981.
 
     Patrick Foley, Director. Mr. Foley became a director of both DMC and DMFC
in August 1997. Mr. Foley is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DHL
Corporation, Inc. and its major subsidiary, DHL Airways, Inc. He joined DHL in
September 1988, with more than 30 years experience in hotel and airline
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   69
 
industries. He was formerly Chairman and President of Hyatt Hotel Corporation.
Mr. Foley serves on the Boards of Directors of Continental Airlines, Inc., DHL
International, Foundation Health Systems, Inc., Flextronics International and
Glenborough Realty Trust, Inc.
 
     Brian E. Haycox, Director. Mr. Haycox was elected to the Board of Directors
of both DMC and DMFC in June 1995. He was elected as Co-Chairman and Co-Chief
Executive Officer of both DMC and DMFC in December 1995, and he served in those
capacities until the consummation of the Recapitalization. Mr. Haycox served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Del Monte Tropical Fruit Company from
1988 until 1993. Prior to that time Mr. Haycox served in a variety of management
positions within the Del Monte organization.
 
     Denise M. O'Leary, Director. Ms. O'Leary became a director of both DMC and
DMFC in August 1997. Ms. O'Leary has been a Special Limited Partner of Menlo
Ventures since 1996. From 1983 to 1996, she was a General Partner of Menlo
Ventures. Ms. O'Leary serves on the Boards of Directors of various private
companies as well as on the Board of ALZA Corporation. She is a member of the
Board of Trustees of Stanford University and a director of UCSF Stanford Health
Care.
 
   
     William S. Price III, Director. Mr. Price became a director of both DMC and
DMFC in August 1997. Mr. Price was founding partner of TPG in 1992. Prior to
forming TPG, he was Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business
Development for G. E. Capital. Mr. Price is Chairman of the Board of Favorite
Brands International, Inc. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of Belden &
Blake Corporation, Beringer Wine Estates, Continental Airlines, Inc., Denbury
Resources and Vivra Specialty Partners, Inc.
    
 
     Jeffrey A. Shaw, Director. Mr. Shaw became a director of both DMC and DMFC
in May 1997. Mr. Shaw has been an executive of TPG since 1993. Prior to joining
TPG, Mr. Shaw was a principal of Acadia Partners, L.P., an investment
partnership, for three years. Mr. Shaw serves as a director of Favorite Brands
International, Inc., Ryanair PLC, Ducati Motors S.p.A and Ducati North America,
Inc.
 
     David L. Meyers, Executive Vice President, Administration and Chief
Financial Officer. Mr. Meyers joined the Company in 1989. He was elected Chief
Financial Officer of both DMC and DMFC in December 1992 and served as a member
of the Board of Directors of both DMC and DMFC from January 1994 until
consummation of the Recapitalization. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Meyers
held a variety of financial and accounting positions with RJR Nabisco (1987 to
1989), Nabisco Brands USA (1983 to 1987) and Standard Brands, Inc. (1973 to
1983).
 
     Glynn M. Phillips, Executive Vice President, Sales. Mr. Phillips joined the
Company in October 1994. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Phillips was Vice
President, Sales of The Clorox Company where he also held various sales and
marketing positions from 1973 to 1994.
 
   
     Brent D. Bailey, Executive Vice President, Marketing. Mr. Bailey joined the
Company in his current position in January 1998. Prior to that he was with The
Dial Corporation since 1992 as Senior Vice President and General
Manager -- Household Division and as Senior Vice President -- Portfolio Group.
From 1974 to 1992, Mr. Bailey held marketing management positions with Procter &
Gamble, Frito-Lay and Pillsbury.
    
 
     Thomas E. Gibbons, Senior Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Gibbons joined
the Company in 1969 and was elected to his current position in February 1995. He
was elected Vice President and Treasurer of both DMC and DMFC in January 1990.
Mr. Gibbons' prior experience also includes a variety of positions within the
Company's and RJR Nabisco's tax and financial organizations.
 
     William J. Spain, Senior Vice President, Technology. Mr. Spain joined the
Company in 1966 and was elected to his current position in February 1995.
Previously, he was Vice President, Research, Government and Industry Relations
of both DMC and DMFC. Mr. Spain has also held various positions within the
Company in corporate affairs, production management, quality assurance,
environmental and energy management, and consumer services.
 
     Richard L. French, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. French
joined the Company in 1980 and was elected to his current position in August
1993. Mr. French was Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of both DMC and
DMFC from March 1990 through August 1993 and has held a variety of positions
within the Company's financial organization.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   70
 
     William R. Sawyers, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr.
Sawyers joined the Company in November 1993 and was elected to his current
position in 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Sawyers was an associate
with the law firm of Shearman & Sterling from 1987 to 1993.
 
   
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TERM
    
 
   
     DMFC Board of Directors has the committees described below.
    
 
   
     The Compensation Committee has authority to determine executive
compensation and will approve the terms of stock options and stock purchase
rights pursuant to the DMFC plans and arrangements (as described below). The
Compensation Committee's current members are Messrs. Price and Shaw and Ms.
O'Leary.
    
 
   
     DMFC plans to establish an Audit Committee to be responsible for reviewing
the activities of DMFC's independent accountants and internal audit department.
The Audit Committee's members will be Messrs. Boyce, Bruer and Haycox. Two of
the three directors on the Audit Committee will not be affiliated with DMFC or
TPG upon their respective appointments to the Board of Directors.
    
 
   
     The Board of Directors of DMFC will be divided into three classes, as
nearly equal in number as possible, with each director serving a three year term
and one class being elected at each year's annual meeting of stockholders.
Messrs. Bruer, Haycox and Price will be in the class of directors whose term
expires at the 1999 annual meeting of DMFC's stockholders. Messrs. Foley, Shaw
and Smith will be in the class of directors whose term expires at the 2000
annual meeting of DMFC's stockholders. Messrs. Boyce, Carey and Wolford and Ms.
O'Leary will be in the class of directors whose terms expires at the 2001 annual
meeting of DMFC's stockholders. At each annual meeting of DMFC's stockholders,
successors to the class of directors whose terms expires at such meeting will be
elected to serve for three year terms and until their successors are elected and
qualified.
    
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table sets forth compensation paid by the Company for fiscal
years 1995, 1996 and 1997 to each individual serving as its Chief Executive
Officer during fiscal 1997 and to each of the four other most
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   71
 
highly compensated executive officers of the Company as of the end of fiscal
1997, and to one executive officer whose employment terminated prior to the end
of fiscal 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     LONG TERM
                                                                                  COMPENSATION(3)
                                                                                  ---------------
                                                                   OTHER ANNUAL        LTIP         ALL OTHER
                                             SALARY(1)    BONUS     COMP. (2)         PAYOUTS        COMP.(4)
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS   FISCAL YEAR      ($)        ($)         ($)              ($)            ($)
- ----------------------------   -----------   ---------   -------   ------------   ---------------   ----------
<S>                            <C>           <C>         <C>       <C>            <C>               <C>
Richard G. Wolford(5)........     1997        100,641         --          --               --         251,196
  Chief Executive Officer
Brian E. Haycox..............     1997        602,404         --      73,471               --       5,323,303
  Co-Chairman/Co-CEO(6)           1996        420,673         --     247,780               --           8,052
Paul H. Mullan...............     1997        602,404         --     221,940               --       5,288,452
  Co-Chairman/Co-CEO(7)           1996        420,673         --     817,978               --           8,052
David L. Meyers..............     1997        286,000    159,400          --          421,000       2,959,771
  Executive Vice President,       1996        273,000    143,000      55,386          421,000          11,242
  Administration & CFO            1995        302,500         --     145,954          421,000           9,786
Glynn M. Phillips............     1997        239,118    118,300          --          280,000       1,974,454
  Executive Vice President,       1996        225,750    118,250          --          280,000           9,206
     Sales
                                  1995        158,907         --          --          280,000          52,724
Thomas E. Gibbons............     1997        183,458     59,900          --          210,000         115,829
  Senior Vice President and       1996        175,600     63,900          --           54,600           4,717
  Treasurer                       1995        161,703     53,600          --           50,400           4,728
William J. Spain.............     1997        147,917     49,500          --          162,000         115,766
  Senior Vice President,          1996        139,167     49,700          --           42,100           4,417
  Technology                      1995        126,542     40,700          --           38,900           4,024
David M. Little(8)...........     1997        250,250         --          --          421,000       3,363,581
  Executive Vice President,       1996        286,650    150,150          --          421,000          10,660
  Worldwide Operations            1995        309,500         --          --          421,000          10,302
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Reflects actual base earnings for the fiscal year specified.
 
(2) Fiscal 1995 reflects certain perquisites, including moving expenses for Mr.
    Meyers ($129,838). Fiscal 1996 reflects certain perquisites, including
    relocation related expenses for Mr. Haycox ($243,092) and Mr. Mullan
    ($812,333); moving expenses for Mr. Meyers ($33,091) and company car
    ($15,500). Fiscal 1997 reflects certain perquisites, including relocation
    related taxes for Mr. Haycox ($57,005) and Mr. Mullan ($198,955).
 
   
(3) Reflects payments under the Company's Old MEP and Long Term Incentive Plan.
    
 
(4) For fiscal 1995: Company contributions to the Del Monte Corporation Savings
    Plan -- Mr. Meyers $4,500; Mr. Gibbons $4,500; Mr. Spain $3,796; Mr. Little
    $4,500, Company paid term life premiums -- Mr. Meyers $1,960; Mr. Phillips
    $2,724; Mr. Gibbons $228; Mr. Spain $228; Mr. Little $2,080, a sign-on bonus
    for Mr. Phillips $50,000, amount paid under the nonqualified Additional
    Benefits Plan -- Mr. Meyers $3,326; Mr. Little $3,722. For fiscal 1996:
    Company contributions to the Del Monte Corporation Savings Plan -- Mr.
    Haycox $4,500; Mr. Mullan $4,500; Mr. Meyers $4,500; Mr. Phillips $4,500;
    Mr. Gibbons $4,500; Mr. Spain $4,200; Mr. Little $4,500, Company paid term
    life premiums -- Mr. Haycox $3,552; Mr. Mullan $3,552; Mr. Meyers $3,407;
    Mr. Phillips $4,706; Mr. Gibbons $217; Mr. Spain $217; Mr. Little $2,428,
    amount paid under the nonqualified Additional Benefits Plan -- Mr. Meyers
    $3,335; Mr. Little $3,732. For fiscal 1997: Company contributions to the Del
    Monte Corporation Savings Plan -- Mr. Haycox $4,800; Mr. Mullan $5,738; Mr.
    Meyers $4,500; Mr. Phillips $4,500; Mr. Gibbons $4,500; Mr. Spain $4,437;
    Mr. Little $3,003; Company paid term life premiums -- Mr. Wolford $1,196;
    Mr. Haycox $13,057; Mr. Mullan $10,657; Mr. Meyers $4,198; Mr. Phillips
    $5,325; Mr. Gibbons $217; Mr. Spain $217; Mr. Little $2,739, amount paid
    under the nonqualified Additional Benefits Plan -- Mr. Meyers $4,130; Mr.
    Little $4,567, amount paid due to termination for Mr. Haycox $393,874; Mr.
    Mullan $360,485; Mr. Little $406,329, change in control bonus paid April
    1997 -- Mr. Haycox $4,911,572; Mr. Mullan $4,911,572; Mr. Meyers $2,946,943;
    Mr. Phillips $1,964,629;
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   72
 
    Mr. Gibbons $111,112; Mr. Spain $111,112; Mr. Little $2,946,943. For Mr.
    Wolford, the fiscal 1997 amount includes a consulting fee of $250,000 paid
    in December 1997 for the period prior to April 18, 1997.
 
(5) Mr. Wolford became Chief Executive Officer as of April 18, 1997.
 
(6) Mr. Haycox's employment as Co-Chairman/Co-CEO terminated as of April 18,
    1997.
 
(7) Mr. Mullan's employment as Co-Chairman/Co-CEO terminated as of April 18,
    1997.
 
(8) Mr. Little's employment as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations
    terminated as of April 30, 1997.
 
   
EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS
    
 
   
The Management Equity Plan
    
 
   
     Established beginning in fiscal 1995 and modified in March 1996, the
Company's Management Equity Plan ("New MEP") provided awards to certain key
executives upon the sale of the Company or upon the public offering of the
Company's Common Stock. Under the terms of the New MEP, the "Base Value" of the
Company's preferred and Common Stock was established at $125 million. To the
extent that proceeds from the sale of the Company to preferred and common
stockholders (after repayment of debt but without reduction for payment to
executives under the New MEP) exceed the $125 million Base Value, an award pool
of 6% of such excess was set aside for payment to the Company's executive
officers. The New MEP was terminated concurrent with the Recapitalization.
    
 
   
     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company made payments
aggregating approximately $19.7 million pursuant to the New MEP. This amount was
allocated as follows:
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
Mr. Haycox...............................................  $4,911,572
Mr. Mullan...............................................   4,911,572
Mr. Little...............................................   2,946,943
Mr. Meyers...............................................   2,946,943
Mr. Phillips.............................................   1,964,629
Other officers(1)........................................   2,000,016
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Other officers include Messrs. Gibbons and Spain and 16 other senior
    officers.
 
   
     Messrs. Meyers, Little and Phillips were participants in the MEP prior to
its modification in March 1996, the "Old MEP" and as such became eligible for
awards for fiscal 1995 based on the annual equity growth formula in effect under
the Old MEP for such year. Messrs. Meyers, Little and Phillips were paid
installment payments of the Old MEP awards in the amounts of $421,000, $421,000
and $280,000, respectively, in June 1996 and remained eligible for installment
payment of the Old MEP awards in the amounts of $421,000, $421,000 and $280,000,
respectively, for fiscal 1997. The Company paid these fiscal 1997 awards at the
time of the Recapitalization.
    
 
   
Long Term Incentive Plan
    
 
   
     Established on July 1, 1990, amended and restated on July 1, 1995, the Long
Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") provided certain key management employees with a
long-term incentive program based on Company performance. The LTIP had a
performance cycle of three (3) fiscal years with interim award payments at the
end of each fiscal year based on the employee's target award. The three year
target award was determined by multiplying (i) the executive's base pay by (ii)
a percentage based on salary grade level, and multiplying the result by (iii)
three (for each fiscal year in the performance cycle). Interim awards were
determined by comparing actual financial performance compared to target goals
and subject to a percentage payout schedule. Mr. Gibbons received fiscal 1995
and fiscal 1996 awards of $50,400 and $54,600, respectively. Mr. Gibbons
received the final fiscal 1997 award in the amount of $210,000 at the time of
the Recapitalization. Mr. Spain received fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996 awards of
$38,900 and $42,100, respectively. Mr. Spain received the final fiscal 1997
award in the amount of $162,000 at the time of the Recapitalization. This plan
was terminated following the Recapitalization.
    
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   73
 
   
The Annual Incentive Award Plan
    
 
     The Annual Incentive Award Plan ("AIAP") provides annual cash bonuses to
certain management employees, including certain of the named senior executives.
The target bonus for each eligible employee is based on a percentage of base
salary. Actual payment amounts are based on the Company's achievement of annual
earnings objectives and individual performance objectives at fiscal year end.
The targeted percentage of base salary is as follows: Mr. Little -- 50%, Mr.
Meyers -- 50%, Mr. Phillips -- 50%, Mr. Gibbons -- 30% and Mr. Spain -- 30%. Mr.
Haycox and Mr. Mullan were not eligible for the AIAP for fiscal 1996 or fiscal
1997. Mr. Wolford was not eligible for the AIAP for fiscal 1997. Mr. Little
received his fiscal 1997 AIAP payment of $150,150 at the time of his termination
as of April 30, 1997.
 
   
Stock Purchase Plan
    
 
   
     The Del Monte Foods Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan was approved on
August 4, 1997 and amended on November 4, 1997. Under the Plan, key employees
are allowed to purchase up to $5 million in Common Stock to be issued at fair
market value. To date, 2,371 shares of the Company's Common Stock have been
purchased by and issued to eligible employees.
    
 
   
Stock Incentive Plan
    
 
   
     The Del Monte Foods Company 1997 Stock Incentive Plan was approved on
August 4, 1997 and amended on November 4, 1997. Under the Plan, grants of
incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options representing 9,319 shares
of Common Stock of DMFC may be made to key employees. The options will be
granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the
time of such grant and have a ten-year term. Two different vesting schedules
have been approved under the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan. The first provides for
annual vesting on a proportionate basis over five years and the second provides
for monthly vesting on a proportionate basis over four years. Pursuant to this
Plan, options for 9,066 shares of Common Stock have been granted to eligible
employees to date and options for 8,877 shares remain outstanding. The per share
exercise price of the options granted to date was $1,000 which was determined to
be the fair market value of said shares.
    
 
   
The Del Monte Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees
    
 
   
     The Del Monte Corporation Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees (the "Del
Monte Corporation Retirement Plan"), which became effective as of January 1,
1990, is a non-contributory defined benefit retirement plan covering salaried
employees of the Company. Credits are made monthly to each participant's
personal retirement account ("PRA") consisting of a percentage of that month's
eligible compensation, plus interest on his or her account balance. A
participant is fully vested upon completion of five years of service.
    
 
     The percentage of monthly compensation credited varies according to age as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ALL MONTHLY       MONTHLY COMPENSATION
              PARTICIPANT AGE                COMPENSATION   ABOVE SOCIAL SECURITY BASE
              ---------------                ------------   --------------------------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>
Below 35...................................      4.0%                  3.0%
35 but below 45............................      5.0                   3.0
45 but below 55............................      6.0                   3.0
55 and over................................      7.0                   3.0
</TABLE>
 
   
     The Del Monte Corporation Retirement Plan was amended effective January 1,
1998 to change the interest credit from 110% of the U.S. Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") rate to the yield on the 12-month Treasury Bill
rate plus 1.5%. In addition, the factors for annuity conversions were changed
from specific Company factors to factors based on 30-year Treasury Bond yields
and an Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") specified mortality table. A
participant's annual age 65 annuity benefit will be the greater of an annuity
based on (i) the credit balance as of December 31, 1997 increased by interest
credits (and not compensation credits) of 110% of the December 31, 1997 PBGC
rate divided by 8.2 or (ii) the credit balance at the time of retirement using
an annuity factor based on 30-year Treasury Bond yields and an IRS specified
mortality table. Alternatively, a participant at retirement or other termination
of employment may elect a lump sum distribution of his or her account balance.
    
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   74
 
   
     Participants who, as of January 1, 1988, were at least age 40 with ten or
more years' service, or at least age 55 with five or more years' service, are
eligible to receive an alternative retirement benefit that is based on the terms
of the prior Del Monte Corporation Retirement Plan. For credited service after
December 31, 1981, such participants have accrued an annual benefit of 1.75% of
average final compensation multiplied by years of credited service. Average
final compensation is the participant's highest five years' average compensation
during his or her last ten years of credited service; compensation generally
includes base salary and awards under the AIAP but not other forms of incentive
compensation. The amount determined by this alternative benefit formula is
reduced by .75% of the participant's Social Security benefit multiplied by years
of credited service. For credited service prior to January 1, 1982, a similar
benefit formula is applied.
    
 
     The Del Monte Corporation Retirement Plan was amended effective April 30,
1992 to cease recognition of any future credited service or average final
compensation under the alternative retirement benefit. At retirement, a
participant who was eligible for the alternative retirement benefit will receive
an annual retirement benefit equal to the greater of the retirement benefit
determined by his or her PRA, or his or her alternative retirement benefit based
on compensation and credited service to April 30, 1992. Alternatively, a
participant may elect the greater of a lump sum distribution of his or her PRA
account balance or the actuarial equivalent lump sum of the alternative benefit.
 
   
     Nonqualified Retirement Plans. Effective January 1, 1990, the Company
established the Del Monte Corporation Additional Benefits Plan and the Del Monte
Corporation Supplemental Benefits Plan (the "Nonqualified Retirement Plans").
The Nonqualified Retirement Plans are "top hat" and "excess" benefit plans
designed to provide benefits in excess of those otherwise permitted under the
Del Monte Corporation Retirement Plan and the Del Monte Corporation Savings Plan
(which is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code) by
Sections 401(a)(17) and 415 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Nonqualified
Retirement Plans also provide benefits in respect of certain amounts of
severance not taken into account under the Del Monte Corporation Retirement Plan
or the Del Monte Corporation Savings Plan. Employees who participate in the Del
Monte Corporation Retirement Plan or the Del Monte Corporation Savings Plan are
generally eligible to participate in the Nonqualified Retirement Plans. Benefits
under the Nonqualified Retirement Plans are unfunded and paid from the general
assets of the Company.
    
 
     Set forth below are the estimated annual benefits payable at age 65
(assuming lump sum payments are not elected) under the Del Monte Corporation
Retirement Plan and the Nonqualified Retirement Plans:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ATTAINING     ESTIMATED ANNUAL
                 PARTICIPANT                        AGE 65       RETIREMENT BENEFIT(A)
                 -----------                    --------------   ---------------------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>
Mr. Wolford...................................       2009              $125,819
Mr. Phillips..................................       2002                28,260
Mr. Meyers....................................       2010               179,742
Mr. Gibbons...................................       2012               178,762
Mr. Spain.....................................       2007               104,915
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) The estimated annual retirement benefits shown assumes no increase in
    compensation or AIAP and interest credits off 6.68%.
 
   
     Employment Arrangements. During fiscal 1997, the Company had employment
agreements with each of Messrs. Haycox, Mullan, Meyers, Little, Phillips,
Gibbons and Spain. The following summaries of the material provisions of the
employment agreements with Messrs. Haycox and Mullan (each, a "CEO Agreement"
and collectively, the "CEO Agreements"), the employment agreements with Messrs.
Meyers and Little (each, an "EVP Employment Agreement" and collectively, the
"EVP Employment Agreements") and the employment agreement with Mr. Phillips (the
"Phillips Employment Agreement") do not purport to be complete and are qualified
in their entirety by reference to such agreements. The employment of Messrs.
Haycox and Mullan pursuant to the CEO Agreements was terminated effective as of
April 18, 1997. The employment of Mr. Little pursuant to his EVP Employment
Agreement was terminated effective as of April 30, 1997. The employment
agreements of Messrs. Meyers, Phillips, Gibbons and Spain have been filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
    
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   75
 
   
     The CEO Agreements provided for an initial term ending on December 31,
1997. Under the terms of the CEO Agreements, if an executive is terminated for
any reason other than for cause, if he resigns for good reason or if his
employment is terminated upon a sale of the Company, he shall be entitled to a
lump sum payment, within ten days of his termination, equal to the base salary
that he would have earned through December 31, 1997. The executive will also
receive any amounts due under the MEP, and will continue to participate in any
employee benefit plans and programs maintained by the Company until the earlier
of (i) December 31, 1997, or (ii) such time as he is covered by comparable
programs of a subsequent employer.
    
 
     Each of the EVP Employment Agreements is for an indefinite term and
contains virtually identical terms. Specifically, each EVP Employment Agreement
provides that if the executive's employment terminates for any reason other than
for cause or if the executive resigns for good reason, such executive would
receive as severance, subject to the executive's not competing with the Company
or disclosing confidential information or trade secrets of the Company,
severance payments over a three-year period commencing on the date of such
termination or resignation. The aggregate amount of the severance payable to the
executive over such three-year period would equal two times the sum of: (a) the
executive's highest annual base salary in effect during the twelve-month period
prior to such termination or resignation and (b) the target award (50% of annual
base salary) under the AIAP (or successor thereto) for the year in which such
termination or resignation occurs (or, if greater, the amount of the award for
the next preceding year). In addition, the executive would receive a pro rata
annual bonus under the AIAP for the year in which such termination or
resignation occurs and would be entitled to participate in the employee benefit
plans and programs maintained by the Company in which the executive participates
until the earlier of (i) the end of the three-year period and (ii) such time as
the executive is covered by comparable programs of a subsequent employer.
 
   
     The Phillips Employment Agreement is for an indefinite term. The Phillips
Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Phillips' employment terminates for
any reason other than for cause or if Mr. Phillips resigns for good reason, Mr.
Phillips would receive as severance three months of his then current base pay.
In addition, if Mr. Phillips executes and delivers to the Company a written
agreement confirming his commitment not to compete with the Company and not to
disclose confidential information or trade secrets of the Company, the Company
would then provide Mr. Phillips severance payments over an 18-month period
commencing on the date of such termination or resignation. The aggregate amount
of the severance payable to Mr. Phillips over such 18-month period would equal
the sum of (a) Mr. Phillips' highest annual rate of base salary in effect during
the 12-month period prior to such termination or resignation, and (b) the target
award under the AIAP (or successor thereto) for the year in which such
termination or resignation occurs (or, if greater, the amount of the award for
the next preceding year of employment). In addition, Mr. Phillips would receive
a pro rata annual bonus under the AIAP for the year in which such termination or
resignation occurs and would be entitled to participate in the employee benefit
plans and programs maintained by the Company in which Mr. Phillips participates
until the earlier of (i) the end of the 18-month period or (ii) such time as Mr.
Phillips is covered by comparable programs of a subsequent employer.
    
 
   
     Messrs. Gibbons' and Spain's employment agreement is similar to that of Mr.
Phillips except that it does not require Messrs. Gibbons or Spain to execute an
agreement not to compete or disclose confidential information in order to
receive severance payments over an 18-month period.
    
 
   
     On March 16, 1998, Del Monte entered into employment agreements with Mr.
Wolford and Mr. Smith (the "Wolford/Smith Employment Agreements") as Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. Copies of the
Wolford/Smith Employment Agreements have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. The Wolford/Smith
Employment Agreements are for an indefinite term. Under the terms of the
Wolford/Smith Employment Agreements, if the employment of Mr. Wolford or Mr.
Smith is terminated by Del Monte for any reason other than for cause or by such
executive for any reason, he would be entitled to continue to receive his base
salary and target award under the AIAP (50% of base salary) and to participate
in certain employee welfare benefit plans and programs of the Company for up to
two years after the date of such termination of employment, subject to his not
competing with the Company, not soliciting employees of the Company and not
disclosing proprietary or confidential information of the Company and subject to
his signing a general release and waiver with respect to certain claims he may
have against the Company.
    
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   76
 
   
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
    
 
   
     Under Company policy, Messrs. Bruer, Carey, Foley and Haycox and Ms.
O'Leary will each receive $25,000 per year to be paid in cash or in Common
Stock, at the option of the director. Each of these directors will also receive
$2,000 for each committee meeting of the Board of Directors attended in person.
    
 
   
     In February 1998, the Company adopted a stock incentive plan with terms
substantially identical to the terms of the Del Monte Foods 1997 Stock Incentive
Plan for the benefit of outside directors and independent contractors of the
Company. Pursuant to that plan, Mr. Boyce received options representing 777
shares of Common Stock.
    
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   77
 
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company entered into a
ten-year agreement (the "Management Advisory Agreement") with TPG pursuant to
which TPG is entitled to receive an annual fee from the Company for management
advisory services equal to the greater of $500,000 and 0.05% of the budgeted
consolidated net sales of the Company for each fiscal year under the contract
term. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify TPG, its affiliates and
shareholders, and their respective directors, officers, controlling persons,
agents, employees and affiliates from and against all claims, actions,
proceedings, demands, liabilities, damages, judgments, assessments, losses and
costs, including fees and expenses, arising out of or in connection with the
services rendered by TPG thereunder. The Management Advisory Agreement makes
available the resources of TPG concerning a variety of financial and operational
matters. The services that will be provided by TPG cannot otherwise be obtained
by the Company without the addition of personnel or the engagement of outside
professional advisors. In management's opinion, the fees provided for under the
Management Advisory Agreement reasonably reflect the benefits to be received by
the Company.
 
     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company also entered into a
ten-year agreement (the "Transaction Advisory Agreement") with TPG pursuant to
which TPG received a cash financial advisory fee of approximately $8.4 million
upon the closing of the Recapitalization as compensation for its services as
financial advisor for the Recapitalization. TPG also is entitled to receive a
fee of 1.5% of the "transaction value" for each transaction in which the Company
is involved. The term "transaction value" means the total value of any
subsequent transaction, including, without limitation, the aggregate amount of
the funds required to complete the subsequent transaction (excluding any fees
payable pursuant to the Transaction Advisory Agreement and fees, if any, paid to
any other person or entity for financial advisory, investment banking, brokerage
or any other similar services rendered in connection with such transaction)
including the amount of any indebtedness, preferred stock or similar items
assumed (or remaining outstanding). The Transaction Advisory Agreement includes
indemnification terms similar to those in the Management Advisory Agreement. In
connection with the Contadina Acquisition, TPG received from the Company a
transaction fee of approximately $3 million. In management's opinion, the fees
provided for under the Transaction Advisory Agreement reasonably reflect the
benefits received and to be received by the Company.
 
   
     Also in connection with the Recapitalization, DMFC and the holders of the
Common Stock, including TPG and 399 Venture Partners, Inc. ("399 Venture
Partners"), entered into a stockholders' agreement dated as of April 18, 1997
(the "Stockholders' Agreement"). Among other things, the Stockholders' Agreement
(i) imposes certain restrictions on the transfer of shares of Common Stock by
such holders and (ii) gives such holders registration rights under certain
circumstances. DMFC will bear the costs of preparing and filing any such
registration statement and will indemnify and hold harmless, to the extent
customary and reasonable, holders selling shares covered by such a registration
statement. Directors and members of management of the Company to date have
received 2,371 restricted shares of Common Stock, which are subject to
stockholders' agreements with the Company which impose similar restrictions.
    
 
   
     As set forth in the Merger Agreement, an affiliate of 399 Venture Partners,
and certain current and former employees of an affiliate of 399 Venture
Partners, received approximately $7.9 million, and $215,000, respectively, in
return for shares of DMFC preferred stock which were surrendered and were
cancelled by virtue of the Merger. Since the beginning of fiscal 1996, the
Company has also paid fees and made other payments to affiliates of 399 Venture
Partners totaling approximately $442,000, consisting of fees for banking
services. In addition, in connection with the Recapitalization, the Company paid
to 399 Venture Partners a transaction advisory fee of approximately $900,000.
    
 
     The employment of Mr. Haycox pursuant to the CEO Agreement was terminated
effective as of April 18, 1997. Mr. Haycox continued to receive the salary that
he would have earned pursuant to the CEO Agreement until September 1997. In
September 1997, the Company paid to Mr. Haycox a lump sum payment of salary.
Such lump sum payment was in an amount equal to the base salary that Mr. Haycox
would have earned pursuant to the CEO Agreement between the date the lump sum
payment was made and December 31, 1997.
 
   
     During the second and third quarters of fiscal 1998, the Company sold
shares of its Common Stock to certain key employees, including the executive
officers of the Company, pursuant to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
See "Management -- Employment and Other Arrangements -- Stock Purchase Plan."
    
                                       72
<PAGE>   78
 
   
Messrs. Wolford and Smith each borrowed $175,000 from the Company in order to
acquire a portion of the stock purchased by him pursuant to such plan. These
loans are evidenced by promissory notes which are secured by a pledge of stock
purchased with the proceeds of the loans.
    
 
   
                             CAPITAL STOCK OF DMFC
    
 
     DMFC does not have any material assets other than the stock of DMC, its
wholly owned subsidiary.
 
     Immediately following the consummation of the Recapitalization, the charter
of DMFC authorized DMFC to issue capital stock consisting of 1,000,000 shares of
new common stock, $.01 par value, and 1,000,000 shares of new preferred stock
which may be issued in multiple series, the terms, provisions and preferences of
which may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors of DMFC.
 
     Immediately following the consummation of the Recapitalization, DMFC issued
and had outstanding 140,000 shares of common stock, and 35,000 shares of
redeemable preferred stock of DMFC (the "Preferred Stock"). TPG and certain of
its affiliates or partners held 109,248 shares of DMFC's common stock, certain
investors who held shares of DMFC stock prior to the Recapitalization held
14,252 shares of DMFC's common stock, and other investors held 16,500 shares of
DMFC's common stock (including Westar Capital, which held 5,000 shares, TCW
Capital Investment Corporation ("TCW"), which held 1,500 shares, BT Investment
Partners, Inc., an affiliate of one of the Initial Purchasers, which held 5,000
shares, BankAmerica Investment Corporation, an affiliate of one of the Initial
Purchasers, which held 4,500 shares and MIG Partners III, an affiliate of
BankAmerica Investment Corporation, which held 500 shares). DMFC and the holders
of its common stock, in connection with the Recapitalization, entered into a
stockholders' agreement dated as of April 18, 1997. See "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions."
 
     In connection with the Contadina Acquisition, TPG and certain other
investors made the Equity Contribution and received in consideration therefor
additional shares of common stock of DMFC in respect of their capital
contribution of $40,000,000.
 
   
     In addition, TPG and certain of its affiliates purchased 17,500 outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock and TCW purchased 17,500 outstanding shares of
Preferred Stock for aggregate consideration of $35 million. The Preferred Stock
accumulates dividends at the rate of 14% per annum, which dividends are payable
in cash or additional shares of Preferred Stock, at the option of DMFC, subject
to availability of funds and the terms of its loan agreements. The Preferred
Stock has an initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, and may be
redeemed at the option of DMFC, in whole at any time or in part from time to
time, at a redemption price ranging from 103% of the liquidation preference, if
redeemed prior to October 1998, to 100% of the liquidation preference, if
redeemed after October 2000, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends to the
redemption date. DMFC will be required to redeem all outstanding shares of
Preferred Stock on April 18, 2008 at such redemption price. In certain other
circumstances, including the occurrence of a change of control of DMFC, the
holders of the Preferred Stock will have the right to require DMFC to repurchase
said shares at 101% of the liquidation preference, plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends to the redemption date. Holders of Preferred Stock will not have any
voting rights with respect thereto, except for such rights as are provided under
applicable law, the right to elect, as a class, two directors of DMFC in the
event that six consecutive quarterly dividends are in arrears and class voting
rights with respect to transactions adversely affecting the rights, preferences
or powers of the Preferred Stock. In connection with the issuance and sale of
the Preferred Stock, the initial purchasers received a transaction fee in an
amount equal to 1% of the purchase price paid by them for such shares, and
warrants to purchase, at a nominal exercise price, shares of DMFC common stock
representing 2,857 shares of DMFC common stock. In January 1998, TPG and certain
of its affiliates sold approximately 93% of their Preferred Stock holdings to
unaffiliated investors.
    
 
   
     Subject to receipt of the appropriate stockholder approval, Del Monte, a
Maryland corporation, will reincorporate under the laws of the state of Delaware
(the "Reincorporation") on or prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer.
The following description summarizes DMFC's capital stock following consummation
of the Reincorporation and does not purport to be complete and is subject to,
and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the Certificate
of Incorporation, a form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
    
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   79
 
   
     The Certificate of Incorporation will authorize the issuance of an
aggregate of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock. The Certificate of
Incorporation will also authorize the issuance of an aggregate of 2,000,000
shares of preferred stock. Del Monte's Board of Directors may, from time to
time, direct the issue of shares of preferred stock in series and may, at the
time of issue, determine the rights, preferences and limitations of each series.
    
 
   
     The Certificate of Incorporation will provide for the Board of Directors of
Del Monte to be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as
possible, serving staggered terms. Approximately one-third of the Board of
Directors will be elected each year. See "Management." The Certificate of
Incorporation will provide that the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law, which relate to business combinations with interested
stockholders, will not apply to Del Monte.
    
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   80
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS
 
BANK FINANCING
 
     The existing indebtedness of DMC summarized below remained outstanding
subsequent to the Contadina Acquisition. The summaries of such indebtedness
contained herein do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the provisions of the various agreements and indentures
related thereto, copies of which are available from DMC upon request.
 
     In order to complete the Contadina Acquisition, DMC obtained certain
consents and/or waivers from the lenders under the Bank Financing. The Bank
Financing agreements require prepayments in the case of certain events,
including the issuance of subordinated indebtedness. DMC requested and received
amendments to these restrictions in order to complete the Contadina Acquisition.
 
   
     Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for
revolving loans in an aggregate amount of $350 million, including a letter of
credit sublimit of $70 million and a "swingline loan" sublimit of $25 million
(representing funds that DMC may borrow with only limited advance notice).
Amounts available under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to certain
borrowing base limitations based upon, among other things, the amounts and
applicable advance rates in respect of DMC's eligible accounts receivable and
eligible inventory. Interest rates per annum applicable to amounts outstanding
under the Revolving Credit Facility are currently, at DMC's option, either (i)
the Base Rate (as defined) plus 1.00% (the "Applicable Base Rate Margin") or
(ii) the reserve adjusted Offshore Rate (as defined) plus 2.00% (the "Applicable
Offshore Rate Margin"). In addition, DMC is required to pay to lenders under the
Revolving Credit Facility a commitment fee (the "Commitment Fee") of 0.425%,
payable quarterly in arrears, on the unused portion of such Revolving Credit
Facility. DMC is also required to pay to lenders under the Revolving Credit
Facility letter of credit fees (collectively, the "Letter of Credit Fees") of
1.50% for commercial letters of credit and 2.00% for all other letters of
credit, as well as an additional fee in the amount of 0.25% to the bank issuing
such letters of credit. Upon attainment of certain levels of the Senior Debt
Ratio (as defined), such Applicable Base Rate Margin and Applicable Offshore
Rate Margin, as well as the Commitment Fee and Letter of Credit Fees, will be
adjusted.
    
 
     Consummation of the Contadina Acquisition on December 19, 1997 resulted in
a paydown of the Revolving Credit Facility in an amount of approximately $5
million. Any amounts which may be payable to finalize the Working Capital
Adjustment will be paid from the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
     Term Loan. The Term Loan Facility consists of term loans in an aggregate
amount of $430 million, consisting of a $200 million Tranche A term loan and a
$230 million Tranche B term loan. Interest rates per annum applicable to the
Tranche A term loan are, at DMC's option, either (i) the Base Rate plus the
Applicable Base Rate Margin, or (ii) the Offshore Rate plus the Applicable
Offshore Rate Margin. Upon attainment of certain levels of the Senior Debt
Ratio, such Applicable Base Rate Margin and Applicable Offshore Rate Margin will
be adjusted. Interest rates applicable to the Tranche B term loan are, at DMC's
option, either (i) the Base Rate plus 2.00% or (ii) the Offshore Rate plus
3.00%.
 
     Consummation of the Contadina Acquisition required appropriate amendments
under the Bank Financing agreements to permit additional funding under the
existing Tranche B term loan in an amount of $50 million. Amortization of the
additional Tranche B term loan amount is incremental to scheduled amortization
of the existing Tranche B term loan. Such additional amortization will commence
in the second quarter of fiscal 1999 in a quarterly amount equal to $0.1
million, with such amortization increasing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004,
through the third quarter of fiscal 2005, to $11.8 million per quarter.
 
     Amortization/Prepayment. The Revolving Credit Facility terminates March 31,
2003. The Tranche A term loan matures March 31, 2003, and is subject to
quarterly amortization, commencing with the first quarter of fiscal 1999, in the
quarterly amounts of $7.50 million, $8.75 million, $10.00 million and $11.25
million during the fiscal years 1999 through 2002, respectively, and $16.67
million per quarter for the first three quarters of fiscal 2003. The Tranche B
term loan matures March 31, 2005, and is subject to quarterly amortization,
commencing with the third quarter of fiscal 1998, in the quarterly amount of
$0.45 million, with such amortization increasing to $42.19 million per quarter
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 through the first three quarters of fiscal
2005. The incremental amortization which results from the additional Tranche B
term loan is described in the paragraph immediately above. With certain
exceptions, as set forth in the Bank
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   81
 
Financing agreements, DMC will be required to make prepayments under both the
Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility from excess cash flow,
asset sales, issuances of debt and equity securities and insurance or
condemnation proceeds.
 
   
     Guarantees and Collateral. DMFC has guaranteed DMC's obligations under the
Bank Financing. DMC's obligations are secured by substantially all personal
property of DMC. DMFC's guarantee is secured by a pledge of the stock of DMC.
DMC's obligations also are secured by first priority liens on certain of its
unencumbered real property fee interests.
    
 
   
     Covenants. Pursuant to the terms of the Bank Financing, DMC is required to
meet certain financial tests, including minimum levels of consolidated EBITDA
(as defined), minimum fixed charge coverage, minimum adjusted net worth and
maximum leverage ratios. In addition, DMC has covenanted that, among other
things, it will limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends,
transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers, prepayment of
other indebtedness, liens and encumbrances and other matters customarily
restricted in loan agreements.
    
 
   
     The following is a summary of certain financial tests which apply under the
Bank Financing (capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in the Bank
Financing):
    
 
   
     Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (a
ratio of EBITDA to certain interest expense and scheduled principal payments
under the Term Loan Facility) for any Computation Period may not be less than
1.2 times through September 26, 1999, increasing over specified periods to 1.5
times at June 30, 2004 and thereafter.
    
 
   
     Maximum Senior Debt Ratio. The Senior Debt Ratio (a ratio of outstanding
debt other than subordinated debt to EBITDA) for any Computation Period may not
exceed 5.25 times through March 29, 1998, decreasing over specified periods to
2.25 times at June 30, 2003 and thereafter.
    
 
   
     Maximum Total Debt Ratio. The Total Debt Ratio (a ratio of total
indebtedness to EBITDA) on the last day of any fiscal year may not exceed 6.25
times through June 30, 1998, decreasing at specified dates to 3.50 times at June
30, 2003 and thereafter.
    
 
   
     Maximum Capital Expenditures. The aggregate amount of all Capital
Expenditures by the Company for any fiscal year may not exceed $45 million at
June 30, 1998, varying during specified periods to $40 million at June 30, 2001
and thereafter.
    
 
   
     Minimum EBITDA. EBITDA for Del Monte for any Computation Period may not be
less than $110 million through March 29, 1998, increasing over specified periods
to $155 million at June 30, 2002 and thereafter.
    
 
   
     Events of Default. The Bank Financing contains customary events of default,
including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant
defaults, cross-defaults, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, ERISA
judgment defaults, failure of any guaranty or security agreement supporting
DMC's obligations under the Bank Financing to be in full force and effect and a
change of control of DMFC or DMC.
    
 
THE DMC NOTES
 
   
     On April 15, 1997, DMC issued and sold $150 million principal amount of
12 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Original DMC Notes") pursuant
to an Indenture, dated April 18, 1997, by and among DMC and Marine Midland Bank
as Trustee (the "DMC Indenture"). The Original DMC Notes were sold pursuant to
exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. On July
31, 1997, DMC completed an exchange offer whereby the Original DMC Notes were
exchanged into new Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, which are registered
under the Securities Act with terms substantially identical to the Original DMC
Notes (the "DMC Notes").
    
 
   
     The DMC Notes will mature on April 15, 2007. Interest accrues at the rate
of 12 1/4% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 15
and October 15. Payment of principal, premium and interest on the DMC Notes are
subordinated, as set forth in the DMC Indenture, to the prior payment in full of
DMC's Senior Debt (as defined in the DMC Indenture).
    
 
                                       76
<PAGE>   82
 
   
     At any time on or prior to April 15, 2000, DMC may use the net cash
proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings to redeem up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the DMC Notes originally issued at a redemption
price equal to 112.625% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, if any. At any time prior to April 15, 2002, the DMC Notes may
be redeemed as a whole at the option of DMC upon the occurrence of a Change of
Control at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an
Applicable Premium. On or after April 15, 2002, the DMC Notes may be redeemed at
a premium that declines each year until April 15, 2006 when the DMC Notes may be
prepaid in whole or in part at 100% of their principal amount. Upon a Change of
Control, each holder can require DMC to redeem such holder's DMC Notes at an
offer price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid
interest.
    
 
   
     The obligations of DMC pursuant to the DMC Notes, including the repurchase
obligations resulting from a Change of Control, are unconditionally guaranteed
on a senior subordinated basis by DMFC. The DMC Indenture contains various
restrictive covenants that limit the ability of DMC and its subsidiaries to,
among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain
other restricted payments, consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain
transactions with affiliates, incur indebtedness that is subordinate in right of
payment of any Senior Debt and senior in right of payment to the DMC Notes,
incur liens, impose restrictions on the ability of a subsidiary to pay dividends
or make certain payments to DMC and its subsidiaries, merge or consolidate or
sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of the assets of DMC.
    
 
                                       77
<PAGE>   83
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
     The Initial Notes where issued, and the Exchange Notes offered hereby will
be issued, under an indenture, dated as of December 17, 1997 (the "Indenture"),
by and between the Company and Marine Midland Bank as trustee (the "Trustee"), a
copy of the form of which is available from the Trustee. The following summary
of the material provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and
is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "TIA"), and the provisions of the
Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms contained therein. For
definitions of certain capitalized terms used in the following summary, see
"-- Certain Definitions." For purposes of this section, unless specified
otherwise, references to the Company include only Del Monte Foods Company and
not its subsidiaries.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Exchange Notes will be issued in fully registered form only, without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Initially,
Bankers Trust Company will act as Paying Agent and Registrar for the Exchange
Notes. The Exchange Notes may be presented for registration or transfer and
exchange at the offices of the Registrar, which initially will be at Bankers
Trust Company's office at 4 Albany Street, New York, New York 10006. The Company
may change any Paying Agent and Registrar without notice to holders of the
Exchange Notes (the "Holders"). The Company will pay principal (and premium, if
any) on the Exchange Notes at Bankers Trust Company's office at the above
address. At the Company's option, interest may be paid at Bankers Trust
Company's office at the above address or by check mailed to the registered
address of Holders. Any Initial Notes that remain outstanding after the
completion of the Exchange Offer, together with the Exchange Notes issued in
connection with the Exchange Offer, will be treated as a single class of
securities under the Indenture. There will be no mandatory sinking fund payments
for the Exchange Notes.
 
     The Exchange Notes will be general, unsecured, senior obligations of the
Company. The Company is a holding company with no substantial business
operations of its own. The Company's assets consist primarily of its ownership
interests in its subsidiaries. The Exchange Notes will be effectively
subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of
the Company's subsidiaries because the Company's right to receive the assets of
any such affiliates upon their liquidation or reorganization will be
subordinated by operation of law to the claims of such subsidiaries' creditors
(including trade creditors), except to the extent that the Company is itself
recognized as a creditor of any such affiliate, in which case the claims of the
Company would still be subordinated to any indebtedness of such affiliate that
is senior in right of payment to the Company's claim. The Company's subsidiaries
have substantial indebtedness and other liabilities.
See "-- Ranking."
 
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST; PAYMENT OF LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
 
     The Exchange Notes are limited in aggregate principal amount at maturity to
$230 million and will mature on December 15, 2007. The Initial Notes were issued
at a substantial discount from their principal amount at maturity to generate
gross proceeds of approximately $126 million. Until December 15, 2002, no
interest payable in cash will accrue on the Exchange Notes, but the Accreted
Value will increase (representing amortization of original issue discount)
between the date of original issuance and December 15, 2002, on a semi-annual
bond equivalent basis using a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months,
such that the Accreted Value shall be equal to the full principal amount at
maturity of the Exchange Notes on December 15, 2002. Beginning on December 15,
2002, interest payable in cash on the Exchange Notes will accrue at the rate of
12 1/2% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15, and
December 15, commencing on June 15, 2003, to Holders of record on the
immediately preceding June 1 and December 1, respectively. Interest payable in
cash on the Exchange Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which
interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from December 15, 2002.
Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve
30-day months. Principal, Accreted Value, premium, if any, and interest and
Liquidated Damages (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) on the
Exchange Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained
for such purpose within the City and State of New York or, at the option of the
Company, payment of principal, Accreted
 
                                       78
<PAGE>   84
 
Value, premium, interest, and Liquidated Damages may be made by check mailed to
the Holders of the Exchange Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the
register of Holders of the Exchange Notes; provided that all payments of
principal, Accreted Value, premium, interest and Liquidated Damages with respect
to the Exchange Notes represented by one or more permanent global Exchange Notes
will be required to be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to
the accounts of the Depository Trust Company or any successor thereto. Whenever
the Company is required by the terms of the Indenture to effect a payment to
Holders of any amounts as a result of the occurrence of any event, the Company
will include, in addition to such amount, an additional amount equal to any
Liquidated Damages then owing to such Holders. Until otherwise designated by the
Company, the Company's office or agency in New York will be the office of the
Trustee maintained for such purpose.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTIONS
 
     Optional Redemption. Except as set forth below, the Exchange Notes will not
be redeemable at the option of the Company prior to December 15, 2002. On and
after December 15, 2002, the Exchange Notes will be redeemable, at the Company's
option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon not less than 30
nor more than 60 days' notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as
percentages of the Accreted Value thereof on the date of redemption) if redeemed
during the twelve-month period commencing on December 15 of the year set forth
below, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
redemption:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           YEAR                             PERCENTAGE
                           ----                             ----------
<S>                                                         <C>
2002......................................................  106.250%
2003......................................................  104.688%
2004......................................................  103.125%
2005......................................................  101.563%
2006 and thereafter.......................................  100.000%
</TABLE>
 
   
     Optional Redemption upon Public Equity Offerings. At any time, or from time
to time, prior to December 15, 2000, the Company may, at its option, use the
Cash Net Proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings to redeem up to 35% of
the aggregate principal amount at maturity of Exchange Notes originally issued
at a redemption price equal to 112.5% of the Accreted Value thereof to the date
of redemption; provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount at
maturity of Exchange Notes originally issued remains outstanding immediately
after any such redemption. In order to effect the foregoing redemption with the
proceeds of any Public Equity Offering, the Company must consummate such
redemption not more than 120 days after the consummation of the applicable
Public Equity Offering. The Company recently filed a registration statement with
the Commission relating to the public sale of its common stock and intends to
use part of the proceeds therefrom to redeem a portion of the Exchange Notes.
    
 
     As used in the preceding paragraph, "Public Equity Offering" means an
underwritten public offering of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company pursuant
to a registration statement filed with the Commission in accordance with the
Securities Act.
 
     Optional Redemption upon a Change of Control prior to December 15, 2002. At
any time prior to December 15, 2002, the Exchange Notes may be redeemed as a
whole, but not in part, at the option of the Company upon the occurrence of a
Change of Control, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice
(but in no event more than 90 days after the occurrence of such Change of
Control) mailed by first-class mail to each Holder's registered address, at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the Accreted Value thereof, plus the
Applicable Premium as of, the date of redemption (the "Redemption Date").
 
     "Applicable Premium" means, with respect to an Exchange Note at any
Redemption Date, the greater of (i) 1.0% of the Accreted Value of such Exchange
Note and (ii) the excess of (A) the present value at such time of the redemption
price of such Exchange Note at December 15, 2002 (such redemption price being
described under "-- Optional Redemption"), computed using a discount rate equal
to the Treasury Rate plus 1.0% per annum, over (B) the Accreted Value of such
Exchange Note on such Redemption Date.
 
     "Treasury Rate" means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of
U.S. Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in
the most recent Federal Reserve Release H.15
                                       79
<PAGE>   85
 
(519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to
the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any
publicly available source or similar market data)) closest to the period from
the Redemption Date to December 15, 2002, provided, however, that if the period
from the Redemption Date to December 15, 2002, is not equal to the constant
maturity of a U.S. Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given,
the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the
nearest one-twelfth of one year) from the weekly average yields of U.S. Treasury
securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the
Redemption Date to December 15, 2002, is less than one year, the weekly average
yield on actually traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant
maturity of one year shall be used.
 
SELECTION AND NOTICE OF REDEMPTION
 
     In the event that fewer than all of the Exchange Notes are to be redeemed
at any time, selection of such Exchange Notes for redemption will be made by the
Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities
exchange, if any, on which such Exchange Notes are listed or, if such Exchange
Notes are not then listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata
basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate;
provided, however, that no Exchange Notes of a principal amount at maturity of
$1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part; provided, further, that if a partial
redemption is made with the proceeds of a Public Equity Offering, selection of
the Exchange Notes or portions thereof for redemption shall be made by the
Trustee only on a pro rata basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as is
practicable (subject to applicable Depository Trust Company procedures), unless
such method is otherwise prohibited. Notice of redemption shall be mailed by
first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption
date to each Holder of Exchange Notes to be redeemed at its registered address.
If any Exchange Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption
that relates to such Exchange Note shall state the portion of the principal
amount at maturity thereof to be redeemed. A new note in a principal amount at
maturity equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of
the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Exchange Note. On and after
the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on Exchange Notes or portions
thereof called for redemption as long as the Company has deposited with the
Paying Agent funds in satisfaction of the applicable redemption price pursuant
to the Indenture.
 
RANKING
 
     The Exchange Notes will be general, unsecured, senior obligations of the
Company, and the indebtedness evidenced by the Exchange Notes will rank pari
passu in right of payment with all other existing and future unsubordinated
obligations of the Company, and senior in right of payment to all existing and
future obligations of the Company expressly subordinated in right of payment to
the Exchange Notes, including the Company's guarantee of DMC's obligations under
the DMC Notes.
 
     The Company is a holding company with no substantial business operations of
its own. The Company's assets consist primarily of its ownership interests in
its subsidiaries. The Exchange Notes will be effectively subordinated to all
existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company's
subsidiaries because the Company's right to receive the assets of any such
affiliates upon their liquidation or reorganization will be subordinated by
contract to the claims of such subsidiaries' creditors (including trade
creditors), except to the extent that the Company is itself recognized as a
creditor of any such affiliate, in which case the claims of the Company would
still be subordinated to any indebtedness of such affiliate that is senior in
right of payment to the Company's claim. The Company's subsidiaries have
substantial indebtedness and other liabilities. As of December 31, 1997, after
giving effect to the Contadina Acquisition, the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries had approximately $1.4 billion of indebtedness outstanding,
including other liabilities and trade payables (exclusive of unused commitments
of $171 million), of which $1.3 billion was indebtedness of the Company's
subsidiaries.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     The Indenture will provide that, upon the occurrence of a Change of
Control, if the Company does not redeem the Exchange Notes as provided under the
heading "Optional Redemption upon Change of Control prior to December 15, 2002,"
above, the Company shall make the "Change of Control Offer" and each Holder
 
                                       80
<PAGE>   86
 
will have the right to require that the Company purchase all or a portion of
such Holder's Exchange Notes pursuant to such Change of Control Offer, at a
purchase price equal to 101% of the Accreted Value thereof, plus accrued
interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
 
     Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of Control
occurred, unless the Company has mailed an irrevocable notice with respect to a
redemption described under the heading "Optional Redemption upon Change of
Control prior to December 15, 2002" above with respect to all the Exchange Notes
in connection with a Change of Control occurring on or prior to December 15,
2002, the Company must send, by first-class mail, a notice to each Holder, with
a copy to the Trustee and each Paying Agent, which notice shall govern the terms
of the Change of Control Offer. Such notice shall state, among other things, the
purchase date, which must be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 45 days from
the date such notice is mailed, other than as may be required by law (the
"Change of Control Payment Date"). Holders electing to have an Exchange Note
purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender
the Exchange Note, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase"
on the reverse of the Exchange Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the
address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third
business day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date.
 
     Neither the Board of Directors of the Company nor the Trustee may waive the
covenant relating to a Holder's right to redemption upon a Change of Control.
Restrictions in the Indenture described herein on the ability of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness, to grant Liens on
its property, to make Restricted Payments and to make Asset Sales may also make
more difficult or discourage a takeover of the Company, whether favored or
opposed by the management of the Company. Consummation of any such transaction
in certain circumstances may require repurchase of the Exchange Notes, and there
can be no assurance that the Company or the acquiring party will have sufficient
financial resources to effect such repurchase. Such restrictions may, in certain
circumstances, make more difficult or discourage any leveraged buyout of the
Company. While such restrictions cover a wide variety of arrangements which have
traditionally been used to effect highly leveraged transactions, the Indenture
may not afford the Holders of Exchange Notes protection in all circumstances
from the adverse aspects of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization,
restructuring, merger or similar transaction.
 
     The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-l under the
Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of Exchange Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the
extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with
the "Change of Control" provisions of the Indenture, the Company shall comply
with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to
have breached its obligations under the "Change of Control" provisions of the
Indenture by virtue thereof.
 
     The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between
the Company and the Initial Purchasers. Management has no present intention to
engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible
that the Company would decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations
discussed below, the Company could, in the future, enter into certain
transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations,
that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that
could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise
affect the Company's capital structure or credit ratings.
 
     Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the
Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the Exchange
Notes to require that the Company repurchase the Exchange Notes in the event of
a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     The Indenture will contain, among others, the following covenants:
 
   
     Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness
    
 
     The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, guarantee,
acquire, become liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to, or
 
                                       81
<PAGE>   87
 
otherwise become responsible for payment of (collectively, "incur") any
Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness), including Acquired
Indebtedness; provided, however, that, if no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing at the time of or as a consequence of the
incurrence of any such Indebtedness, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
may incur Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness) on
the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, if after giving effect to the
incurrence thereof, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company
is greater than 1.75 to 1.0.
 
   
     Limitation on Restricted Payments
    
 
     The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, (a) declare or pay any dividend or make
any distribution (other than dividends or distributions payable in Qualified
Capital Stock of the Company or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase
such Qualified Capital Stock) on or in respect of shares of the Company's
Capital Stock to holders of such Capital Stock, (b) purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of the Company or any
warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire shares of any class of such
Capital Stock (in each case other than in exchange for Qualified Capital Stock
of the Company or options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Qualified
Capital Stock), (c) make any principal payment on, purchase, defease, redeem,
prepay, decrease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to any
scheduled final maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment,
as applicable, any Indebtedness of the Company that is subordinate or junior in
right of payment to the Notes or (d) make any Investment (other than Permitted
Investments) (each of the foregoing actions set forth in clauses (a), (b), (c)
and (d) being referred to as a "Restricted Payment"), if at the time of such
Restricted Payment or immediately after giving effect thereto, (i) a Default or
an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or (ii) the Company is
not able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than
Permitted Indebtedness) in compliance with the covenant described under
"-- Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" or (iii) the aggregate
amount of Restricted Payments (including such proposed Restricted Payment) made
subsequent to the Issue Date (the amount expended for such purposes, if other
than in cash, being the fair market value of such property as determined
reasonably and in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company) shall
exceed the sum of: (v) $10,000,000; plus (w) 50% of the cumulative Consolidated
Net Income (or if cumulative Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus 100%
of such loss) of the Company earned subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior
to the date on which the Restricted Payment occurs or is to occur (the
"Reference Date") (treating such period as a single accounting period); plus (x)
100% of the aggregate Cash Net Proceeds received by the Company from any Person
(other than a Subsidiary of the Company and other than with respect to the TPG
Equity Contribution) from the issuance and sale subsequent to the Issue Date and
on or prior to the Reference Date of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company
(including by conversion of Indebtedness (excluding Disqualified Capital Stock)
into Qualified Capital Stock) and, subject to the limitation set forth in clause
(5) of the immediately succeeding paragraph, 100% of the fair market value of
non-cash consideration received in any such issuance and sale; plus (y), without
duplication of any amounts included in clause(iii)(x) above, 100% of the
aggregate Cash Net Proceeds of any Equity Contribution (other than the TPG
Equity Contribution) received by the Company subsequent to the Issue Date and on
or prior to such Reference Date from a holder of the Company's Capital Stock
and, subject to the limitation set forth in clause (5) of the immediately
succeeding paragraph, 100% of the fair market value of non-cash consideration of
any Equity Contribution received by the Company from a holder of the Company's
Capital Stock; plus (z), without duplication, the sum of (l) the aggregate
amount returned to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in cash on or with
respect to Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made subsequent to the
Issue Date whether through interest payments, principal payments, dividends or
other distributions or paym ents, (2) the Cash Net Proceeds received by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from the disposition of all or any portion
of such Investments (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) and, subject to
the limitations set forth in clause (5) of the immediately succeeding paragraph,
100% of the fair market value of non-cash consideration received in any such
disposition, and (3) upon redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a
Restricted Subsidiary subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to such
Reference Date, the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary;
provided, however, that with respect to all Investments made in any Unrestricted
Subsidiary or joint venture, the sum of clauses (1), (2) and (3) above
                                       82
<PAGE>   88
 
with respect to such Investment shall not exceed the aggregate amount of all
such Investments made subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to such
Reference Date in such Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in the immediately
preceding paragraph do not prohibit: (1) the payment of any dividend within 60
days after the date of declaration of such dividend if the dividend would have
been permitted on the date of declaration; (2) the acquisition of any shares of
Capital Stock of the Company, either (i) solely in exchange for shares of
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or (ii) through the application of net
proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Subsidiary
of the Company) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company; (3) if no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the
acquisition of any Indebtedness of the Company that is subordinate or junior in
right of payment to the Notes either (i) solely in exchange for shares of
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or Indebtedness of the Company that is
subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes at least to the extent of
the subordination provisions contained in the instrument governing the terms of
such Indebtedness and having no maturity, sinking fund payment or scheduled
mandatory redemption prior to maturity of the Notes, or (ii) through the
application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other
than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of (A) shares of Qualified Capital Stock of
the Company or (B) Refinancing Indebtedness; (4) so long as no Default or Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, payments for the purpose of
and in an amount equal to the amount required to permit the Company to redeem or
repurchase Common Stock of the Company or options in respect thereof from
employees or officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their estates
or authorized representatives upon the death, disability or termination of
employment of such employees or officers in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$10 million; and (5) in the event that the Company has not realized cash from
the proceeds of the payment, sale or disposition of any non-cash consideration
referred to in clause (iii)(x), (iii)(y) and (iii)(z)(2) of the immediately
preceding paragraph, Restricted Payments permitted by reason of such non-cash
consideration; provided that such Restricted Payments may be made only in kind
of the non-cash consideration so received. In determining the aggregate amount
of Restricted Payments made subsequent to the Issue Date in accordance with
clause (iii) of the immediately preceding paragraph, amounts expended pursuant
to clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) shall be included in such calculation.
 
     Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall
deliver to the Trustee an officers' certificate stating that such Restricted
Payment complies with the Indenture and setting forth in reasonable detail the
basis upon which the required calculations were computed, which calculations may
be based upon the Company's latest available internal quarterly financial
statements. The Trustee shall have no duty or obligation to recalculate or
otherwise verify the accuracy of the calculations set forth in any such
officers' certificate.
 
   
     Limitation on Asset Sales
    
 
     The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale, unless (i) the Company or the
applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at
the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the
assets sold or otherwise disposed of (in each case as determined in good faith
by the Company's Board of Directors), (ii) at least 75% of the consideration
received by the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from
such Asset Sale shall be in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (provided that
(A) the amount of any liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such Restricted
Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet) of the Company or any such Restricted
Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the
Notes) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and (B) the fair
market value of any marketable securities received by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for any such assets that are promptly
converted into cash shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision)
and is received at the time of such disposition, provided that the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries may make Asset Sales not exceeding $2 million in the
aggregate in each year for non-cash consideration; and (iii) upon the
consummation of an Asset Sale, the Company shall apply, or cause such Restricted
Subsidiary to apply, the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale prior to
the date occurring 360 days following the receipt
 
                                       83
<PAGE>   89
 
thereof either (A) to prepay any Indebtedness of a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary (provided that any proceeds of an Asset Sale used to repay amounts
outstanding under any revolving credit facility shall result in a permanent
reduction in the availability under such revolving credit facility), (B) to make
an Investment in properties and assets that replace the properties and assets
that were the subject of such Asset Sale or in properties and assets that will
be used in the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as it
exists on the date of such Asset Sale or in businesses the same, similar or
reasonably related thereto ("Replacement Assets"), or (C) a combination of
prepayment and investment permitted by the foregoing clauses (iii)(A) and
(iii)(B). Subject to the last sentence of this paragraph, on the 361st day after
an Asset Sale or such earlier date, if any, as the Board of Directors of the
Company or of such Restricted Subsidiary determines not to apply the Net Cash
Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale as set forth in clause (iii)(A), (iii)(B)
or (iii)(C) of the next preceding sentence (each, a "Net Proceeds Offer Trigger
Date"), such aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds which have not been applied
on or before such Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date as permitted in clauses
(iii)(A), (iii)(B) and (iii)(C) of the next preceding sentence (each a "Net
Proceeds Offer Amount") shall be applied by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary to make an offer to purchase (the "Net Proceeds Offer") on a date
(the "Net Proceeds Offer Payment Date") not less than 30 nor more than 45 days
following the applicable Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, from all Holders on a
pro rata basis, that amount of Notes (and other Indebtedness of the Company
ranking on a parity with the Notes from time to time outstanding with similar
provisions requiring the Company to make an offer to purchase or to redeem such
Indebtedness with the proceeds from asset sales, pro rata in proportion to the
respective principal amounts, or accreted values in the case of Indebtedness
issued with an Original Issue Discount) equal to the Net Proceeds Offer Amount
at a price equal to 100% of the Accreted Value (as of the date of purchase
thereof) of the Notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon
to the date of purchase; provided, however, that if at any time any non-cash
consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company, as the case may be, in connection with any Asset Sale is converted into
or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash (other than interest received with
respect to any such non-cash consideration), then such conversion or disposition
shall be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Cash Proceeds
thereof shall be applied in accordance with this covenant. The Company may defer
the Net Proceeds Offer until there is an aggregate unutilized Net Proceeds Offer
Amount equal to or in excess of $10 million resulting from one or more Asset
Sales (at which time, the entire Net Proceeds Offer Amount not utilized in
accordance with this covenant, and not just the amount in excess of $10 million,
shall be applied as required pursuant to this paragraph).
 
     In the event of the transfer of substantially all (but not all) of the
property and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as an
entirety to a Person in a transaction governed by and permitted under the
covenant described under "-- Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets of the
Company," the successor corporation shall be deemed to have sold the properties
and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries not so transferred for
purposes of such covenant, and shall comply with the provisions of such covenant
with respect to such deemed sale as if it were an Asset Sale. In addition, the
fair market value of such properties and assets of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries deemed to be sold shall be deemed to be Net Cash Proceeds for
purposes of such covenant.
 
     Each Net Proceeds Offer will be mailed to the record Holders as shown on
the register of Holders within 25 days following the Net Proceeds Offer Trigger
Date, with a copy to the Trustee, and shall comply with the procedures set forth
in the Indenture. Upon receiving notice of the Net Proceeds Offer, Holders may
elect to tender their Notes in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000
principal amount at maturity in exchange for cash. To the extent Holders
properly tender Notes (if applicable, along with such other pari passu
Indebtedness referred to above) in an amount exceeding the Net Proceeds Offer
Amount, Notes of tendering Holders (if applicable, along with such other pari
passu Indebtedness referred to above) will be purchased on a pro rata basis
(based on amounts tendered). To the extent that the aggregate amount of the
Notes tendered pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer is less than the Net Proceeds
Offer Amount, the Company may use such excess Net Proceeds Offer Amount for
general corporate purposes or for any other purpose not prohibited by the
Indenture. Upon completion of any such Net Proceeds Offer, the Net Proceeds
Offer Amount shall be reset at zero. A Net Proceeds Offer shall remain open for
a period of 20 business days or such longer period as may be required by law.
 
                                       84
<PAGE>   90
 
     The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-l under the
Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer. To the extent that the
provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the "Asset Sale'
provisions of the Indenture, the Company shall comply with the applicable
securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its
obligations under the "Asset Sale" provisions of the Indenture by virtue
thereof.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
will be permitted to consummate an Asset Swap if (i) at the time of entering
into such Asset Swap or immediately after giving effect to such Asset Swap, no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing or would occur
as a consequence thereof, (ii) in the event that such Asset Swap involves an
aggregate amount in excess of $10 million, the terms of such Asset Swap have
been approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the
Company, and (iii) in the event such Asset Swap involves an aggregate amount in
excess of $50 million, the Company has received a written opinion from an
Independent Financial Advisor that such Asset Swap is fair to the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of view.
 
   
     Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting
Subsidiaries
    
 
     The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to (a) pay dividends or make
any other distributions on or in respect of its Capital Stock; (b) make loans or
advances or to pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Company or
any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or (c) transfer any of its
property or assets to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by
reason of: (1) applicable law; (2) the Indenture and other pari passu
Indebtedness of the Company that does not contain any encumbrances or
restrictions more restrictive than those contained in the Indenture; (3)
customary non-assignment provisions of any contract or lease governing a
leasehold or ownership interest of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; (4)
any instrument governing Acquired Indebtedness, which encumbrance or restriction
is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person,
other than the Person or the properties or assets of the Person so acquired; (5)
agreements existing on the Issue Date (including, without limitation, the Credit
Agreement and the DMC Notes) to the extent and in the manner such agreements are
in effect on the Issue Date; (6) secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be
incurred pursuant to the provisions of the covenants described under
"-- Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" and "-- Limitation on
Liens," above, that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets
securing such Indebtedness; (7) customary net worth provisions contained in
leases and other agreements entered into by a Restricted Subsidiary in the
ordinary course of business; (8) customary restrictions with respect to a
Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for
the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock of such
Restricted Subsidiary; (9) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and
other similar agreements relating solely to the securities, assets and revenues
of such joint venture or other business venture; (10) an agreement governing
Indebtedness incurred to Refinance the Indebtedness issued, assumed or incurred
pursuant to an agreement referred to in clause (2), (4), (5) or (6), above;
provided, however, that the provisions relating to such encumbrance or
restriction contained in any such Indebtedness are not, in the aggregate,
materially less favorable to the Company as determined by the Board of Directors
of the Company in its reasonable and good faith judgment than the provisions
relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in agreements referred to
in such clause (2), (4), (5) or (6); and (11) Standard Securitization
Undertakings relating to a Receivables Subsidiary or Special Purpose Vehicle.
 
   
     Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries
    
 
     The Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than
a Receivables Subsidiary or a Special Purpose Vehicle) to issue any Preferred
Stock (other than to the Company or to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company) or permit any Person (other than the Company or a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) to own any Preferred Stock of any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than a Receivables Subsidiary or a
Special Purpose Vehicle).
                                       85
<PAGE>   91
 
     Limitation on Liens
 
   
     The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit or
suffer to exist any Liens of any kind against or upon any property or assets of
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries whether owned on the Issue
Date or acquired after the Issue Date, or any proceeds therefrom, or assign or
otherwise convey any right to receive income or profits therefrom for purposes
of security, unless (i) in the case of Liens securing Indebtedness that is
expressly subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes, the Notes are
secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in
priority to such Liens and (ii) in all other cases, the Notes are equally and
ratably secured, except for (A) Liens existing as of the Issue Date to the
extent and in the manner such Liens are in effect on the Issue Date; (B) Liens
securing the Notes; (C) Liens of the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company on assets of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(D) Liens securing Refinancing Indebtedness which is incurred to Refinance any
Indebtedness which has been secured by a Lien permitted under the Indenture and
which has been incurred in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture;
provided, however, that such Liens (1) are not materially less favorable to the
Holders and are not materially more favorable to the lienholders with respect to
such Liens than the Liens in respect of the Indebtedness being Refinanced and
(2) do not extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries not securing the Indebtedness so Refinanced; and (E)
Permitted Liens; provided, further, that such Liens do not encumber any capital
stock of DMC held by the Company, except to the extent that such Liens secure
Indebtedness to a commercial lending institution pursuant to the Credit
Agreement.
    
 
   
     Restriction of Lines of Business to Food, Food Distribution and Related
Businesses
    
 
   
     The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
engage in any material business activity except the food, food distribution and
related businesses.
    
 
   
     Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets of the Company
    
 
   
     The Company will not, in a single transaction or series of related
transactions, consolidate or merge with or into any Person, or sell, assign,
transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or
otherwise dispose of) all or substantially all of the Company's assets
(determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries), whether as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, to any
Person, unless: (i) either (1) the Company shall be the surviving or continuing
corporation or (2) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such
consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires
by sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition the
properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
substantially as an entirety (the "Surviving Entity") (x) shall be a corporation
organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States or any state
thereof or the District of Columbia and (y) shall expressly assume, by
supplemental indenture (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee), executed and delivered to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of
the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all of the Notes and the
performance of every covenant of the Notes, the Indenture and, if applicable,
the Registration Rights Agreement on the part of the Company to be performed or
observed; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the
assumption contemplated by clause (i)(2)(y) above (including giving effect to
any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be
incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction), the Company or
such Surviving Entity, as the case may be, shall be able to incur at least $1.00
of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to the
covenant described under "-- Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness"; (iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, the
Company or such Surviving Entity, as the case may be, will have Consolidated Net
Worth in an amount that is not less than the Consolidated Net Worth of the
Company immediately prior to such transaction; (iv) immediately before and
immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption
contemplated by clause (i)(2)(y) above (including, without limitation, giving
effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to
be incurred and any Lien granted in connection with or in respect of such
transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; and (v) the Company or such Surviving Entity, as the case may be,
shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers'
    
 
                                       86
<PAGE>   92
 
certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation,
merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition and,
if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction,
such supplemental indenture complies with the applicable provisions of the
Indenture and that all conditions precedent in the Indenture relating to such
transaction have been satisfied.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the merger of the Company with an Affiliate
incorporated solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in another
jurisdiction shall be permitted without regard to clauses (ii) and (iii) of the
immediately preceding paragraph.
 
     For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or
otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or
substantially all of the properties or assets of one or more Restricted
Subsidiaries of the Company the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company, shall be deemed
to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of
the Company.
 
     The Indenture will provide that upon any consolidation, combination or
merger or any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company
in accordance with the foregoing in which the Company is not the continuing
corporation, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or to which such conveyance, lease or transfer is made shall
succeed to, and (except in the case of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) be
substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under
the Indenture and the Notes with the same effect as if such surviving entity had
been named as such; provided, however, that solely for purposes of computing
amounts described in subclause (iii) of the first paragraph of the covenant
described under "-- Limitation on Restricted Payments," above, any such
surviving entity shall only be deemed to have succeeded to and be substituted
for the Company with respect to periods subsequent to the effective time of such
merger, consolidation or transfer of assets.
 
   
     Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates
    
 
   
     (a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any
transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation,
the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any
service) with, or for the benefit of, any of its Affiliates (each an "Affiliate
Transaction"), other than (x) Affiliate Transactions permitted under paragraph
(b) below, and (y) Affiliate Transactions on terms that are no less favorable to
the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that might
reasonably have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an
arm's-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary. All Affiliate Transactions (and each series of related
Affiliate Transactions which are part of a common plan) involving aggregate
payments or other property with a fair market value in excess of $1 million
shall be approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of
Directors of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, such
approval to be evidenced by a Board Resolution stating that such Board of
Directors has determined that such transaction complies with the foregoing
provisions. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company enters
into an Affiliate Transaction (or a series of related Affiliate Transactions
related to a common plan) that involves an aggregate fair market value or
payments to an Affiliate, as the case may be, of more than $10 million, the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall, prior to the
consummation thereof, obtain a favorable opinion as to the fairness of such
transaction or series of related transactions to the Company or the relevant
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of view, from
an Independent Financial Advisor and file the same with the Trustee.
    
 
     The restrictions set forth in clause (a) shall not apply to (i) reasonable
fees and compensation paid to (including issuances and grant of securities and
stock options) employment agreements and stock option and ownership plans for
the benefit of and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors,
employees or consultants of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company as determined in good faith by the Company's Board of Directors or
senior management; (ii) transactions between or among the Company and any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries or exclusively between or among such Restricted
Subsidiaries, provided that such transactions are not otherwise prohibited by
the Indenture; (iii) any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date or any
amendment thereto or any transaction contemplated thereby (including pursuant to
any amendment thereto or any replacement agreement thereto so long as any such
amendment or replacement
                                       87
<PAGE>   93
 
agreement is not more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect
than the original agreement as in effect on the Issue Date); (iv) payments and
investments permitted by the Indenture; (v) the issuance of Qualified Capital
Stock of the Company; (vi) any obligations of the Company pursuant to the
Management Advisory Agreement and the Transaction Advisory Agreement; (vii)
transactions permitted by, and complying with, the provisions of the covenants
described under "-- Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets of the Company";
(viii) payments made in connection with the Recapitalization, including
transaction fees to stockholders of DMFC not exceeding an aggregate of
$10,000,000 from the original issue date of the DMC Notes; (ix) transactions
with suppliers or other purchasers or sales of goods or services, in each case
in the ordinary course of business (including, without limitation, pursuant to
joint venture agreements) and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the
Indenture which are fair to the Company in the good faith determination of a
majority of the disinterested Board of Directors of the Company or the senior
management thereof and on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have
been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party; and (x) Qualified
Receivables Transactions.
 
   
     Limitation on Guarantees by Restricted Subsidiaries
    
 
   
     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Indenture, the
Company will not permit any of its domestic Restricted Subsidiaries directly or
indirectly, by way of the pledge of any intercompany note or otherwise, to
assume, guarantee or in any other manner become liable with respect to any
Indebtedness of the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary (other than
Permitted Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary), unless, in any such case (a)
such Restricted Subsidiary executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the
Indenture, providing an unconditional and full (subject to the following two
paragraphs) guarantee of the Notes (a "Guarantee") by such Restricted Subsidiary
and (b) if such assumption, guarantee or other liability of such Restricted
Subsidiary is provided in respect of Indebtedness that is expressly subordinated
to the Notes, the guarantee or other instrument provided by such Restricted
Subsidiary in respect of such subordinated Indebtedness shall be subordinated to
such Guarantee pursuant to subordination provisions no less favorable to the
Holders of the Notes than those contained in the instrument governing the terms
of such subordinated Indebtedness.
    
 
     Each Guarantee will be limited in amount to an amount not to exceed the
maximum amount that can be guaranteed by a Restricted Subsidiary without
rendering such Guarantee, as it relates to such Restricted Subsidiary, void or
voidable under applicable laws relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent
transfer or other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Guarantee by a Restricted
Subsidiary shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and
unconditionally released and discharged, without any further action required on
the part of the Trustee or any Holder, upon: (i) the unconditional and complete
release of such Restricted Subsidiary from its liability in respect of the
Indebtedness in connection with which such Guarantee was executed and delivered
pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant; or (ii) any sale or other
disposition (by merger or otherwise) to any Person that is not a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company of all of the Company's Capital Stock in, or all or
substantially all of the assets of, such Restricted Subsidiary; provided that
(a) such sale or disposition of such Capital Stock or assets is otherwise in
compliance with the terms of the Indenture and (b) such assumption, guarantee or
other liability of such Restricted Subsidiary has been released by the holders
of the other Indebtedness so guaranteed.
 
   
     Limitation on Sales of Common Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries
    
 
   
     The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, to issue, sell, offer to sell, or otherwise transfer any shares of
the common stock of any Restricted Subsidiary to any person other than the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that this
restriction will not apply to sales, offers to sell or transfers of all shares
of the common stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than DMC) in a single
transaction for the purpose of selling the common equity interest in the
business of such Restricted Subsidiary substantially as an entirety; provided,
further, that the any such sale of such business as an entirety otherwise
complies with the provisions of the Indenture.
    
 
                                       88
<PAGE>   94
 
   
     Reports to Holders
    
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that so long as the Notes are outstanding the
Company will deliver to the Trustee within 15 days after the filing of the same
with the Commission, copies of the quarterly and annual reports and of the
information, documents and other reports, if any, which the Company is required
to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
The Indenture will further provide that, notwithstanding that the Company may
not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, so long as the Notes are outstanding the Company will file with
the Commission, to the extent permitted, and provide the Trustee and Holders
with such annual reports and such information, documents and other reports
specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company will also
comply with the provisions of TIA Section 314(a).
    
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The following events are defined in the Indenture as "Events of Default:"
 
     (1) the failure to pay interest on any Notes when the same becomes due and
payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days;
 
     (2) the failure to pay the principal or Accreted Value, as applicable, or
premium on any Notes, when such becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon
redemption or otherwise (including the failure to make a payment to purchase
Notes tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer, Mandatory Redemption upon
the occurrence of a Triggering Event, or a Net Proceeds Offer);
 
     (3) a default in the observance or performance of any other covenant or
agreement contained in the Indenture which default continues for a period of 30
days after written notice specifying the default (and demanding that such
default be remedied) is received by the Company from the Trustee or by the
Company and the Trustee from the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate
outstanding principal amount at maturity of the Notes;
 
     (4) the failure to pay principal, premium or interest at final stated
maturity (giving effect to any applicable grace periods and any extensions
thereof) any Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company or the acceleration of the final stated maturity of
any such Indebtedness, in either case, if the aggregate principal amount of such
Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness
in default for failure to pay principal at final maturity or which has been
accelerated aggregates $20 million or more at any time;
 
     (5) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount
in excess of $20 million (to the extent not covered by insurance) shall have
been rendered against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and such
judgments remain undischarged, unpaid or unstayed for a period of 60 days after
such judgment or judgments become final and non-appealable;
 
     (6) the failure of a guaranty of the Notes given by a Guarantor to be in
full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms thereof) or the
denial or disaffirmation of such obligations by a Guarantor; and
 
     (7) certain events of bankruptcy affecting the Company or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries.
 
     If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause
(7) above with respect to the Company) shall occur and be continuing, the
Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity
of outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all
the Notes to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Company and the
Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a "notice of
acceleration" (the "Acceleration Notice"), and the same shall become immediately
due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in clause (7) above with
respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, then all unpaid principal, or
Accreted Value, if applicable, of and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid
interest on all of the outstanding Notes and, if applicable, accrued Liquidated
Damages shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any
declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.
 
     The Indenture will provide that, at any time after the delivery of an
Acceleration Notice with respect to the Notes as described in the preceding
paragraph, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at
 
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<PAGE>   95
 
maturity of the Notes may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind
and cancel such declaration and its consequences (i) if the rescission would not
conflict with any judgment or decree, (ii) if all existing Events of Default
have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, or Accreted Value, if
applicable, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration,
(iii) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue
installments of interest and overdue principal, or Accreted Value, if
applicable, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration has been paid, (iv) if the Company has paid the Trustee its
reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses,
disbursements and advances and any other amounts due the Trustee under the
Indenture, and (v) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of
the type described in clause (7) of the description above of Events of Default,
the Trustee shall have received an officers' certificate and an opinion of
counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission
shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.
 
     The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
Notes may waive any existing Default or Event of Default under the Indenture and
its consequences, except a default in the payment, or Accreted Value, if
applicable, of the principal of or interest on any Notes.
 
     Holders of the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as
provided in the Indenture and under the TIA. Subject to the provisions of the
Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, the Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request, order or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders have
offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to all provisions of the
Indenture and applicable law, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.
 
     Under the Indenture, the Company is required to provide an officers'
certificate to the Trustee promptly upon any such officer obtaining knowledge of
any Default or Event of Default (provided that such officers shall provide such
certification at least annually whether or not they know of any Default or Event
of Default) that has occurred and, if applicable, describe such Default or Event
of Default and the status thereof.
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
     No director, officer, employee or stockholder of the Company, as such,
shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Notes or
the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives
and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for issuance of the Notes.
 
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
     The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have its
obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes ("Legal
Defeasance"). Such Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding
Notes, except for (i) the rights of Holders to receive payments in respect of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments
are due, (ii) the Company's obligations with respect to the Notes concerning
issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payments, (iii) the
rights, powers, trust, duties and immunities of the Trustee and the Company's
obligations in connection therewith and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of
the Indenture. In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time,
elect to have the obligations of the Company released with respect to certain
covenants that are described in the Indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and
thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a
Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant
Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy,
receivership, reorganization and insolvency events) described under "Events of
Default" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the
Notes.
 
     In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i)
the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit
of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. government obligations,
or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion
of a
 
                                       90
<PAGE>   96
 
nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the stated date for
payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be; (ii)
in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee
an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee
confirming that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published
by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of the
Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in
either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall
confirm that, the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal
income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to
Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times
as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (iii) in
the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee
an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee
confirming that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal
income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject
to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;
(iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the
date of such deposit or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or
insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st
day after the date of deposit; (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the
Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is bound; (vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
officers' certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with
the intent of preferring the Holders over any other creditors of the Company or
with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other
creditors of the Company or others; (vii) the Company shall have delivered to
the Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating
that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance
or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with; (viii) the Company shall
have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that assuming
no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit and the
91st day following the deposit and that no Holder is an insider of the Company,
after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to
the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar
laws affecting creditors' rights generally; and (ix) certain other customary
conditions precedent are satisfied.
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
 
     The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect
(except as to surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange of the
Notes, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes
when: (i) either (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered
(except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and
Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or
segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company
or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation or (b) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation have become due and payable and the Company has irrevocably
deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount
sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of deposit together with
irrevocable instructions from the Company directing the Trustee to apply such
funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be; (ii)
the Company has paid all other sums payable under the Indenture by the Company;
and (iii) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate and
an opinion of counsel stating that all conditions precedent under the Indenture
relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied
with.
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
 
     From time to time, the Company and the Trustee, without the consent of the
Holders, may amend the Indenture for certain specified purposes, including
curing ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, so long as such
change does not, in the opinion of the Trustee, materially adversely affect the
rights of any of the Holders. In formulating its opinion on such matters, the
Trustee will be entitled to rely on such evidence as it
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<PAGE>   97
 
deems appropriate, including, without limitation, solely on an opinion of
counsel. In addition, without the consent of the Holders, the Company and the
Trustee may amend the Indenture to provide for the assumption by a successor
corporation, partnership, trust or limited liability company of the obligations
of the Company under the Indenture as permitted by the Indenture, to provide for
uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to add
Restricted Subsidiaries, as Guarantors as described under "Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Guarantees by Restricted Subsidiaries" or to add
further guarantees, to secure the Notes, to add to the covenants of the Company
for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon
the Company or to comply with any requirement of the Commission in connection
with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Other
modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made with the consent of
the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the then
outstanding Notes issued under the Indenture, except that, without the consent
of each Holder affected thereby, no amendment may: (i) reduce the amount of
Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment; (ii) reduce the rate of or
change or have the effect of changing the time for payment of interest including
defaulted interest, or the rate at which Accreted Value increases, on any Notes;
(iii) reduce the principal, or Accreted Value, if applicable, of or change or
have the effect of changing the fixed maturity of any Notes, or change the date
on which any Notes may be subject to redemption, or reduce the redemption price
therefor; (iv) make any Notes payable in money other than that stated in the
Notes; (v) make any change in provisions of the Indenture protecting the right
of each Holder to receive payment of principal, or Accreted Value, if
applicable, of and interest on such Note on or after the due date thereof or to
bring suit to enforce such payment, or permitting Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes to waive Defaults or Events of
Default (other than Defaults or Events of Default with respect to the payment of
principal, Accreted Value, of, or interest on, the Notes); (vi) amend, change or
modify in any material respect the obligation of the Company to make and
consummate a Change of Control Offer in the event of a Change of Control; or
(vii) modify or change any provision of the Indenture or the related definitions
to render the rights of the Holders with respect to the Notes subordinate in
right of payment to those of any other creditor with respect to any other
Indebtedness, or the provisions set forth under "-- Secured Proceeds Account" or
the definitions relating thereto in a manner which adversely affects the Holders
in any material respect.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Indenture will provide that it and the Notes will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, but without
giving effect to applicable principles of conflicts of law to the extent that
the application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Indenture will provide that, except during the continuance of an Event
of Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in the Indenture. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee
will exercise such rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture, and use the
same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise
or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
 
     The Indenture and the provisions of the TIA contain certain limitations on
the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain
payments of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received
in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. Subject to the TIA, the
Trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; provided that if the
Trustee acquires any conflicting interest as described in the TIA, it must
eliminate such conflict or resign.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms used in the
Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all
such terms, as well as any other terms used herein for which no definition is
provided.
 
     "Accreted Value" means as of any date of determination prior to December
15, 2002, the sum of (a) the initial offering price of each Note and (b) the
portion of the excess of the principal amount at maturity of each
 
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<PAGE>   98
 
Note over such initial offering price which shall have been accreted thereon
through such date, such amount to be so accreted at the rate of 12 1/2% per
annum of the initial offering price of the Notes, compounded semi-annually on
each June 15 and December 15 from the date of issuance of the Notes through the
date of determination. On and after December 15, 2002, the Accreted Value of
each Note shall be equal to the principal amount at maturity thereof.
 
     "Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person or any of its
Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company or at the time it merges or consolidates with the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person and
in each case not incurred by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation
or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
or such acquisition, merger or consolidation.
 
     "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person
who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person. The term
"control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct
or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether
through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the
terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative of the foregoing.
 
     "Asset Acquisition" means (a) an Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any other Person pursuant to which such
Person shall become a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or shall be merged
with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or (b) the acquisition by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of the assets of any
Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) which constitute all
or substantially all of the assets of such Person or comprises any division or
line of business of such Person or other than in the ordinary course of business
any other properties or assets of any such other Person.
 
     "Asset Sale" means any direct or indirect sale, issuance, conveyance,
transfer, lease (other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course
of business), assignment or other transfer for value by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction) to
any Person other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company of (a) any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or
(b) any other property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company other than in the ordinary course of business; provided, however,
that Asset Sales shall not include (i) a transaction or series of related
transactions for which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries receive
aggregate consideration of less than $1 million; (ii) the sale, lease,
conveyance, disposition or other transfer of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company as permitted under "Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Assets of the Company"; (iii) the grant of Liens permitted by the covenant
described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Liens" above; (iv) the sale
or transfer of Receivables Related Assets in connection with a Qualified
Receivables Transaction; and (v) the sale or transfer of certain assets
identified in a schedule to the Indenture as being held for disposition.
 
     "Asset Swap" means the execution of a definitive agreement, subject only to
customary closing conditions that the Company in good faith believes will be
satisfied, for a substantially concurrent purchase and sale, or exchange, of
assets (of a kind used or usable by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
in their business as it exists on the date thereof, or in businesses the same as
or similar or reasonably related thereto) between the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person or group of affiliated Persons;
provided, however, that any amendment to or waiver of any closing condition that
individually or in the aggregate is material to the Asset Swap shall be deemed
to be a new Asset Swap.
 
     "Board of Directors" means, as to any Person, the board of directors of
such Person or any duly authorized committee thereof.
 
     "Board Resolution" means, with respect to any Person, a copy of a
resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Person
to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of such Person and to be in
full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the
Trustee.
 
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<PAGE>   99
 
     "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means, as to any Person, the obligations of
such Person under a lease that are required to be classified and accounted for
as capital lease obligations under GAAP and, for purposes of this definition,
the amount of such obligations at any date shall be the capitalized amount of
such obligations at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Capital Stock" means (i) with respect to any Person that is a corporation,
any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however
designated and whether or not voting) of corporate stock, including each class
of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of such Person and (ii) with respect to any
Person that is not a corporation, any and all partnership or other equity
interests of such Person.
 
     "Cash Equivalents" means (i) obligations issued by, or unconditionally
guaranteed by, the U.S. Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one
year from the date of acquisition thereof; (ii) obligations issued or fully
guaranteed by any state of the United States of America or any political
subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of
acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's"); (iii) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date
of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having the highest rating
obtainable from either S&P or Moody's; (iv) certificates of deposit or bankers'
acceptances maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued
by any bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof
or the District of Columbia or any U.S. branch of a foreign bank having at the
date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than
$250,000,000; (v) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days
for underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above entered
into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (iv) above;
and (vi) investments in money market funds which invest substantially all their
assets in securities of the types described in clauses (i) through (v) above.
 
     "Cash Net Proceeds" means the aggregate amount of cash or Cash Equivalents
received by the Company in the case of a sale of Qualified Capital Stock or a
Capital Contribution plus, in the case of an issuance of Qualified Capital Stock
upon any exercise, exchange or conversion of securities (including options,
warrants, rights and convertible or exchangeable debt) of the Company that were
issued for cash on or after the Issue Date, the amount of cash originally
received by the Company upon the issuance of such securities (including options,
warrants, rights and convertible or exchangeable debt) less, in each case, the
sum of all payments, fees, commissions and expenses (including, without
limitation, the fees and expenses of legal counsel and investment banking fees
and expenses) incurred in connection with such sale of Qualified Capital Stock.
 
     "Change of Control" means the occurrence of one or more of the following
events: (i) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a
series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company to any Person or group of related Persons for purposes of Section 13(d)
of the Exchange Act (a "Group"), together with any Affiliates thereof (whether
or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the Indenture), other than
TPG or its Related Parties; (ii) the approval by the holders of Capital Stock of
the Company of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the
Company (whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the
Indenture); (iii) (A) any Person or Group (other than TPG or its Related
Parties) shall become the owner, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of
record, of shares representing more than 40% of the aggregate ordinary voting
power represented by the issued and outstanding Capital Stock (the "Voting
Stock") of the Company and (B) TPG and its Related Parties shall beneficially
own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the Voting
Stock of the Company than such other Person or Group; or (iv) the replacement of
a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company over a two-year period from
the directors who constituted the Board of Directors of the Company at the
beginning of such period, and such replacement shall not have been approved by a
vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then still
in office who either were members of such Board of Directors at the beginning of
such period or whose election as a member of such Board of Directors was
previously so approved or who were nominated by, or designees of, TPG or its
Related Parties.
 
     "Common Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests or other
participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting
or non-voting) of such Person's common stock, whether
 
                                       94
<PAGE>   100
 
outstanding on the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date, and includes,
without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
 
     "Consolidated EBITDA" means, with respect to any Person, for any period,
the sum (without duplication) of (i) Consolidated Net Income and (ii) to the
extent Consolidated Net Income has been reduced thereby, (A) all income taxes of
such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries paid or accrued in accordance with
GAAP for such period, (B) Consolidated Interest Expense and (C) Consolidated
Non-cash Charges less any non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for
such period, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means, with respect to any
Person, the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person during the four full
fiscal quarters (the "Four Quarter Period") ending on or prior to the date of
the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio (the "Transaction Date") to the Consolidated Fixed Charges
of such Person for the Four Quarter Period. In addition to and without
limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this definition, "Consolidated
EBITDA" and "Consolidated Fixed Charges" shall be calculated after giving effect
on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to (i) the incurrence or
repayment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (and the application of the proceeds thereof) giving rise to the
need to make such calculation and any incurrence or repayment of other
Indebtedness (and the application of the proceeds thereof), other than the
incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for
working capital purposes pursuant to working capital facilities, occurring
during, the Four Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the
Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such
incurrence or repayment, as the case may be (and the application of the proceeds
thereof), occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period and (ii) any
Asset Sales or Asset Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any Asset
Acquisition giving rise to the need to make such calculation as a result of such
Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Person who becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming
or otherwise being liable for Acquired Indebtedness and also including any
Consolidated EBITDA (including any pro forma expense and cost reductions
calculated on a basis consistent with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act)
attributable to the assets which are the subject of the Asset Acquisition or
Asset Sale during the Four Quarter Period) occurring during the Four Quarter
Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four Quarter Period and
on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition
(including the incurrence, assumption or liability for any such Acquired
Indebtedness) occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period. If such
Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries directly or indirectly guarantees
Indebtedness of a third Person, the preceding sentence shall give effect to the
incurrence of such guaranteed Indebtedness as if such Person or Restricted
Subsidiary of such Person had directly incurred or otherwise assumed such
guaranteed Indebtedness. Furthermore, in calculating "Consolidated Fixed
Charges" for purposes of determining the denominator (but not the numerator) of
the "Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio," (1) interest on outstanding
Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis as of the Transaction Date and
which will continue to be so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have
accrued at a fixed rate per annum equal to the rate of interest on such
Indebtedness in effect on the Transaction Date, (2) notwithstanding clause (1)
above, interest on Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent
such interest is covered by agreements relating to Interest Swap Obligations,
shall be deemed to accrue at the rate per annum resulting after giving effect to
the operation of such agreements, (3) interest on Indebtedness that may
optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or
similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be
deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or if, none, then based
upon such optional rate as such Person may designate, and (4) interest on a
Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate
reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of such Person (as evidenced by
a Board Resolution) to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized
Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP and as reflected in such Person's
financial statements.
 
     "Consolidated Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the sum (without duplication) of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense
(excluding amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs), plus (ii) the
product of (x) the amount of all dividend payments on any series of Preferred
Stock of such Person (other than dividends paid in Qualified Capital Stock) paid
or accrued during such period times
                                       95
<PAGE>   101
 
(y) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is
one minus the then current effective consolidated Federal, state and local tax
rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal.
 
     "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the sum (without duplication) of (i) the aggregate of the interest
expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, including, without
limitation, (a) any amortization of debt discount and amortization or write-off
of deferred financing costs, (b) the net costs under Interest Swap Obligations,
(c) all capitalized interest, (d) the interest portion of any deferred payment
obligation, (e) dividends paid in respect of Disqualified Capital Stock and (f)
net payments (whether positive or negative) pursuant to Interest Swap
Obligations; and (ii) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations
paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued by such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries during such period as determined on a consolidated basis
in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consolidated Interest
Expense of the Company shall include the interest expense of a Person only to
the extent that the net income of such Person is included in the Consolidated
Net Income of the Company.
 
     "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person, for any
period, the aggregate net income (or loss) of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded therefrom (a) after-tax gains
or losses from Asset Sales (without regard to the $1 million limitation set
forth in the definition thereof) or abandonments or reserves relating thereto,
(b) after-tax items classified as extraordinary or nonrecurring gains, (c) the
net income of any Person acquired in a "pooling of interests" transaction
accrued prior to the date it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the referent
Person or is merged or consolidated with the referent Person or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the referent Person, (d) the net income (but not loss) of any
Restricted Subsidiary (other than DMC) of the referent Person to the extent that
the declaration of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted
Subsidiary of that income is restricted by a contract, operation of law or
otherwise, (e) the net income of any Person, other than a Restricted Subsidiary
of the referent Person, except to the extent of cash dividends or distributions
paid to the referent Person or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the referent Person
by such Person, (f) any restoration to income of any contingency reserve, except
to the extent that provision for such reserve was made out of Consolidated Net
Income accrued at any time following the Issue Date, (g) income or loss
attributable to discontinued operations (including, without limitation,
operations disposed of during such period whether or not such operations were
classified as discontinued), and (h) in the case of a successor to the referent
Person by consolidation or merger or as a transferee of the referent Person's
assets, any earnings of the successor corporation prior to such consolidation,
merger or transfer of assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Consolidated Net
Income" shall be calculated without giving effect to (i) the amortization of any
premiums, fees or expenses incurred in connection with the Recapitalization and
related financings and (ii) the amortization, depreciation or charge of any
amounts required or permitted by Accounting Principles Board Opinion Nos. 16
(including non-cash write-ups and non-cash charges relating to inventory and
fixed assets) and 17 (including non-cash charges relating to intangibles and
goodwill).
 
     "Consolidated Net Worth" means the total of the amounts shown on the
balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a
consolidated basis, as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of the
Company ending prior to the taking of any action for the purpose of which the
determination is being made, as (i) the par or stated value of all outstanding
Capital Stock of the Company plus (ii) paid-in capital or capital surplus
relating to such Capital Stock plus (iii) any retained earnings or earned
surplus less (A) any accumulated deficit and (B) any amounts attributable to
Disqualified Capital Stock.
 
     "Consolidated Non-cash Charges" means, with respect to any Person, for any
period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization, exchange or translation losses
on foreign currencies and other non-cash expenses of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP (excluding any such charge which requires an accrual of or
a reserve for cash charges for any future period).
 
     "Consolidation" means, with respect to the Company, the consolidation of
the accounts of the Restricted Subsidiaries with those of the Company, all in
accordance with GAAP; provided that "consolidation" will not
 
                                       96
<PAGE>   102
 
include consolidation of the accounts of any Unrestricted Subsidiary with the
accounts of the Company. The term "consolidated" has a correlative meaning to
the foregoing.
 
     "Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of April 18, 1997,
among DMC, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder
and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association and Bankers Trust
Company, as agents, together with the related documents thereto (including,
without limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents), in each
case as such agreements may be amended (including any amendment and restatement
thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including any
agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing or otherwise
restructuring (including, without limitation, increasing the amount of available
borrowings thereunder (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted by
the covenant described under "Certain Covenants  -- Limitation on Incurrence of
Additional Indebtedness," above) or adding Restricted Subsidiaries of the
Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder) all or any portion of
the Indebtedness under such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement
and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.
 
     "Currency Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap
agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company against fluctuations in
currency values.
 
     "Default" means an event or condition the occurrence of which is, or with
the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.
 
     "Disqualified Capital Stock" means that portion of any Capital Stock which,
by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or
for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
is redeemable at the sole option of the holder thereof, in each case on or prior
to the final maturity date of the Notes; provided that Capital Stock that would
be "Disqualified Capital Stock" solely by virtue of its containing a customary
requirement that the issuer offer to repurchase such Capital Stock upon a change
of control of the issuer will not be deemed to be "Disqualified Capital Stock."
 
     "Equity Contribution" means a contribution of cash or Cash Equivalents by a
stockholder of the Company to the consolidated stockholders' equity of the
Company solely in exchange for, if anything, shares of the Company's common
stock with no preferences or special rights or privileges and with no redemption
or prepayment provisions.
 
     "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or
any successor statute or statutes thereto.
 
     "fair market value" means, with respect to any asset or property, the price
which could be negotiated in an arm's-length, free market transaction, for cash,
between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under
undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction.
 
     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession of the United States, which are in effect as of the Issue Date.
 
     "Guarantor" means each Person that executes a Guarantee pursuant to the
covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Guarantees by
Restricted Subsidiaries," each until a successor replaces it pursuant to the
Indenture and thereafter means such successor. A Person whose Guarantee has
terminated pursuant to the aforesaid covenant shall cease to be a Guarantor
effective as of such termination.
 
     "Indebtedness" means with respect to any Person, without duplication, (i)
all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (iii)
all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person (but excluding any operating
lease obligations), (iv) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the
deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all
Obligations under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade
 
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<PAGE>   103
 
accounts payable and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business that are not overdue by 90 days or more or that are being contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently
conducted), (v) all obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor on any
letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction, (vi)
guarantees and other contingent obligations in respect of Indebtedness referred
to in clauses (i) through (v) above and clause (viii) below, (vii) all
obligations of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (i) through
(vi) that are secured by any lien on any property or asset of such Person, the
amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the fair market value
of such property or asset or the amount of the obligation so secured, (viii) all
obligations under Currency Agreements and Interest Swap Obligations of such
Person and (ix) all Disqualified Capital Stock issued by such Person with the
amount of Indebtedness represented by such Disqualified Capital Stock being
equal to its maximum fixed repurchase price (or comparable price that the
Company may be required to pay for the acquisition or retirement of such
Disqualified Capital Stock), but excluding accrued dividends, if any. For
purposes hereof, the "maximum fixed repurchase price" of any Disqualified
Capital Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated
in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock as if such
Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness
shall be required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and if such price
is based upon or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Capital
Stock, such fair market value shall be determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the issuer of such Disqualified Capital Stock.
 
     "Independent Financial Advisor" means a firm (i) which does not, and whose
directors, officers and employees or Affiliates do not have a direct or indirect
equity beneficial ownership interest in the Company exceeding 10% and (ii)
which, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, is otherwise
independent and qualified to perform the task for which it is to be engaged.
 
     "Interest Swap Obligations" means the obligations of any Person pursuant to
any arrangement with any other Person, whereby, directly or indirectly, such
Person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic payments calculated by
applying either a floating or a fixed rate of interest on a stated notional
amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such other Person calculated by
applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same notional amount and
shall include, without limitation, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars
and similar agreements.
 
     "Investment" means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect loan
or other extension of credit (including, without limitation, a guarantee) or
capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to
others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of
others), or any purchase or acquisition by such Person of any Capital Stock,
bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or evidences of Indebtedness issued
by, any other Person. In the case of the Company, "Investment" shall exclude
extensions of trade credit (including trade receivables) by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with
normal trade practices of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case
may be. For the purposes of the covenant described under "Certain
Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted Payments," (i) "Investment" shall include
and be valued at the portion of the fair market value of the net assets of any
Restricted Subsidiary represented by the Company's proportionate equity interest
in such Subsidiary at the time that such Restricted Subsidiary is designated an
Unrestricted Subsidiary and shall exclude the fair market value of the net
assets of any Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time that such Unrestricted
Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the amount of any
Investment shall be the original cost of such Investment plus the cost of all
additional Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
without any adjustments for increases or decreases in value, or write-ups,
write-downs or write-offs with respect to such Investment, reduced by the
payment of dividends or distributions in connection with such Investment or any
other amounts received in respect of such Investment; provided that no such
payment of dividends or distributions or receipt of any such other amounts shall
reduce the amount of any Investment if such payment of dividends or
distributions or receipt of any such amounts would be included in Consolidated
Net Income. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or
otherwise disposes of any Common Stock of any direct or indirect Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or
disposition, the Company no longer owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the
outstanding Common Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be
deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or
                                       98
<PAGE>   104
 
disposition equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock of such
Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.
 
     "Lien" means any lien, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest,
charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title
retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof and any agreement to give
any security interest).
 
     "Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds in
the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect of deferred
payment obligations when received in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (other
than the portion of any such deferred payment constituting interest) received by
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from such Asset Sale net of
(a) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and fees relating to such Asset Sale
(including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees
and sales commissions), (b) taxes paid or payable after taking into account any
reduction in consolidated tax liability due to available tax credits or
deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, (c) repayment of Indebtedness
secured by the assets or properties that are the subject of such Asset Sale and
that is required to be repaid in connection with such Asset Sale and (d)
appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any
liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including,
without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities,
liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any
indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale.
 
     "Obligations" means all obligations for principal, premium, interest,
penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities
payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
 
     "Permitted Indebtedness" means, without duplication, each of the following:
 
          (i) Indebtedness under the Notes and the Indenture;
 
          (ii) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement in an
     aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $730
     million less (A) the sum of (y) the amount of all scheduled mandatory
     principal payments in respect of term loans thereunder (excluding any such
     payments to the extent refinanced at the time of payment under a
     replacement Credit Agreement) actually made by the Company or DMC on or
     before June 30, 2000, plus (z) the amount of all mandatory principal
     payments in respect of such term loans thereunder (other than such excluded
     payments) made from (or attributable to) the proceeds received from Asset
     Sales; (B) in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, any required
     permanent repayments (which are accompanied by a corresponding permanent
     commitment reduction) thereunder made on or before June 30, 2000 or made by
     reason of the receipt of the proceeds of Asset Sales; and (C) the amount of
     the Receivables Program Obligations then outstanding;
 
          (iii) other Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
     Subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date reduced by the amount of any
     scheduled amortization payments or mandatory prepayments when actually paid
     or permanent reductions thereon;
 
          (iv) Interest Swap Obligations of the Company or any Restricted
     Subsidiaries covering Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries and Interest Swap Obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary of
     the Company covering Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
     however, that such Interest Swap Obligations are entered into to protect
     the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries from fluctuations in interest
     rates on Indebtedness incurred in accordance with the Indenture to the
     extent the notional principal amount of such Interest Swap Obligation does
     not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Interest
     Swap Obligation relates;
 
          (v) Indebtedness under Currency Agreements; provided that in the case
     of Currency Agreements which relate to Indebtedness, such Currency
     Agreements do not increase the Indebtedness of the Company and its
     Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding other than as a result of fluctuations
     in foreign currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and
     compensation payable thereunder;
 
          (vi) Indebtedness of a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the
     Company to the Company or to another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
     the Company, in either case for so long as such
 
                                       99
<PAGE>   105
 
     Indebtedness is held by the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary
     of the Company, in each case subject to no Lien held by a Person other than
     the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
     provided that if as of any date any Person other than the Company or a
     Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company owns or holds any such
     Indebtedness or holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness, there shall
     be deemed to have occurred on such date the incurrence of Indebtedness not
     constituting Permitted Indebtedness by the issuer of such Indebtedness;
 
          (vii) Indebtedness of the Company to a Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary of the Company for so long as such Indebtedness is held by a
     Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, in each case subject to
     no Lien; provided that (a) such Indebtedness of the Company to any Wholly
     Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company is unsecured and subordinated,
     pursuant to a written agreement, to the Company's obligations under the
     Indenture and the Notes and (b) if as of any date any Person other than a
     Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company owns or holds any such
     Indebtedness or any Person holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness,
     there shall be deemed to have occurred on such date the incurrence of
     Indebtedness not constituting Permitted Indebtedness by the Company;
 
          (viii) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other
     financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently
     (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient
     funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that such
     Indebtedness is extinguished within five business days of incurrence;
 
          (ix) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
     in respect of security for workers' compensation claims, payment
     obligations in connection with self-insurance, performance bonds, surety
     bonds or similar requirements in the ordinary course of business;
 
          (x) Capitalized Lease Obligations and Purchase Money Indebtedness of
     the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course
     of business not to exceed $25 million at any one time outstanding;
 
          (xi) guarantees by the Company and its Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiaries of each other's Indebtedness and guarantees by its Wholly
     Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of other Wholly Owned
     Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that such Indebtedness is permitted to be
     incurred under the Indenture, including, with respect to guarantees by
     Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, the covenant described
     under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation of Guarantees by Restricted
     Subsidiaries;"
 
          (xii) Indebtedness arising from agreements providing for
     indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, or
     from guarantees or letters of credit, surety bonds or performance bonds
     securing any obligations of the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries pursuant to such agreements, in each case incurred in
     connection with the disposition of any business, assets or Restricted
     Subsidiary of the Company (other than guarantees of Indebtedness or other
     obligations incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such
     business, assets or Restricted Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of
     financing such acquisition) in a principal amount not to exceed the gross
     proceeds actually received by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition; provided, however, that
     the principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause
     (xii), when taken together with all Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this
     clause (xii) and then outstanding, shall not exceed $20 million;
 
          (xiii) guarantees furnished by the Company or its Restricted
     Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, of Indebtedness of another
     Person in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10 million at any time
     outstanding;
 
          (xiv) Refinancing Indebtedness;
 
          (xv) Receivables Program Obligations; and
 
          (xvi) additional Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
     Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $50 million at
     any one time outstanding (which amount may, but need not, be incurred in
     whole or in part under the Credit Agreement).
 
                                       100
<PAGE>   106
 
     "Permitted Investments" means: (i) Investments by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any Person that is or will become
immediately after such Investment a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or that
will merge or consolidate into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company; provided that such Person is engaged, in all material respects, solely
in the business of food, food distribution and related businesses; (ii)
Investments in the Company by any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided
that any Indebtedness evidencing such Investment is unsecured and subordinated,
pursuant to a written agreement, to the Company's obligations under the Notes
and the Indenture; (iii) Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents; (iv) loans
and advances to employees and officers of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of businesses for bona fide business
purposes not in excess of $5 million at any one time outstanding; (v) Currency
Agreements and Interest Swap Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of
the Company's or its Restricted Subsidiaries' business and otherwise in
compliance with the Indenture; (vi) additional Investments not to exceed $25
million at any one time outstanding; (vii) Investments in securities of trade
creditors or customers received in settlement of obligations or pursuant to any
plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency
of such trade creditors or customers; (viii) Investments made by the Company or
its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of consideration received in connection
with an Asset Sale made in compliance with the covenant described under "Certain
Covenants -- Limitation on Asset Sales," or not constituting an Asset Sale by
reason of the $1 million threshold contained in the definition thereof; (ix)
Investments specifically permitted by and made in accordance with the provisions
of the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Transactions
with Affiliates"; (x) guarantees permitted by the covenant described under
"Certain Covenant -- Limitation of Guarantees by Restricted Subsidiaries;" (xi)
Related Business Investments in companies and ventures in which the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company holds an equity ownership interest of not
less than 33% in an aggregate amount not exceeding the sum of (x) the unutilized
portion of the amount of Investments permitted by clause (vi) of this
definition, (y) the proceeds of the sale of certain assets identified in a
schedule to the Indenture as being held for disposition, plus (z) $25 million;
and (xii) Investments made in connection with a Qualified Receivables
Transaction.
 
     "Permitted Liens" means the following types of Liens:
 
          (i) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims
     either (a) not delinquent or (b) contested in good faith by appropriate
     proceedings and as to which the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries shall have set aside on its books such reserves as may be
     required pursuant to GAAP;
 
          (ii) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen,
     mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by law
     incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet delinquent for
     a period of more than 60 days or being contested in good faith, if such
     reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by
     GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;
 
          (iii) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
     business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance
     and other types of social security or similar obligations, including any
     Lien securing lenders of credit issued in the ordinary course of business
     consistent with past practice in connection therewith, or to secure the
     performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds,
     bids, leases, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds
     and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of
     borrowed money);
 
          (iv) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as
     such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which
     may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have
     been finally terminated or the period within when such proceedings may be
     initiated shall not have expired;
 
          (v) easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions and other similar
     charges or encumbrances in respect of real property not interfering in any
     respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any of
     its Restricted Subsidiaries;
 
                                       101
<PAGE>   107
 
          (vi) any interest or title of a lessor under any lease, whether or not
     characterized as capital or operating; provided that such Liens do not
     extend any property or assets which is not leased property subject to such
     lease;
 
          (vii) Liens securing Capitalized Lease Obligations and Purchase Money
     Indebtedness incurred in accordance with the covenant described under
     "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness";
     provided, however, that in the case of Purchase Money Indebtedness (A) the
     Indebtedness shall not exceed the cost of such property or assets being
     accrued or constructed and shall not be secured by any property or assets
     of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than the
     property and assets being acquired or constructed and (B) the Lien securing
     such Indebtedness shall be created within 90 days of such acquisition or
     construction;
 
          (viii) Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and
     proceeds of any Person securing such Person's obligations in respect of
     bankers' acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to
     facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other
     goods;
 
          (ix) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to letters
     of credit which encumber documents and other property relating to such
     letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof;
 
          (x) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from
     statutory, regulatory, contractual, or warranty requirements of the Company
     or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and
     set-off;
 
          (xi) Liens securing Interest Swap Obligations that relate to
     Indebtedness that is otherwise permitted under the Indenture;
 
          (xii) Liens securing Indebtedness under Currency Agreements;
 
          (xiii) Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness incurred in accordance
     with the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on
     Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness"; provided that (A) such Liens
     secured such Acquired Indebtedness at the time of and prior to the
     incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted
     Subsidiary of the Company and were not granted in connection with, or in
     anticipation of, the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the
     Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (B) such Liens do not
     extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company or of any of its
     Restricted Subsidiaries other than the property or assets that secured the
     Acquired Indebtedness prior to the time such Indebtedness became Acquired
     Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and
     are no more favorable to the lienholders than those securing the Acquired
     Indebtedness prior to the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the
     Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
 
          (xiv) leases or subleases granted to others not interfering in any
     material respect with the business of the Company or its Restricted
     Subsidiaries;
 
          (xv) Liens arising out of consignment or similar arrangements for the
     sale of goods entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
 
          (xvi) Liens on Receivables Program Assets securing Receivables Program
     Obligations;
 
          (xvii) Liens securing Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries (so long
     as the Company is neither co-obligor, guarantor, or otherwise directly
     liable with respect to such Indebtedness), which Indebtedness is incurred
     in compliance with the Indenture; and
 
          (xviii) Liens securing the Credit Agreement.
 
     "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability
company, unincorporated organization, trust or joint venture, or a governmental
agency or political subdivision thereof.
 
     "Preferred Stock" of any Person means any Capital Stock of such Person that
has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect
to dividends or redemptions or upon liquidation.
 
     "Purchase Money Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the normal course of business for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price, or the cost of
installation, construction or improvement, of property or assets.
                                       102
<PAGE>   108
 
     "Purchase Money Note" means a promissory note evidencing the obligation of
a Receivables Subsidiary to pay the purchase price for Receivables or other
indebtedness to the Company or to any other Seller in connection with a
Qualified Receivables Transaction, which note shall be repaid from cash
available to the maker of such note, other than cash required to be held as
reserves pursuant to Receivables Documents, amounts paid in respect of interest,
principal and other amounts owing under Receivables Documents and amounts paid
in connection with the purchase of newly generated Receivables.
 
     "Qualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified
Capital Stock.
 
     "Qualified Receivables Transaction" means any transaction or series of
transactions that may be entered into by the Company or any such Subsidiary of
the Company pursuant to which the Company or any such Subsidiary may sell,
convey or otherwise transfer to a Receivables Subsidiary (in the case of a
transfer by the Company or any other Seller) and any other person (in the case
of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary), or may grant a security interest in,
any Receivables Program Assets (whether now existing or arising in the future);
provided that:
 
          (i) no portion of the indebtedness or any other obligations
     (contingent or otherwise) of a Receivables Subsidiary or Special Purpose
     Vehicle (a) is guaranteed by the Company or any other Seller (excluding
     guarantees of obligations pursuant to Standard Securitization
     Undertakings), (b) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any other
     Seller in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization
     Undertakings or (c) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any
     other Seller, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the
     satisfaction of obligations incurred in such transactions, other than
     pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings;
 
          (ii) neither the Company nor any other Seller has any material
     contract, agreement arrangement or understanding with a Receivables
     Subsidiary or a Special Purpose Vehicle (except in connection with a
     Purchase Money Note or Qualified Receivables Transaction) other than on
     terms no less favorable to the Company or such Seller than those that might
     be obtained at the time from persons that are not affiliates of the
     Company, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in
     connection with servicing accounts receivable; and
 
          (iii) the Company and the other Sellers do not have any obligation to
     maintain or preserve the financial condition of a Receivables Subsidiary or
     a Special Purpose Vehicle or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of
     operating results.
 
     "Receivables" means all rights of the Company or any other Seller to
payments (whether constituting accounts, chattel paper, instruments, general
intangibles or otherwise, and including the right to payment of any interest or
finance charges), which rights are identified in the accounting records of the
Company or such Seller as accounts receivable.
 
     "Receivables Documents" means (x) a receivables purchase agreement, pooling
and servicing agreement, credit agreement, agreements to acquire undivided
interests or other agreement to transfer, or create a security interest in,
Receivables Program Assets, in each case as amended, modified, supplemented or
restated and in effect from time to time and entered into by the Company,
another Seller and/or a Receivables Subsidiary, and (y) each other instrument,
agreement and other document entered into by the Company, any other Seller or a
Receivables Subsidiary relating to the transactions contemplated by the
agreements referred to in clause (x) above, in each case as amended, modified,
supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time.
 
     "Receivables Program Assets" means (a) all Receivables which are described
as being transferred by the Company, another Seller or a Receivables Subsidiary
pursuant to the Receivables Documents, (b) all Receivables Related Assets, and
(c) all collections (including recoveries) and other proceeds of the assets
described in the foregoing clauses.
 
     "Receivables Program Obligations" means (a) notes, trust certificates,
undivided interests, partnership interests or other interests representing the
right to be paid a specified principal amount for the Receivables Program
Assets, and (b) related obligations of the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company
or a Special Purpose Vehicle (including, without limitation, rights in respect
of interest or yield, breach of warranty claims and expense reimbursement and
indemnity provisions).
 
                                       103
<PAGE>   109
 
     "Receivables Related Assets" means (i) any rights arising under the
documentation governing or relating to Receivables (including rights in respect
of liens securing such Receivables and other credit support in respect of such
Receivables), (ii) any proceeds of such Receivables and any lockboxes or
accounts in which such proceeds are deposited, (iii) spread accounts and other
similar accounts (and any amounts on deposit therein) established in connection
with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, (iv) any warranty, indemnity, dilution
and other intercompany claim arising out of Receivables Documents and (v) other
assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security
interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization
transactions involving accounts receivable.
 
     "Receivables Subsidiary" means a special purpose wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company created in connection with the transactions contemplated by a
Qualified Receivables Transaction, which subsidiary engages in no activities
other than those incidental to such Qualified Receivables Transaction and which
is designated as a Receivables Subsidiary by the Company's Board of Directors.
Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced by filing with
the Trustee a Board Resolution of the Company giving effect to such designation
and an Officers Certificate certifying, to the best of such officers' knowledge
and belief after consulting with counsel, such designation, and the transactions
in which the Receivables Subsidiary will engage, comply with the requirements of
the definition of Qualified Receivables Transaction.
 
     "Refinance" means, in respect of any security or Indebtedness, to
refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or
to issue a security or Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such
security or Indebtedness, in whole or in part. "Refinanced" and "Refinancing'
shall have correlative meanings.
 
     "Refinancing Indebtedness" means any Refinancing by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Indebtedness incurred in accordance with
the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Incurrence of
Additional Indebtedness" (other than pursuant to clauses (ii), (iv), (v), (vi),
(vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii), (xiii), or (xvi) of the definition of
Permitted Indebtedness), in each case that does not (1) result in an increase in
the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of such Person as of the date of such
proposed Refinancing (plus the amount of any premium required to be paid under
the terms of the instrument governing such Indebtedness and plus the amount of
reasonable expenses incurred by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries in
connection with such Refinancing) or (2) create Indebtedness with (A) a Weighted
Average Life to Maturity that is less than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity
of the Indebtedness being Refinanced or (B) a final maturity earlier than the
final maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced; provided that (x) if such
Indebtedness being Refinanced is solely Indebtedness of the Company, then such
Refinancing Indebtedness shall be Indebtedness solely of the Company and (y) if
such Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinate or junior to the Notes, then
such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinate to the Notes at least to the
same extent and in the same manner as the Indebtedness being Refinanced.
 
     "Related Business Investment" means (i) any Investment by a Person in any
other Person a majority of whose revenues are derived from the food, food
distribution or related businesses, and (ii) any Investment by such Person in
any cooperative or other supplier, including, without limitation, any joint
venture which is intended to supply any product or service useful to the
business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Related Party" means any Affiliate of TPG.
 
     "Restricted Subsidiary" of any Person means any Subsidiary of such Person
which at the time of determination is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means any direct or indirect arrangement
with any Person or to which any such Person is a party, providing for the
leasing to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any
property, whether owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary at the Issue
Date or later acquired, which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person or to any other Person from
whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such Person on the security of
such Property.
 
     "Seller" means the Company or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate of the
Company (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) which is a party to a Receivables
Document.
 
                                       104
<PAGE>   110
 
     "Significant Subsidiary" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 1.02(w)
of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.
 
     "Special Purpose Vehicle" means a trust, partnership or other special
purpose Person established by the Company and or any of its Subsidiaries to
implement a Qualified Receivables Transaction.
 
     "Standard Securitization Undertakings" means representations, warranties,
covenants and indemnities entered into by the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company which are reasonably customary in an accounts receivable transactions.
 
     "Subsidiary," with respect to any Person, means (i) any corporation of
which the outstanding Capital Stock having at least a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast in the election of directors under ordinary circumstances
shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or (ii) any
other Person of which at least a majority of the voting interest under ordinary
circumstances is at the time owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.
 
     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" of any Person means (i) any Subsidiary of such
Person that at the time of determination shall be or continue to be designated
an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of such Person in the
manner provided below and (ii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The
Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company
(including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted
Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary owns any Capital Stock of, or owns or holds
any Lien on any property of, the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company
that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided that
(x) the Company certifies to the Trustee that such designation complies with the
covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted
Payments" and (y) each Subsidiary to be so designated and each of its
Subsidiaries has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter,
create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or
indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender
thereof has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any
Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary only if (x) immediately
after giving effect to such designation, the Company is able to incur at least
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) in
compliance with the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on
Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" and (y) immediately before and
immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board
of Directors of the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing
with the Trustee a copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such
designation and an officers' certificate certifying that such designation
complied with the foregoing provisions.
 
     "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (a) the then outstanding
aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness into (b) the sum of the total of
the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payment of
principal, including payment at final maturity in respect thereof, by (ii) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) which will elapse
between such date and the making of such payment.
 
     "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" of any Person means any Restricted
Subsidiary of such Person of which all the outstanding voting securities (other
than, in the case of a foreign Restricted Subsidiary, directors' qualifying
shares or an immaterial amount of shares otherwise required to be owned by other
Persons pursuant to applicable law) are owned by such Person or any Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of such Person.
 
                                       105
<PAGE>   111
 
                 CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
IN GENERAL
 
     The following summary describes the principal U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the exchange of the Initial Notes for Exchange Notes (the
"Exchange") and of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
purchase, ownership and disposition of the Exchange Notes, but does not purport
to be a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be
relevant to a decision to exchange the Initial Notes. In particular, special tax
considerations that may apply to certain types of taxpayers, including
securities dealers, banks, tax exempt investors and insurance companies are not
addressed. In addition, this summary does not describe any tax consequences
arising under the laws of any state, locality or taxing jurisdiction other than
the United States federal government. In general, the summary assumes that a
holder holds such Exchange Note as a capital asset under the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 and not as part of a "hedge," "straddle," "conversion
transaction," "synthetic security" or other integrated investment.
 
     This summary is based on the U.S. federal income tax laws, regulations,
rulings and decisions in effect or available on the date hereof. All of the
foregoing are subject to change, which change may apply retroactively and could
affect the continued validity of this summary.
 
     As used in this section, the term "U.S. holder" means a holder of an
Exchange Note who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation,
partnership or other entity created or organized under the laws of the U.S. or
any state or political subdivision thereof, an estate that is subject to U.S.
federal income taxation without regard to the source of its income, or a trust
whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and
which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust.
 
     ALL HOLDERS OF INITIAL NOTES ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OF
INITIAL NOTES FOR EXCHANGE NOTES AND OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF
EXCHANGE NOTES RECEIVED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER IN VIEW OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
TAX TREATMENT OF U.S. HOLDERS OF NOTES
 
     The Exchange of Initial Notes. The Exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer
will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a
holder of an Initial Note whose Initial Note is accepted in an Exchange Offer
will not recognize gain on the Exchange. A tendering holder's tax basis in the
Exchange Notes will be the same as such holder's tax basis in its Initial Notes.
A tendering holder's holding period for the Exchange Notes received pursuant to
the Exchange Offer will include its holding period for the Initial Notes
surrendered therefor.
 
     Original Issue Discount. The Exchange Notes will have original issue
discount ("OID"), and U.S. holders of the Exchange Notes (including cash basis
holders) will be required to include such OID in income as interest income on a
constant yield basis, generally in advance of the receipt of the cash payments
to which such income is attributable and generally in increasing amounts until
December 15, 2002. Any amount of OID included will increase a holder's tax basis
in the Exchange Notes.
 
     The total amount of OID with respect to an Exchange Note will be equal to
the excess of the "stated redemption price at maturity" of such Exchange Note
over its "issue price". The "stated redemption price at maturity" of an Exchange
Note will be the sum of all payments, whether denominated as interest or
principal, required to be made on such Exchange Note other than payments of
"qualified stated interest". Qualified stated interest is stated interest that
is unconditionally payable at least annually at a single fixed rate that
appropriately takes into account the length of the interval between payments.
Because interest is not payable on the Exchange Notes until June 15, 2003, none
of the interest payments on an Exchange Note will constitute qualified stated
interest and all such payments will be included in the Exchange Note's stated
redemption price at maturity. The "issue price" of an Exchange Note was the
first price to the public (not including bond houses, brokers, or similar
persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters or wholesalers)
at which a substantial portion of the Initial Notes were initially sold.
 
                                       106
<PAGE>   112
 
     The amount of OID required to be included in a U.S. holder's income with
respect to an Exchange Note for any taxable year (regardless of whether such
holder uses the cash or accrual method of accounting) is the sum of the daily
portions of OID with respect to the Exchange Note for each day during the
taxable year or portion thereof in which such holder holds such Exchange Note. A
daily portion is determined by allocating to each day in any "accrual period" a
pro rata portion of the OID allocable to that accrual period. Accrual periods
with respect to an Exchange Note may be of any length selected by the holder and
may vary in length over the term of the Exchange Note as long as (i) no accrual
period is longer than one year and (ii) each scheduled payment of interest or
principal on the Exchange Note occurs on either the first or final day of an
accrual period. The amount of OID allocable to each accrual period will be the
product of the adjusted issue price of the Exchange Note at the beginning of
that accrual period and the yield to maturity of such Exchange Note (determined
on the basis of a compounding assumption that reflects the length of the accrual
period). The adjusted issue price of an Exchange Note at the beginning of an
accrual period will be its original issue price, increased by all previously
accrued OID and reduced by the amount of all previous cash payments on the
Exchange Note. The yield to maturity is the interest rate, expressed as a
constant annual interest rate, that when used in computing the present value of
all payments of principal and interest to be paid in connection with Exchange
Note produces an amount equal to the issue price of the Exchange Note.
 
     Under the foregoing rules, holders of the Exchange Notes (including cash
basis holders) during the 5-year period during which interest will accrue but
not be paid will be required to include in income, on a constant yield basis (as
described above), an aggregate amount of OID equal to the excess of the
principal amount payable at maturity over the issue price of the Exchange Notes.
Thereafter, the amount of OID required to be included in the income of the
holders of Exchange Notes during each taxable year will be equal to the amount
of the scheduled interest payments due on the Exchange Notes during such taxable
year.
 
     The Exchange Notes are expected to be subject to the applicable high-yield
debt obligation ("HYDO") rules that restrict the deduction of interest by the
Company. The original issue discount that would otherwise be deductible by the
Company as the original issue discount economically accrues would be deductible
only when paid in cash or property, but would not be deductible to the extent
that the yield to maturity on the Initial Notes exceeds the Applicable Federal
Rate at the time of issuance plus six percentage points ("the disqualified
portion"). The disqualified portion may be treated as a dividend (rather than
original issue discount) to corporate holders solely for purposes of the
dividends received deduction to the extent such amount would have been treated
as a dividend if it were a distribution with respect to stock.
 
     Sale, Exchange and Retirement of Notes. Upon the sale, exchange,
redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition ("Disposition") of an
Exchange Note, a holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference between the amount realized on such Disposition and the holder's tax
basis in the Exchange Note. Gain or loss recognized by a holder on Disposition
of an Exchange Note will be capital gain or loss and will, in the case of
individuals, be long-term capital gain or loss subject to a maximum rate of 20%
if the Exchange Note has been held for more than eighteen months at the time of
Disposition. Net capital gain recognized by a Holder on Disposition of the
Exchange Notes that have been held for more than 12 months but for not more than
18 months will be subject to tax at a rate not to exceed 28% and capital gain
recognized from Disposition of the Exchange Notes that have been held for 12
months or less will be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates. In addition,
capital gain recognized by a corporate taxpayer will be subject to tax at the
ordinary income tax rates applicable to corporations.
 
   
     Market Discount. If an Exchange Note is acquired by a subsequent purchaser
at a "market discount," some or all of any gain realized upon a disposition
(including a sale or a taxable exchange) or payment at maturity of such Exchange
Note may be treated as ordinary income. "Market discount" with respect to an
Exchange Note is, subject to a de minimis exception, the excess of (1) the issue
price of the Initial Note exchanged therefor plus all previously accrued
original issue discount over (2) such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Exchange
Note. The amount of market discount treated as having accrued will be determined
either on a ratable basis, or, if the U.S. Holder so elects, on a constant
interest method. Upon any subsequent disposition (including a gift or payment at
maturity) of such Exchange Note (other than in connection with certain
nonrecognition transactions), the lesser of any gain on such disposition (or
appreciation, in the case of a gift) or the portion of the market discount that
accrued while the Exchange Note was held by such U.S. Holder will
    
 
                                       107
<PAGE>   113
 
be treated as ordinary interest income at the time of the disposition. In lieu
of including accrued market discount in income at the time of disposition, a
U.S. Holder may elect to include market discount in income currently. Unless a
U.S. Holder so elects, such U.S. Holder may be required to defer a portion of
any interest expense that may otherwise be deductible on any indebtedness
incurred or maintained to purchase or carry such Exchange Note until the U.S.
Holder disposes of the Exchange Note.
 
     Acquisition Premium. A subsequent U.S. Holder of an Exchange Note is
generally subject to rules for accruing OID described above. However, if such
U.S. Holder's purchase price for the Exchange Note exceeds the "revised issue
price" (the sum of the issue price of the Exchange Note and the aggregate amount
of the OID includible in the gross income of all holders for periods before the
acquisition of the Exchange Note by such U.S. Holder), the excess (referred to
as "acquisition premium") is offset ratably against the amount of OID otherwise
includible in such U.S. Holder's taxable income (i.e., such U.S. Holder may
reduce the daily portions of OID by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
excess of such U.S. Holder's purchase price for the Exchange Note over the
revised issue price, and the denominator of which is the excess of the sum of
all amounts payable on the Exchange Note after the purchase date over the
Exchange Note's revised issue price). TAX TREATMENT OF NON-U.S. HOLDERS
 
     In the case of a non-U.S. holder, payments made with respect to the
Exchange Notes will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax, provided that such
holder complies with applicable certification requirements (including in general
the furnishing of an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or a substitute form).
Any capital gain realized on Disposition of the Exchange Notes by such holder
will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if (i) such gain is not
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of such holder and (ii) in
the case of an individual, such individual is not present in the United States
for 183 days or more in the taxable year of Disposition and certain other
requirements are met or the gain is not attributable to a fixed place of
business maintained by such individual in the United States.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
     Under current United States federal income tax law, a 31% "backup'
withholding tax is applied to certain payments (including amounts in respect of
Original Issue Discount) made to, and to the proceeds of sales before maturity
by, certain U.S. persons if such persons (i) fail to furnish their taxpayer
identification numbers which, for an individual, would be his Social Security
Number or (ii) in certain circumstances, fail to certify, under penalties of
perjury, that they have both furnished a correct taxpayer identification number
and not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that they are subject to
backup withholding for failure to report interest and dividend payments. Under
current regulations, this backup withholding will not apply to payments made
outside the United States by the Company or a paying agent on an Exchange Note
if the Owner's Statement is received; provided in each case that the Company or
the paying agent, as the case may be, does not have actual knowledge that the
payee is a U.S. person.
 
     Under current regulations, payments of the proceeds of Disposition of an
Exchange Note to or through a foreign office of a "broker" will not be subject
to backup withholding but will be subject to information reporting if the broker
is a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation for United Stated federal
income tax purposes, or a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is
from a United States trade or business for a specified three-year period, unless
the broker has in its records documentary evidence that the holder of an
Exchange Note is not a U.S. person and certain conditions are met or the holder
of an Exchange Note otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the proceeds
of Disposition to or through the United States office of a broker is subject to
backup withholding and information reporting unless the holder certifies its
non-United States status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an
exemption.
 
     Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department released final regulations regarding
withholding and information reporting requirements discussed above. The final
regulations do not generally alter the treatment of non-U.S. Holders who furnish
an Owner's Statement to the payor. The final regulations may change certain
procedures applicable to certain financial intermediaries acting on behalf of
beneficial owners. The final regulations are generally effective for payments
made after December 31, 1998.
 
                                       108
<PAGE>   114
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in
exchange for Initial Notes where such Initial Notes were acquired as a result of
market-making activities--or other trading activities. DMFC has agreed that it
will make this Prospectus available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for a
period of time not to exceed 180 days after the Registration Statement is
declared effective (subject to extension under certain circumstances) for use in
connection with any such resale. In addition, until such date, all
broker-dealers effecting transactions in the Exchange Notes may be required to
deliver a prospectus.
 
     DMFC will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange Notes by
broker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more
transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through
the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to
such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made
directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive
compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such
broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes. Any
broker-dealer that resells Exchange Notes that were received by it for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any
such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities
Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver
and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that
it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
     Starting on the Expiration Date, DMFC will promptly send additional copies
of this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this Prospectus to any
broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal. DMFC
has agreed to pay expenses incident to the Exchange Offer other than commissions
or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the
Exchange Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
     Based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission, as set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, including the Exchange Offer
No-Action Letters, DMFC believes that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the
Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by
each holder thereof (other than a broker-dealer who acquires such Exchange Notes
directly from DMFC for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or
any other available exemption under the Securities Act and other than any holder
that is an "affiliate" (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of
DMFC) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired
in the ordinary course of such holder's business and such holder is not engaged
in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of such Exchange Notes and
has no arrangement with any person to participate in a distribution of such
Exchange Notes.
 
                                       109
<PAGE>   115
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Exchange Notes will be passed upon for the Company by
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP, San Francisco, California.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
     The consolidated financial statements of Del Monte Foods Company as of June
30, 1997, and for the year then ended, appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants, and as of June 30, 1996, and for each of the two
years in the period ended June 30, 1996, by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
certified public accountants, as set forth in their respective reports thereon
appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports given
upon the authority of said firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
   
     The combined financial statements of Contadina (a division of Nestle USA,
Inc.) as of December 31, 1996 and December 18, 1997, and for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and the period January 1 through December 18, 1997, appearing
in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their
report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance on such
report given upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
    
   
    
 
                                       110
<PAGE>   116
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Auditors..............................  F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- June 30, 1996 and 1997.......  F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Years ended June
  30, 1995, 1996 and 1997...................................  F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
  (Deficit) -- Years ended June 30, 1995, 1996
  and 1997..................................................  F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended June
  30, 1995, 1996 and 1997...................................  F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  F-7
 
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Auditors..............................  F-25
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- December 31, 1996 and
  December 31, 1997.........................................  F-26
Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Six-Month Periods
  ended December 31, 1996
  and 1997..................................................  F-27
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Six-Month Periods
  ended December 31, 1996
  and 1997..................................................  F-28
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  F-29
 
CONTADINA (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
Independent Auditors' Report................................  F-32
Combined Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and December
  18, 1997..................................................  F-33
Combined Statements of Operations and Divisional Equity for
  the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from
  January 1, 1997 through December 18, 1997.................  F-34
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended
  December 31, 1996 and the period from January 1, 1997
  through December 18, 1997.................................  F-35
Notes to Combined Financial Statements for the year ended
  December 31, 1996 and the period from January 1, 1997
  through December 18, 1997.................................  F-36
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   117
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Del Monte Foods Company
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Del Monte
Foods Company and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the
year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit. The accompanying financial statements
of Del Monte Foods Company and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996 and for each of
the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 1996 were audited by other
auditors whose report, dated August 29, 1996, on those statements included an
explanatory paragraph that described the change in the Company's method of
accounting for impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived assets to be
disposed of discussed in Note A to the financial statements.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the 1997 consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Del Monte Foods Company and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
August 22, 1997
San Francisco, California
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   118
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   JUNE 30,
                                                                --------------
                                                                1996      1997
                                                                ----      ----
<S>                                                             <C>       <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................    $  6      $  5
  Restricted cash...........................................      30
  Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance...............      98        67
  Other receivables.........................................       8         2
  Inventories...............................................     304       339
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................      13         9
                                                                ----      ----
          Total current assets..............................     459       422
  Property, plant and equipment, net........................     247       222
  Other assets..............................................      30        23
                                                                ----      ----
          Total assets......................................    $736      $667
                                                                ====      ====
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses.....................    $202      $222
  Short-term borrowings.....................................      43        82
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................       7         2
                                                                ----      ----
          Total current liabilities.........................     252       306
Long-term debt..............................................     323       526
Other noncurrent liabilities................................     250       215
Redeemable common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,650,000
  shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 159,386 at June
  30, 1996).................................................       2
Redeemable preferred stock ($.01 par value per share,
  32,493,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
  17,300,041 at June 30, 1996; aggregate liquidation
  preference: $579).........................................     213
Redeemable preferred stock ($.01 par value per share,
  1,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
  35,000 at June 30, 1997; aggregate liquidation preference:
  $35)......................................................                32
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
     Common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,700,000
      shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 223,468 in
      1996).................................................
     Common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,000,000
      shares authorized;
       issued and outstanding: 140,000 in 1997).............
     Paid-in capital........................................       3       129
     Retained earnings (deficit)............................    (281)     (541)
     Cumulative translation adjustment......................     (26)
                                                                ----      ----
          Total stockholders' equity (deficit)..............    (304)     (412)
                                                                ----      ----
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........    $736      $667
                                                                ====      ====
</TABLE>
 
                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       F-3
<PAGE>   119
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------------
                                                               1995      1996      1997
                                                              ------    ------    ------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
Net sales...................................................  $1,527    $1,305    $1,217
Cost of products sold.......................................   1,183       984       817
                                                              ------    ------    ------
  Gross profit..............................................     344       321       400
Selling advertising, administrative and general expense.....     264       239       327
                                                              ------    ------    ------
  Operating income..........................................      80        82        73
Interest expense............................................      76        67        52
Loss (gain) on sale of divested assets (Note B).............              (107)        5
Other (income) expense (Note D).............................     (11)        3        30
                                                              ------    ------    ------
  Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest,
     extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting
     change.................................................      15       119       (14)
Provision for income taxes..................................       2        11
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary.................       1         3
                                                              ------    ------    ------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative
     effect of accounting change............................      12       105       (14)
Extraordinary loss from refinancing of debt and early debt
  retirement................................................       7        10        42
Cumulative effect of accounting change......................                 7
                                                              ------    ------    ------
          Net income (loss).................................  $    5    $   88    $  (56)
                                                              ======    ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       F-4
<PAGE>   120
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
   
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            NOTES
                                                          RECEIVABLE    RETAINED    CUMULATIVE        TOTAL
                                      COMMON   PAID-IN       FROM       EARNINGS    TRANSLATION   STOCKHOLDERS'
                                      STOCK    CAPITAL   STOCKHOLDERS   (DEFICIT)   ADJUSTMENT      (DEFICIT)
                                      ------   -------   ------------   ---------   -----------   -------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                   <C>      <C>       <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>
Balance at June 30, 1994............   $--      $  3         $(1)         $(374)       $(12)          $(384)
Repurchase of shares................
Net income..........................                                          5                           5
Cumulative translation adjustment...                                                    (14)            (14)
                                       ---      ----         ---          -----        ----           -----
Balance at June 30, 1995............    --         3          (1)          (369)        (26)           (393)
Repayment of notes receivable from
  stockholders......................                           1                                          1
Repurchase of shares................
Net income..........................                                         88                          88
                                       ---      ----         ---          -----        ----           -----
Balance at June 30, 1996............    --         3          --           (281)        (26)           (304)
Cancellation of shares in connection
  with the Recapitalization.........              (3)                      (204)                       (207)
Issuance of shares..................             129                                                    129
Net loss............................                                        (56)                        (56)
Cumulative translation adjustment...                                                     26              26
                                       ---      ----         ---          -----        ----           -----
Balance at June 30, 1997............   $--      $129         $--          $(541)       $ --           $(412)
                                       ===      ====         ===          =====        ====           =====
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NUMBER OF SHARES
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       COMMON                                       TOTAL COMMON
                                        STOCK     CLASS A     CLASS B    CLASS E       SHARES
                                       -------    --------    -------    -------    ------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Shares issued and outstanding at June
  30, 1994...........................              218,062                25,000       243,062
Repurchase of shares.................               (3,353)                             (3,353)
                                       -------    --------    ------     -------      --------
Shares issued and outstanding at June
  30, 1995...........................              214,709                25,000       239,709
Repurchase of shares.................              (16,241)                            (16,241)
                                       -------    --------    ------     -------      --------
Shares issued and outstanding at June
  30, 1996...........................              198,468                25,000       223,468
Cancellation of shares...............             (198,468)              (25,000)     (223,468)
Issuance of shares...................  140,000                                         140,000
                                       -------    --------    ------     -------      --------
Shares issued and outstanding at June
  30, 1997...........................  140,000          --        --          --       140,000
                                       =======    ========    ======     =======      ========
</TABLE>
 
                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       F-5
<PAGE>   121
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              -----------------------------
                                                               1995       1996       1997
                                                              -------    -------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Operating activities:
  Net income (loss).........................................  $     5    $    88    $   (56)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
     flows:.................................................
     Extraordinary loss from refinancing of debt and early
       debt retirement......................................        7         10         42
     Cumulative effect of accounting change.................                   7
     Loss (gain) on sale of divested assets.................                (107)         5
     Loss on sales of assets................................        3          2          3
     Depreciation and amortization..........................       40         31         29
     Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary............        1
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:..............
     Accounts receivable....................................      (37)        33         24
     Inventories............................................      (21)        11        (48)
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets..............        3         (2)         3
     Other assets...........................................        4          1          6
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................       25        (28)        29
     Other non-current liabilities..........................       33         14        (12)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
          Net cash provided by operating activities.........       63         60         25
Investing activities:
     Capital expenditures...................................      (24)       (16)       (20)
     Proceeds from sales of fixed assets....................        3          4          9
     Proceeds from sales of divested assets.................                 182         48
                                                              -------    -------    -------
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing
            activities......................................      (21)       170         37
Financing activities:
     Short-term borrowings..................................    1,901      1,276      1,137
     Payment on short-term borrowings.......................   (1,867)    (1,354)    (1,098)
     Proceeds from long-term borrowing......................      188                   582
     Principal payments on long-term debt...................     (238)      (108)      (407)
     Deferred debt issuance costs...........................      (24)        (2)       (26)
     Prepayment penalty.....................................                  (5)       (20)
     Payments to previous shareholders for cancellation of
       stock................................................                           (422)
     Issuance of common and preferred stock.................                            161
     Specific Proceeds Collateral Account...................                 (30)        30
     Dividends paid to minority shareholders................       (1)
     Other..................................................       (3)        (1)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
          Net cash used in financing activities.............      (44)      (224)       (63)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
  equivalents...............................................        3         (8)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
          Net change in cash and cash equivalents...........        1         (2)        (1)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year..............        7          8          6
                                                              -------    -------    -------
          Cash and cash equivalents at end of year..........  $     8    $     6    $     5
                                                              =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       F-6
<PAGE>   122
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Business:  Del Monte Foods Company ("DMFC") and its wholly owned
subsidiary, Del Monte Corporation ("DMC"), (DMFC together with DMC, "the
Company") purchased the Del Monte processed foods division of RJR Nabisco, Inc.
effective January 9, 1990 ("the Acquisition"). The Company operates in one
business segment: the manufacturing and marketing of processed foods, primarily
canned vegetables, fruits and tomato products. The Company primarily sells its
products under the Del Monte brand to a variety of food retailers, supermarkets
and mass merchandising stores. The Company holds the rights to the Del Monte
brand in the United States.
 
     Basis of Accounting:  Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
February 21, 1997, and amended and restated as of April 14, 1997 (the "Merger
Agreement"), entered into among TPG Partners, L.P., a Delaware partnership
("TPG"), TPG Shield Acquisition Corporation, a Maryland corporation ("Shield"),
and DMFC, Shield merged with and into DMFC (the "Merger"), with DMFC being the
surviving corporation. By virtue of the Merger, shares of DMFC's preferred stock
having an implied value of approximately $14 held by certain of DMFC's
stockholders, who remained investors, were cancelled and were converted into the
right to receive common stock of the surviving corporation. All other shares of
DMFC stock were cancelled and were converted into the right to receive cash
consideration as set forth in the Merger Agreement. In the Merger, the common
stock and preferred stock of Shield was converted into shares of new DMFC common
stock and preferred stock, respectively. The Merger was accounted for as a
leveraged recapitalization for accounting purposes (the "Recapitalization");
accordingly, all assets and liabilities are stated at historical cost. In
connection with the Merger, DMC repaid substantially all of its funded debt
obligations existing immediately before the closing of the Merger.
 
     Principles of Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
     Use of Estimates:  Certain amounts reported in the consolidated financial
statements are based on management estimates. The ultimate resolution of these
items may differ from those estimates.
 
     Cash Equivalents:  The Company considers all highly liquid investments with
a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The
carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents
approximates its fair value.
 
     Restricted Cash:  Restricted cash at June 30, 1996 represents a portion of
the proceeds from the Company's sale of its 50.1% interest in Del Monte Pacific
Resources Limited ("Del Monte Philippines"), a joint venture operating primarily
in the Philippines, which were deposited into the Specific Proceeds Collateral
Account until agreement was reached with the Term Loan lenders as to final
application of the funds (see Note B). These funds were used to repurchase
outstanding PIK Notes in September 1996.
 
     Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The
cost of substantially all inventories is determined using the LIFO method. The
Company has established various LIFO pools that have measurement dates
coinciding with the natural business cycles of the Company's major inventory
items.
 
     Inflation has had a minimal impact on production costs since the Company
adopted the LIFO method as of July 1, 1991. Accordingly, there is no significant
difference between LIFO inventory costs and current costs.
 
     Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation:  Property, plant and
equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives,
principally by the straight-line method. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as
incurred. Significant expenditures that increase useful lives are capitalized.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   123
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     The principal estimated useful lives are: land improvements -- 10 to 30
years; building and leasehold improvements -- 10 to 30 years; machinery and
equipment -- 7 to 15 years. Depreciation of plant and equipment and leasehold
amortization was $34, $26 and $24 for the years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively.
 
     Cost of Products Sold:  Cost of products sold includes raw material, labor
and overhead.
 
     Research and Development:  Research and development costs are included as a
component of "Selling, advertising, administrative and general expense."
Research and development costs charged to operations were $6, $6 and $5 for the
years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     Foreign Currency Translation:  For the Company's operations in countries
where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, asset and liability
accounts were translated at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date, and
revenue and expense accounts were translated at the average rates during the
period. Translation adjustments were reflected as a separate component of
stockholders' equity.
 
     Interest Rate Contracts:  To manage interest rate exposure, the Company
uses interest-rate swap agreements. These agreements involve the receipt of
fixed rate amounts in exchange for floating rate interest payments over the life
of the agreement without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. The
differential to be paid or received is accrued as interest rates change and
recognized as an adjustment to interest expense related to the debt. The related
amount payable to or receivable from counterparties is included in other
liabilities or assets.
 
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments:  The carrying amount of the Company's
financial instruments, which primarily include cash, accounts receivable,
accounts payable, and accrued expenses, approximates fair value due to the
relatively short maturity of such instruments.
 
     The carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings under its short-term
revolving credit agreement and long-term debt instruments, excluding the
Subordinated Notes, approximate their fair value. At June 30, 1997, the fair
value of the Subordinated Notes was $161, as estimated based on quoted market
prices from dealers.
 
     The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements at June 30, 1997 was
$(1). The fair value of interest rate swap agreements are the estimated amounts
that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the
reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and the current
credit worthiness of the counterparties.
 
     Minority Interest:  Minority interest represents the minority shareholders'
proportionate share of the earnings of Del Monte Philippines, a consolidated
subsidiary.
 
   
     Change in Accounting Principle:  Effective July 1, 1995, the Company
adopted the provisions of SFAS 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." The statement requires that
assets held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. The Company has identified certain events as possible indicators
that an asset's carrying value may not be recoverable, including the elimination
of or a significant reduction in a product line. Future cash flows will be
estimated based on current levels of production, market sales price and
operating costs adjusted for expected trends. The statement also requires that
all long-lived assets, for which management has committed to a plan to dispose,
be reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value. During fiscal 1996, a
review of assets to be disposed of resulted in identification of certain assets
(farm lands and plants no longer in use) whose carrying value exceeded their
present fair value, and a loss of $7 was recorded. The Company does not
depreciate long-lived assets held for sale.
    
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   124
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     Reclassification:  Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, certain
merchandising allowances, which previously were included as a cost of products
sold, have been reclassified to selling expense. Such merchandising allowances
totaled $106, $100 and $143 in the fiscal years ended June 30, 1995, 1996, and
1997, respectively. In addition, certain military distributor allowances, which
previously were treated as a reduction in net sales, have been reclassified to
selling expense. Such military distributor allowances amounted to $1, $1 and $2
in fiscal years ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. All financial
information has been restated to conform to this presentation.
 
NOTE B -- DIVESTED ASSETS
 
     Del Monte Latin America. On August 27, 1996, the Company signed a stock
purchase agreement to sell its Latin America subsidiaries to an affiliate of
Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated ("Hicks Muse"). This agreement was
amended and restated on October 25, 1996 for the sale of only the Company's
Mexican subsidiary, Productos Del Monte, S.A. de C.V. ("PDM") to an affiliate of
Hicks Muse for $38 which was completed on October 28, 1996. The sale of the
Central America and Caribbean subsidiaries to an affiliate of Donald W.
Dickerson, Inc. for $12 was completed on November 13, 1996. The sales price for
PDM is subject to adjustment based on the final balance sheet. The amount of any
adjustment to the purchase price is currently in dispute but is not expected to
be material. In addition, the purchasers have alleged, among other things, that
the Company breached the purchase agreement because the financial statements of
the Mexican subsidiary did not fairly present its financial condition and
results of operations in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. The Company does not believe that this claim will have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations (see
Note H). The combined proceeds of both sales of $50, reduced by $2 of related
transaction expenses, resulted in a loss of $5.
 
     The following results of the Latin American operations are included in the
Statements of Operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                          --------------------
                                                          1995    1996    1997
                                                          ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>     <C>
Net sales...............................................  $65     $55     $17
Costs and expenses......................................   62      50      17
                                                          ---     ---     ---
Income from operations before income taxes..............    3       5      --
Provision for income taxes..............................    1       1      --
                                                          ---     ---     ---
Income from Latin American operations...................  $ 2     $ 4     $--
                                                          ===     ===     ===
</TABLE>
 
     Del Monte Philippines. On March 29, 1996, the Company sold its 50.1%
interest in Del Monte Philippines, a joint venture operating primarily in the
Philippines, for $100 net of $2 of related transaction expenses. This sale
resulted in a gain of $52, reduced by taxes of $6. Of the net gain of $46, $16
was deferred and $30 was recognized in fiscal 1996. The purchase price included
a premium paid to the Company as consideration for signing an eight-year supply
agreement whereby the Company must source substantially all of its pineapple
requirements from Del Monte Philippines over the agreement term. The gain
associated with the value of the premium was deferred and will be amortized over
the term of the agreement.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   125
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     The following results of the Del Monte Philippines operations are included
in the Statements of Operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                                ------------
                                                                1995    1996
                                                                ----    ----
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Net sales...................................................    $142    $102
Costs and expenses..........................................     141      97
                                                                ----    ----
Income from operations before income taxes..................       1       5
Provision for income taxes..................................      --       2
                                                                ----    ----
Income from operations......................................    $  1    $  3
                                                                ====    ====
</TABLE>
 
     All of the net proceeds from the sale of Del Monte Philippines were
temporarily applied to the revolving credit facility. In April 1996, $13 of
Senior Secured Notes were prepaid along with a $1 prepayment premium recorded as
an extraordinary loss. In addition, $30 was placed in the Specific Proceeds
Collateral Account until final agreement was reached with the Term Loan lenders
as to the application of funds. These funds were used in the September 1996
exchange offer.
 
     Pudding Business. On November 27, 1995, the Company sold its Pudding
Business, including the capital assets and inventory on hand, to Kraft Foods,
Inc. ("Kraft") for $89, net of $4 of related transaction expenses. The sale
resulted in the recognition of a $71 gain, reduced by $2 of taxes.
 
     The following results of the Pudding Business are included in the
Statements of Operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                                ------------
                                                                1995    1996
                                                                ----    ----
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Net sales...................................................    $47     $15
Costs and expenses..........................................     33      11
                                                                ---     ---
Income from operations......................................    $14     $ 4
                                                                ===     ===
</TABLE>
 
     The net proceeds received from the Pudding Business sale were used to
prepay $54 of the term debt and $25 of the Senior Secured Notes. In conjunction
with the prepayment, the Company recorded an extraordinary loss for the early
retirement of debt. The extraordinary loss consists of a $4 prepayment premium
and a $5 write-off of capitalized debt issue costs related to the early
retirement of debt.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   126
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
NOTE C -- SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                                ------------
                                                                1996    1997
                                                                ----    ----
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Trade Accounts Receivable:
  Trade.....................................................    $ 99    $ 68
  Allowance for doubtful accounts...........................      (1)     (1)
                                                                ----    ----
          Total trade accounts receivable...................    $ 98    $ 67
                                                                ====    ====
Inventories:
  Finished product..........................................    $198    $239
  Raw materials and supplies................................      12      13
  Other, principally packaging material.....................      94      87
                                                                ----    ----
          Total inventories.................................    $304    $339
                                                                ====    ====
Property, Plant and Equipment:
  Land and land improvements................................    $ 44    $ 37
  Buildings and leasehold improvements......................      98      93
  Machinery and equipment...................................     240     233
  Construction in progress..................................       9      10
                                                                ----    ----
                                                                 391     373
  Accumulated depreciation..................................    (144)   (151)
                                                                ----    ----
          Property, plant and equipment, net................    $247    $222
                                                                ====    ====
Other Assets:
  Deferred debt issue costs.................................    $ 26    $ 19
  Other.....................................................      10       4
                                                                ----    ----
                                                                  36      23
  Accumulated amortization..................................      (6)     --
                                                                ----    ----
          Total other assets................................    $ 30    $ 23
                                                                ====    ====
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses:
  Accounts payable -- trade.................................    $ 76    $ 79
  Marketing and advertising.................................      39      59
  Payroll and employee benefits.............................      18      17
  Current portion of accrued pension liability..............      13      12
  Current portion of other noncurrent liabilities...........      22      19
  Other.....................................................      34      36
                                                                ----    ----
          Total accounts payable and accrued expenses.......    $202    $222
                                                                ====    ====
Other Noncurrent Liabilities:
  Accrued postretirement benefits...........................    $140    $145
  Accrued pension liability.................................      48      26
  Self-insurance liabilities................................      12      15
  Other.....................................................      50      29
                                                                ----    ----
          Total other noncurrent liabilities................    $250    $215
                                                                ====    ====
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   127
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
NOTE D -- SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Short-term borrowings under revolving credit agreements at June 30, 1996
and 1997 were $43 and $82, respectively. Unused amounts under the revolving
credit agreements at June 30, 1996 and 1997 totaled $328 and $242, respectively.
 
     On April 18, 1997, the Company completed a recapitalization transaction in
which $301 of proceeds from the transaction were used to repay the outstanding
balances of the then-existing $400 revolving credit facility, term loan, and
Senior Subordinated Guaranteed Pay-in-Kind Notes. Concurrent with the
Recapitalization, the Company entered into a credit agreement with respect to
the Term Loan Facility (the "Term Loan") and the Revolving Credit Facility (the
"Revolver"). The Term Loan provides for term loans in the aggregate amount of
$380, consisting of Term Loan A of $200 and Term Loan B of $180. The Revolver
provides for revolving loans in an aggregate amount of up to $350, including a
$70 Letter of Credit subfacility. The Revolving Credit Facility will expire in
fiscal 2003, Term Loan A will mature in fiscal 2003, and Term Loan B will mature
in fiscal 2005.
 
     The interest rates applicable to amounts outstanding under Term Loan A and
the Revolving Credit Facility are, at the Company's option, either (i) the base
rate (the higher of .50% above the Federal Funds Rate and the bank's reference
rate) plus 1.25% or (ii) the reserve adjusted offshore rate plus 2.25% (8.25% at
June 30, 1997). Interest rates on Term Loan B are, at the Company's option,
either (i) the base rate plus 2.00% or (ii) the offshore rate plus 3.00% (8.875%
at June 30, 1997).
 
   
     The Company is required to pay the lenders under the Revolving Credit
Facility a commitment fee of 0.50% on the unused portion of such facility. The
Company is also required to pay the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility
letter of credit fees of 1.75% per year for commercial letters of credit and
2.25% per year for all other letters of credit, as well as an additional fee in
the amount of 0.25% per year to the bank issuing such letters of credit. Upon
attainment of certain leverage ratios, the base rate margin, offshore rate
margin, as well as the commitment fees and letter of credit fees will be
adjusted. At June 30, 1997, a balance of $26 was outstanding on these letters of
credit.
    
 
     In addition, on April 18, 1997, the Company issued senior subordinated
notes (the "Unregistered Notes") with an aggregate principal amount of $150 and
received gross proceeds of $147. The Unregistered Notes accrue interest at
12.25% per year, payable semiannually in cash on each April 15 and October 15.
These Unregistered Notes are guaranteed by DMFC and mature on April 15, 2007.
The Unregistered Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company on or after
April 15, 2002 at a premium to par that initially is 106.313% and that decreases
to par on April 15, 2006 and thereafter. On or prior to April 15, 2000, the
Company, at its option, may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount
of notes originally issued with the net cash proceeds of one or more public
equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 112.625% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption; provided
that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of notes originally issued
remains outstanding immediately after any such redemption. The Unregistered
Notes were issued with registration rights requiring the Company to exchange the
Unregistered Notes for new notes (the "Subordinated Notes") registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The form and terms of the Subordinated Notes
are substantially the same as the Unregistered Notes, except that there is no
restriction on the transfer thereof. The Company filed a registration statement
on Form S-4 with respect to the Unregistered Notes on June 12, 1997, which
became effective on June 24, 1997. The exchange of the Unregistered Notes for
the Subordinated Notes was completed on July 31, 1997.
 
     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company incurred expenses
totaling $85 of which $25 were included in selling, advertising, administrative
and general expense, $22 were charged to other expense and $38 were accounted
for as an extraordinary loss. The extraordinary loss consisted of previously
capitalized debt
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   128
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
issue costs of approximately $19 and a 1996 PIK Note premium and a term loan
make-whole aggregating $19. In addition, in conjunction with the Bank Financing,
$19 of debt issue costs were capitalized.
 
     Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                              ------------
                                                              1996    1997
                                                              ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>
Term Loan...................................................  $ 68    $380
Subordinated Debt...........................................   243
Subordinated Notes..........................................           147
Senior Secured Notes........................................    13
Other.......................................................     6       1
                                                              ----    ----
                                                               330     528
Less Current Portion........................................     7       2
                                                              ----    ----
                                                              $323    $526
                                                              ====    ====
</TABLE>
 
     At June 30, 1997, scheduled maturities of long-term debt in each of the
next five fiscal years and thereafter will be as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1998........................................................  $  2
1999........................................................    32
2000........................................................    36
2001........................................................    42
2002........................................................    47
Thereafter..................................................   372
                                                              ----
                                                               531
Less discount...............................................     3
                                                              ----
                                                              $528
                                                              ====
</TABLE>
 
     The Term Loan and Revolver are collateralized by security interests in
certain of the Company's assets. At June 30, 1997, total assets that are not
pledged to secure the Debt are less than 10% of the Company's total consolidated
assets. At June 30, 1997, assets totaling $639 were pledged as collateral for
approximately $462 of short-term borrowings and long-term debt.
 
     The Subordinated Notes, Term Loan and Revolver (collectively "the Debt")
agreements contain restrictive covenants with which the Company must comply.
These restrictive covenants, in some circumstances, limit the incurrence of
additional indebtedness, payment of dividends, transactions with affiliates,
asset sales, mergers, acquisitions, prepayment of other indebtedness, liens and
encumbrances. In addition, the Company is required to meet certain financial
tests, including minimum levels of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit
agreement), minimum fixed charge coverage, minimum adjusted net worth and
maximum leverage ratios. The Company is in compliance with all of the Debt
covenants at June 30, 1997.
 
     In June 1995, the Company refinanced its then-existing revolving credit
agreement, term loan and Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes. In conjunction with
the refinancing, capitalized debt issue costs of $7 were charged to fiscal 1995
income and were accounted for as an extraordinary item.
 
     At June 30, 1996, a balance of $29 was outstanding on letters of credit.
Letter of credit fees were 2.25% per year for commercial letters of credit and
2.75% per year for all other letters of credit with an additional fee of 0.50%
to the bank issuing such letters of credit. The Company paid a commitment fee to
maintain the lines of credit equal to 0.50% of the unused balance.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   129
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     At June 30, 1996, the then-existing term loan consisted of three
components. A $31 amortizing component was due in quarterly installments with an
interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%. The second component of this loan of $30 and
the third component of $7 were non-amortizing with interest fixed at 11.11% and
LIBOR plus 4.75%, respectively. At June 30, 1996, the interest rate on the $31
component was 8.75% and on the $7 component was 10.25%.
 
     The Senior Secured Notes carried an interest rate of 18%, 14% payable in
cash and 4% payable in-kind in Secondary Notes, at the Company's option.
Interest payments were due quarterly.
 
     Subordinated Debt consisted of Subordinated Guaranteed Payment-in-Kind
Notes ("PIK Notes"). Interest accrued at 12.25% per year and was generally
payable through the issuance of additional PIK Notes. The payment of such
interest in additional PIK Notes since issuance resulted in an increase in the
principal amount outstanding of such indebtedness.
 
     In August 1996, the Company offered to redeem (the "Exchange Offer") a
portion of its outstanding PIK Notes for a cash payment and exchange the
remaining PIK Notes for new Senior Subordinated Guaranteed Pay-in-Kind Notes due
2002 (the "1996 PIK Notes"). On September 11, 1996, the Company repurchased PIK
Notes in an aggregate amount of $102 for a cash payment of $100 and,
concurrently, exchanged essentially all remaining PIK Notes for 1996 PIK Notes
in an aggregate amount of $156. In addition, the $13 Senior Secured Notes
outstanding were repaid. Funding for the Exchange Offer was accomplished through
the application of $30 from the Specific Proceeds Collateral Account held by the
then-existing term lenders, additional borrowing in an aggregate amount of $55
under the then-existing term loan, and borrowing of approximately $36 from the
then-existing revolving credit facility. In conjunction with the Exchange Offer,
capitalized debt issue costs of approximately $4, net of a discount on the PIK
Notes, have been charged to net income in fiscal 1997 and accounted for as an
extraordinary loss.
 
     The Company made cash interest payments of $44, $30 and $24 for the years
ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     As required by the Company's Debt agreements, the Company has entered into
interest-rate swap agreements which effectively converts $235 notional principal
amount of floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis for a three-year period
beginning May 22, 1997, thus reducing the impact of interest-rate changes on
future income. The Company paid a fixed rate of 6.375% and received a weighted
average rate of 5.875%. The incremental effect on interest expense for 1997 was
insignificant. The agreements also include a provision establishing the rate the
Company will pay as 7.50% if the three-month LIBOR rate sets at or above 7.50%
during the term of the agreements. The Company will continue paying 7.50% until
the three-month LIBOR again sets below 7.50% at which time the fixed rate of
6.375% will again become effective. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the
event of nonperformance by the other parties to the interest rate swap
agreements. However, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the
counterparties.
 
NOTE E -- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE STOCK
 
   
     On February 21, 1997, Del Monte Foods Company entered into a
recapitalization agreement and plan of merger, which was amended and restated as
of April 14, 1997, with affiliates of Texas Pacific Group. Under this agreement,
Shield, a corporation affiliated with TPG was to be merged with and into DMFC,
with DMFC being the surviving corporation. The Merger became effective on April
18, 1997. By virtue of the Merger, shares of DMFC's outstanding preferred stock
having a value implied by the Merger consideration of approximately $14, held by
certain of DMFC's pre-recapitalization stockholders who remained investors
pursuant to the Recapitalization, were cancelled, and were converted into the
right to receive new DMFC common stock. All other shares of DMFC stock were
cancelled and were converted into the right to receive
    
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   130
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
   
cash consideration, as set forth in the Merger Agreement. In the Merger, the
common and preferred stock of Shield were converted into new shares of common
stock and preferred stock, respectively, of DMFC.
    
 
     Immediately following the consummation of the Recapitalization, the charter
of DMFC authorized DMFC to issue capital stock consisting of 1,000,000 shares of
new common stock (the "Common Stock"), $.01 par value, and 1,000,000 shares of
new preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock"), $.01 par value. The Company issued
and has outstanding 140,000 shares of Common Stock, and 35,000 shares of
Preferred Stock. TPG and certain of its affiliates or partners hold 109,248
shares of DMFC's Common Stock, continuing shareholders of DMFC hold 14,252
shares of such stock, and other investors hold 16,500 shares. TPG and certain of
its affiliates hold 17,500 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and
TCW Capital Investment Corporation holds 17,500 outstanding shares of Series B
Preferred Stock.
 
     The Preferred Stock accumulates dividends at the annual rate of 14% of the
liquidation value, payable quarterly. These dividends are payable in cash or
additional shares of Preferred Stock, at the option of the Company, subject to
availability of funds and the terms of its loan agreements, or through a
corresponding increase in the liquidation value of such stock. The Preferred
Stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share and may be redeemed at
the option of the Company at a redemption price equal to the liquidation
preference plus accumulated and unpaid dividends (the "Redemption Price"). The
Company is required to redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock on or
prior to April 17, 2008 at the Redemption Price, or upon a change of control of
the Company at 101% of the Redemption Price. The initial purchasers of Preferred
Stock for consideration of $35 received 35,000 shares of Preferred Stock and
warrants (exercisable after October 17, 1997) to purchase, at a nominal exercise
price, shares of DMFC Common Stock representing 2% of the outstanding shares of
DMFC Common Stock. A value of $3 was placed on the warrants, and such amount is
reflected as paid-in-capital within stockholders' equity. The remaining $32 is
reflected as redeemable preferred stock.
 
     The two series of preferred stock have no voting rights except the right to
elect one director to the Board for each series, resulting in the authorized
number of directors to be increased, in cases where dividends are in arrears for
six quarters or shares have not been redeemed within ten days of a redemption
date.
 
     Stockholders' equity at June 30, 1996 included the following classes of
common stock, $.01 par value per share:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    SHARES ISSUED AND
                    CLASS                      SHARES AUTHORIZED       OUTSTANDING
                    -----                      -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>
  A..........................................      1,000,000             198,468
  B..........................................        150,000
  E..........................................        550,000              25,000
                                                   ---------             -------
                                                   1,700,000             223,468
                                                   =========             =======
</TABLE>
 
     Redeemable common and redeemable preferred stock at June 30, 1996 consisted
of the following:
 
     Redeemable non-voting common stock ($.01 par value per share):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    SHARES ISSUED AND
                    CLASS                      SHARES AUTHORIZED       OUTSTANDING
                    -----                      -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>
  C..........................................        550,000               6,903
  D..........................................        550,000             102,483
  F..........................................        550,000              50,000
                                                   ---------             -------
                                                   1,650,000             159,386
                                                   =========             =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   131
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     Redeemable preferred stock ($.01 par value per share):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    SHARES ISSUED AND
                   SERIES                      SHARES AUTHORIZED       OUTSTANDING
                   ------                      -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>
A Cumulative (issuable in subseries A1 and
  A2)........................................     16,523,000            8,336,795
B Cumulative.................................      3,616,000            1,602,845
C Cumulative.................................      2,900,000            1,522,353
D Cumulative.................................      1,454,000            1,356,955
E Cumulative.................................      5,000,000            3,328,002
F Cumulative.................................      3,000,000            1,153,091
                                                  ----------           ----------
                                                  32,493,000           17,300,041
                                                  ==========           ==========
</TABLE>
 
     The Company declared dividends for the following series of redeemable
preferred stock:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DIVIDEND RATE PER SHARE
                                                        YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                      -----------------------
                       SERIES                         1995     1996     1997
                       ------                         -----    -----    -----
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>
  A1................................................  $3.80    $3.81    $1.92
  B.................................................  $3.87    $3.87    $1.95
  D.................................................  $3.93    $3.94    $1.98
  E.................................................  $3.93    $3.94    $1.98
</TABLE>
 
     These dividends were paid in like-kind redeemable preferred stock at the
rate of .04 shares for each $.001 dividend declared. Resulting issuance of
additional shares and related par values were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                         --------------------------------------
                                            1995          1996          1997
                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
Additional shares......................   1,564,117     1,824,999     1,027,406
Total par value........................  $    0.016    $    0.018    $    0.010
</TABLE>
 
     In the Recapitalization, all of the redeemable preferred stock issued prior
to April 18, 1997 was either cancelled and converted into the right to receive
new DMFC common stock or cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash
consideration as set forth in the Merger Agreement.
 
NOTE F -- RETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
     The Company sponsors three non-contributory defined benefit pension plans
covering substantially all full-time employees. Plans covering most hourly
employees provide pension benefits that are based on the employee's length of
service and final average compensation before retirement. Plans covering
salaried employees provide for individual accounts which offer lump sum or
annuity payment options, with benefits based on accumulated compensation and
interest credits made monthly throughout the career of each participant. Assets
of the plans consist primarily of equity securities and corporate and government
bonds.
 
     It has been the Company's policy to fund the Company's retirement plans in
an amount consistent with the funding requirements of federal law and
regulations and not to exceed an amount that would be deductible for federal
income tax purposes. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits
attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the
future. Del Monte's defined benefit retirement plans have been determined to be
underfunded under federal ERISA guidelines. In connection with the
Recapitalization, the Company entered into an agreement with the U.S. Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation dated April 7, 1997 whereby the Company will
contribute a total of $55 to its defined benefit pension plans through calendar
2001, with $15 contributed within 30 days after the consummation of the
Recapitaliza-
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   132
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
tion. The contributions to be made in 1999, 2000 and 2001 will be secured by a
$20 letter of credit to be obtained by the Company by August 31, 1998.
 
     The following table sets forth the pension plans' funding status and
amounts recognized on the Company's balance sheet:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------
                                                              1996     1997
                                                              -----    -----
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested benefit obligation...................................  $(265)   $(269)
                                                              =====    =====
Accumulated benefit obligation..............................  $(270)   $(274)
                                                              =====    =====
Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to
  date......................................................  $(277)   $(279)
Plan assets at fair value...................................    245      276
                                                              -----    -----
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.......    (32)      (3)
Unrecognized net actuarial gain.............................    (27)     (34)
Unrecognized prior service income...........................     (2)      (1)
                                                              -----    -----
Accrued pension cost recognized in the consolidated balance
  sheet.....................................................  $ (61)   $ (38)
                                                              =====    =====
</TABLE>
 
     The components of net periodic pension cost for the years ended June 30,
1995, 1996 and 1997 for all defined benefit plans are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      JUNE 30,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                              1995      1996      1997
                                                              ----    --------    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>         <C>
Service cost for benefits earned during period..............  $  4      $  4      $  3
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation...............    22        21        21
Actual return on plan assets................................   (31)      (32)      (35)
Net amortization and deferral...............................    11        11        13
                                                              ----      ----      ----
Net periodic pension cost...................................  $  6      $  4      $  2
                                                              ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>
 
   
     Significant rate assumptions used in determining net periodic pension cost
and related pension obligations are as follows:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 AS OF JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                              1995    1996    1997
                                                              ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>     <C>
Discount rate used in determining projected benefit
  obligation................................................  7.75%   8.0%    7.75%
Rate of increase in compensation levels.....................  5.0     5.0     5.0
Long-term rate of return on assets..........................  9.0     9.0     9.0
</TABLE>
 
     In addition, the Company participates in several multi-employer pension
plans which provide defined benefits to certain of its union employees. The
contributions to multi-employer plans for each of the years ended June 30, 1995,
1996 and 1997 were $4. The Company also sponsors defined contribution plans
covering substantially all employees. Company contributions to the plans are
based on employee contributions or compensation. Contributions under such plans
totaled $3, $2, and $1 for the years ended June 30, 1995, 1996, and 1997,
respectively.
 
     The Company provided retirement benefits under various arrangements to
substantially all employees in foreign locations who were not covered under the
above plans. Generally, benefits under these arrangements were based on years of
service and levels of salary. The majority of the Company's foreign plans were
commonly referred to as termination indemnities. The plans provided employees
with retirement benefits in
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   133
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
accordance with programs mandated by the governments of the countries in which
such employees worked. The expense and related liabilities associated with these
arrangements were recorded by the Company based on established formulas, with
funding generally occurring when employees ceased active service.
 
     The Company sponsors several unfunded defined benefit postretirement plans
providing certain medical, dental and life insurance benefits to eligible
retired, salaried, non-union hourly and union employees. Benefits, eligibility
and cost-sharing provisions vary by plan and employee group.
 
     Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the fiscal years 1995, 1996
and 1997 included the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                              1995    1996    1997
                                                              ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>     <C>
Service cost................................................  $ 2     $ 2     $ 1
Interest cost...............................................    9       9       9
Amortization of prior service cost..........................                   (1)
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)....................           (3)     (3)
Curtailment gain............................................           (4)
                                                              ---     ---     ---
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost....................  $11     $ 4     $ 6
                                                              ===     ===     ===
</TABLE>
 
     The Company amortizes unrecognized gains and losses at the end of the
fiscal year over the expected remaining service of active employees. The
curtailment gain results from a reduction in personnel in fiscal 1996. The
following table sets forth the plans' combined status reconciled with the amount
included in the consolidated balance sheet:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                              ------------
                                                              1996    1997
                                                              ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
  Current retirees..........................................  $ 85    $ 80
  Fully eligible active plan participants...................    16      11
  Other active plan participants............................    18      13
                                                              ----    ----
                                                               119     104
  Unrecognized prior service cost...........................            10
  Unrecognized gain.........................................    30      38
                                                              ----    ----
  Accrued postretirement benefit cost.......................  $149    $152
                                                              ====    ====
</TABLE>
 
     For fiscal years 1996 and 1997, the weighted average annual assumed rate of
increase in the health care cost trend is 13.33% and 12.42%, respectively, and
is assumed to decrease gradually to 6.0% in the year 2004. The health care cost
trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported. An
increase in the assumed health care cost trend by 1% in each year would increase
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of June 30, 1997 by $10 and
the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic
postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $1.
 
     The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation as of June 30, 1997 was 7.75%. The weighted-average discount
rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of
June 30, 1996 was 8.32%.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   134
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
NOTE G -- PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
     The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                              1995    1996    1997
                                                              ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>     <C>
Income (loss) before minority interest and taxes:
  Domestic..................................................   $2     $ 90    $(56)
  Foreign...................................................    6       12       1
                                                               --     ----    ----
                                                               $8     $102    $(55)
                                                               ==     ====    ====
Income tax provision (benefit)
  Current:
     Federal................................................   $--    $  5    $ --
     Foreign and state......................................    1        6      --
                                                               --     ----    ----
  Total Current.............................................    1       11      --
                                                               --     ----    ----
  Deferred:
     Federal................................................   --       --      --
     Foreign and state......................................    1       --      --
                                                               --     ----    ----
  Total Deferred............................................    1       --      --
                                                               --     ----    ----
                                                               $2     $ 11    $ --
                                                               ==     ====    ====
</TABLE>
 
     Pre-tax income for foreign operations includes income of all operations
located outside the United States, some of which are currently subject to U.S.
taxing jurisdictions.
 
     Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
as of June 30, 1996 and 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                                JUNE 30,
                                                              -------------
                                                              1996    1997
                                                              ----    -----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Post employment benefits..................................  $ 53    $  53
  Pension expense...........................................    24       16
  Deferred gain.............................................     6        5
  Workers' compensation.....................................     7        8
  Leases and patents........................................     5        4
  Other.....................................................    20       24
  Net operating loss and tax credit carry forward...........    16       33
                                                              ----    -----
     Gross deferred tax assets..............................   131      143
     Valuation allowance....................................   (98)    (113)
                                                              ----    -----
     Net deferred tax assets................................    33       30
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Depreciation..............................................    30       30
  Other.....................................................     3       --
                                                              ----    -----
     Gross deferred liabilities.............................    33       30
                                                              ----    -----
     Net deferred tax asset.................................  $ --    $  --
                                                              ====    =====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   135
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     The net change in the valuation allowance for the years ended June 30, 1996
and 1997 was a decrease of $27 and an increase of $15, respectively.
 
     The differences between the provision for income taxes and income taxes
computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rates are explained as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                --------------------
                                                                1995    1996    1997
                                                                ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>     <C>
Income taxes (benefit) computed at the statutory U.S.
  federal income tax rates..................................     $2     $36     $(19)
Taxes on foreign income at rates different than U.S. federal
  income tax rates..........................................             (1)
State taxes, net of federal benefit.........................              3
Net operating losses for which no benefit has been
  recognized................................................                      19
Realization of prior years' net operating losses and tax
  credits...................................................            (27)
                                                                 --     ---     ----
Provision for income taxes..................................     $2     $11     $ --
                                                                 ==     ===     ====
</TABLE>
 
     As of June 30, 1997, the Company had operating loss carryforwards for tax
purposes available from domestic operations totaling $84 which will expire
between 2008 and 2012.
 
     Extraordinary losses from refinancing of debt and early debt retirement and
the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle did not have any tax
effect due to the Company's current tax position.
 
     The Company made income tax payments of $3, $5 and $4 for the years ended
June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
NOTE H -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     The Company leases certain property and equipment, agricultural lands, and
office and plant facilities. At June 30, 1997, the aggregate minimum rental
payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining terms in
excess of one year are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
1998........................................................    $14
1999........................................................     13
2000........................................................     12
2001........................................................      9
2002........................................................      6
Thereafter..................................................     41
                                                                ---
                                                                $95
                                                                ===
</TABLE>
 
     Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $7
due through 2016 under noncancelable subleases.
 
     Rent expense was $32, $28, and $32 for fiscal years ended June 30, 1995,
1996, and 1997, respectively. Rent expense includes contingent rentals on
certain equipment based on usage.
 
     The Company has entered into noncancelable agreements with growers, with
terms ranging from two to ten years, to purchase certain quantities of raw
products. Total purchases under these agreements were $68, $54, and $114 for the
years ended June 30, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively. The Company also has
commitments to purchase certain finished goods.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   136
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     At June 30, 1997, aggregate future payments under such purchase commitments
(priced at the June 30, 1997 estimated cost) are estimated as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
1998........................................................    $ 68
1999........................................................      56
2000........................................................      44
2001........................................................      33
2002........................................................      26
Thereafter..................................................      60
                                                                ----
                                                                $287
                                                                ====
</TABLE>
 
     In addition, the Company expects to purchase $46 in fiscal 1998 under the
supply agreement for pineapple products entered into in conjunction with the
sale of the Del Monte Philippines operations (see Note B).
 
     Effective August 13, 1993, DMC sold its dried fruit and snack operations to
Yorkshire Dried Fruits and Nuts, Inc., ("YDFNI"). In connection with this asset
sale, DMC entered into certain agreements with YDFNI which, among other things,
grant YDFNI the right to use certain Del Monte trademarks. Under these
agreements, as a service to, and for the benefit of YDFNI, DMC purchased and
resold certain of the former DMC dried fruit and snack products. This resale
agreement was terminated by the Company as of June 30, 1997.
 
     Effective December 21, 1993, DMC sold substantially all of the assets and
certain related liabilities of its can manufacturing operations in the United
States to Silgan Containers Corporation ("Silgan"). In connection with the sale
to Silgan, DMC entered into a ten-year supply agreement under which Silgan,
effective immediately after the sale, began supplying substantially all of DMC's
metal container requirements for foods and beverages in the United States.
Purchases under the agreement in fiscal 1997 amounted to $134. The Company
believes the supply agreement provides it with a long term supply of cans at
competitive prices that adjust over time for normal manufacturing cost increases
or decreases.
 
     In May 1992, DMC entered into an exclusive supply agreement (the
"Agreement") with Pacific Coast Producers ("PCP"), a canned fruit and tomato
processor, to purchase substantially all of PCP's tomato and fruit production
commencing July 1, 1992. PCP continued to own and operate its production
facilities, as well as purchase raw products via its established grower network.
The Agreement was to expire in June 1998 with optional successive five-year
extensions. Total payments under the Agreement for the twelve months ended June
30, 1995 were $186.
 
     The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") conducted an investigation to
determine whether the supply arrangement was in violation of certain U.S.
antitrust laws. In January 1995, the Company and PCP agreed to terminate their
supply and purchase option agreements in settlement of the FTC investigation. In
response to the Company's actions, the FTC issued a final consent order on April
18, 1995. A consent agreement does not constitute an admission of any violation
of law. The option and supply agreements were terminated in late fiscal 1995. As
a condition of the termination, the Company was required to make a termination
payment of $4 to PCP.
 
     On November 1, 1992, DMC entered into an agreement with Electronic Data
Systems Corporation ("EDS") to provide services and administration to the
Company in support of its information services functions for all domestic
operations. Payments under the terms of the agreement are based on scheduled
monthly base charges subject to various adjustments such as system usage and
inflation. Total payments for the twelve months ended June 30, 1995, 1996, and
1997 were $16, $16, and $18, respectively. The agreement expires in November
2002 with optional successive one year extensions.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   137
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     At June 30, 1997, base charge payments under the agreement are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1998........................................................  $14
1999........................................................   14
2000........................................................   13
2001........................................................   13
2002........................................................   13
Thereafter..................................................    6
                                                              ---
                                                              $73
                                                              ===
</TABLE>
 
     Del Monte has a concentration of labor supply in employees working under
union collective bargaining agreements, which represent approximately 75% of its
hourly and seasonal work force. Of these represented employees, 7% of employees
are under agreements that will expire in 1998.
 
   
     The Company is defending various claims and legal actions that arise from
its normal course of business, including certain environmental actions. While it
is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of these matters,
in the opinion of management none of these actions, individually or in the
aggregate, will have a material effect on the Company's results of operations,
cash flow, liquidity or financial position.
    
 
     On March 25, 1997, the entities that purchased the Company's Mexican
subsidiary in October 1996 commenced an action in Texas state court alleging,
among other things, that the Company breached the agreement with respect to the
purchase because the financial statements of the Mexican subsidiary did not
fairly present its financial condition and results of operations in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The purchasers have claimed
damages in excess of $10 as a result of these alleged breaches. In connection
with this action, $8 of the cash proceeds from the Recapitalization which were
payable to shareholders and certain members of senior management of DMFC have
been held in escrow and will be applied to fund the Company's costs and expenses
in defending the action, with any remaining amounts available to pay up to 80%
of any ultimate liability of the Company to the purchasers. Separately, the
purchasers claim that they are entitled to receive from the Company as a
purchase price adjustment an additional approximately $2 pursuant to provisions
of the purchase agreement. The Company does not believe that these claims, in
the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.
 
NOTE I -- FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA
 
     The Company's earnings have historically been derived in part from foreign
operations. As of November 1996, all of these operations had been sold.
Transfers between geographic areas have been accounted for as intercompany
sales, and transfer prices have been based generally on negotiated contracts.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   138
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     The following table shows certain financial information relating to the
Company's operations in various geographic areas:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                           --------------------------
                                                            1995      1996      1997
                                                           ------    ------    ------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>       <C>
Net Sales:
  United States..........................................  $1,331    $1,147    $1,203
  Philippines............................................     180       142
  Latin America..........................................      65        55        17
  Transfer between geographic areas......................     (49)      (39)       (3)
                                                           ------    ------    ------
          Total net sales................................  $1,527    $1,305    $1,217
                                                           ======    ======    ======
Operating income (loss):
  United States..........................................  $   64    $   65    $   73
  Philippines............................................      11        12
  Latin America..........................................       5         5
                                                           ------    ------    ------
          Total operating income.........................  $   80    $   82    $   73
                                                           ======    ======    ======
Assets:
  United States..........................................  $  754    $  701    $  667
  Philippines............................................     164
  Latin America..........................................      42        35
                                                           ------    ------    ------
          Total Assets...................................  $  960    $  736    $  667
                                                           ======    ======    ======
Liabilities of the Company's operations located in
  foreign countries......................................  $  128    $    7    $   --
                                                           ======    ======    ======
</TABLE>
    
 
NOTE J -- DEL MONTE CORPORATION
 
     DMC is directly- and wholly-owned by DMFC. In the fiscal years ended June
30, 1996 and 1997, DMC and DMC's subsidiaries accounted for 100% of the
consolidated revenues and net earnings of the Company. In the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1995, DMC and DMC's subsidiaries accounted for all of the consolidated
revenues and net earnings of the Company except for proceeds recorded by DMFC
from a $30 letter of credit related to the termination of an Agreement and Plan
of Merger (see Note K). As of June 30, 1996 and 1997, the Company's sole asset,
other than intercompany receivables from DMC, was the stock of DMC. The Company
had no subsidiaries other than DMC and DMC's subsidiaries, and had no direct
liabilities other than intercompany payables to DMC. The Company is separately
liable under various guarantees of indebtedness of DMC, which guarantees of
indebtedness are in most cases full and unconditional.
 
NOTE K -- TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
     On June 27, 1994 the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
with Grupo Empacador de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., and CCP Acquisition Company of
Maryland, Inc. (the "Purchasers"). The Purchasers were formed by an investor
group led by Mr. Carlos Cabal Peniche for the purpose of effecting an
acquisition (the "Proposed Acquisition") of the Company. The Agreement and Plan
of Merger provided that the Company was entitled to terminate the Agreement and
Plan of Merger if the effective date of the Proposed Acquisition failed to occur
on or prior to September 19, 1994. The effective date of the Proposed
Acquisition did not occur on or prior to such date and, on September 21, 1994,
the Company terminated the Agreement and Plan of Merger in accordance with its
terms.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   139
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
     Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Purchasers caused a $30
letter of credit (the "Letter of Credit") to be issued by Banco Union, S.A., a
Mexican bank affiliated with Mr. Cabal, and confirmed by Midland Bank plc, New
York Branch, in favor of the Company. Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan
of Merger, the Company was entitled to draw under the Letter of Credit if the
effective date of the Proposed Acquisition failed to occur on or prior to
September 19, 1994. Because the Proposed Acquisition did not close by September
19, 1994, on September 20, 1994 the Company drew $30 under the Letter of Credit.
This amount, net of $4 of related transaction expenses, is included in "Other
(income) expense". The cash was applied to the repayment of indebtedness then
outstanding under the Company's revolving credit agreement.
 
NOTE L -- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company entered into a
ten-year agreement (the "Management Advisory Agreement") with TPG pursuant to
which TPG is entitled to receive an annual fee from the Company for management
advisory services equal to the greater of $500,000 and 0.05% of the budgeted
consolidated net sales of the Company. In addition, the Company has agreed to
indemnify TPG, its affiliates and shareholders, and their respective directors,
officers, agents, employees and affiliates from and against fees and expenses,
arising out of or in connection with the services rendered by TPG thereunder.
The Management Advisory Agreement makes available the resources of TPG
concerning a variety of financial and operational matters. The services that
will be provided by TPG cannot otherwise be obtained by the Company without the
addition of personnel or the engagement of outside professional advisors. In
management's opinion, the fees provided for under the Management Advisory
Agreement reasonably reflect the benefits to be received by the Company.
 
     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company also entered into an
agreement (the "Transaction Advisory Agreement") with TPG pursuant to which TPG
received a cash financial advisory fee of approximately $8.4 million upon the
closing of the Recapitalization as compensation for its services as financial
advisor for the Recapitalization. TPG also is entitled to receive fees up to
1.5% of the "transaction value" for each subsequent transaction in which the
Company is involved. The term "transaction value" means the total value of any
subsequent transaction, including, without limitation, the aggregate amount of
the funds required to complete the subsequent transaction (excluding any fees
payable pursuant to the Transaction Advisory Agreement and fees, if any paid to
any other person or entity for financial advisory, investment banking, brokerage
or any other similar services rendered in connection with such transaction)
including the amount of indebtedness, preferred stock or similar items assumed
(or remaining outstanding). In management's opinion, the fees provided for under
the Transaction Advisory Agreement reasonably reflect the benefits to be
received by the Company.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   140
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Del Monte Foods Company
 
   
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Del Monte
Foods Company and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the
years ended June 30, 1996 and 1995. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
    
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Del Monte Foods Company and subsidiaries at June 30, 1996, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended June 30,
1996 and 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
     In the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, Del Monte Foods Company changed its
method of accounting for impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived
assets to be disposed of.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
August 29, 1996
San Francisco, California
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   141
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  1996            1997
                                                              ------------    ------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................     $   9           $   12
  Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance...............        90               87
  Other receivables.........................................         4                3
  Inventories...............................................       479              600
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................         4                9
                                                                 -----           ------
          Total current assets..............................       586              711
Property, plant and equipment, net..........................       231              291
Intangible assets, net......................................                         26
Other assets................................................        31               25
                                                                 -----           ------
          Total assets......................................     $ 848           $1,053
                                                                 =====           ======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses.....................     $ 277           $  317
  Short-term borrowings.....................................       120              153
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................        16               17
                                                                 -----           ------
          Total current liabilities.........................       413              487
Long-term debt..............................................       252              686
Other noncurrent liabilities................................       241              216
Redeemable common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,650,000         2
  shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 159,386 at
  December 31, 1996)........................................
Redeemable preferred stock ($.01 par value per share,              213
  32,493,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
  18,327,449 at December 31, 1996, $625 aggregate
  liquidation preference)...................................
Redeemable preferred stock ($.01 par value per share,                                32
  1,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
  37,254 at December 31, 1997, aggregate liquidation
  preference: $39)..........................................
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,700,000 shares
     authorized; issued and outstanding: 223,468 at December
     31, 1996)..............................................
  Common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares
     authorized; issued and outstanding: 181,560 at December
     31, 1996)..............................................
  Common Stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares
     authorized; issued and outstanding: 181,560 at December
     31, 1997)..............................................
  Paid-in capital...........................................         3              170
  Retained earnings (deficit)...............................      (276)            (538)
                                                                 -----           ------
          Total stockholders' equity (deficit)..............      (273)            (368)
                                                                 -----           ------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........     $ 848           $1,053
                                                                 =====           ======
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   142
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SIX MONTHS
                                                                     ENDED
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ----------------
                                                                1996       1997
                                                                -----      -----
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>
Net sales...................................................    $628       $620
Cost of products sold.......................................     430        413
                                                                ----       ----
     Gross profit...........................................     198        207
 
Selling, advertising, administrative and general expenses...     156        162
                                                                ----       ----
     Operating income.......................................      42         45
Interest expense............................................      26         36
Loss on sale of divested assets.............................       5         --
Other expense...............................................      --          6
                                                                ----       ----
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item...........      11          3
Provision for income taxes..................................       2         --
                                                                ----       ----
     Income before extraordinary item.......................       9          3
Extraordinary loss from the early retirement of debt........       4         --
                                                                ----       ----
     Net income.............................................    $  5       $  3
                                                                ====       ====
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


                                      F-27
<PAGE>   143
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SIX MONTHS
                                                                     ENDED
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ----------------
                                                                1996       1997
                                                                -----      -----
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income................................................    $   5      $   3
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows
     provided by (used in) operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization..........................       15         15
     Extraordinary loss from the early retirement of debt...        4
     Gain on sale of assets.................................                  (1)
     Loss on sale of divested assets........................        5
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Accounts receivable....................................       --        (21)
     Inventories............................................     (188)      (156)
     Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other
      assets................................................        7          5
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................       82         80
     Other non-current liabilities..........................        5         --
                                                                -----      -----
          Net cash used in operating activities.............      (65)       (75)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures......................................       (5)        (6)
  Proceeds from the sale of operations and assets...........       49          5
  Acquisition of businesses.................................       --       (197)
                                                                -----      -----
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing
           activities.......................................       44       (198)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Short-term borrowings.....................................      710        228
  Payments on short-term borrowings.........................     (633)      (157)
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings........................       55        176
  Principal payments on long-term borrowings................     (131)        (1)
  Deferred debt issuance costs..............................       (7)        (7)
  Issuance of stock.........................................       --         41
  Specific Proceeds Collateral Account......................       30         --
                                                                -----      -----
          Net cash provided by financing activities.........       24        280
                                                                -----      -----
          Net change in cash and cash equivalents...........        3          7
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............        6          5
                                                                -----      -----
          Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........    $   9      $  12
                                                                =====      =====
</TABLE>
    
 
                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                      F-28
<PAGE>   144
 
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
    
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
NOTE A -- BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
     Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements
at December 31, 1997 and for the six-month periods ended December 31, 1996 and
1997, are unaudited, but are prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information and include all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring entries) which, in the opinion
of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position,
results of operations and cash flows. These unaudited consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial
statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 1997, and notes thereto.
    
 
NOTE B -- INVENTORIES
 
     The major classes of inventory are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1996            1997
                                                     ------------    ------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>
Finished product...................................      $441            $547
Raw materials and supplies.........................         5               9
Other, principally packaging material..............        33              44
                                                         ----            ----
                                                         $479            $600
                                                         ====            ====
</TABLE>
 
     During the six months ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively,
inflation had a minimal impact on production costs. As a result, the effect of
accounting for these inventories by the LIFO method has had no material effect
on inventories at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997 or on results of
operations for the six-months ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
NOTE C -- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  Preferred Stock
 
   
     On October 13, 1997, the Company authorized a new series of cumulative
redeemable preferred stock, Series C, and issuance of shares of such new series
of preferred stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
cumulative redeemable preferred stock, Series A and B, held by preferred stock
shareholders. The Series A and B preferred stock were retired upon completion of
this exchange.
    
 
     The terms of the Series C preferred stock are substantially identical to
those of the Series A and B stock with the exception of a call premium and right
of holders to require redemption upon a change in control. The Series C
preferred stock will be redeemable at the option of the Company at a redemption
price ranging from 103% of the liquidation preference, if redeemed prior to
October 1998, to 100% of the liquidation preference, if redeemed after October
2000. The Series A and B preferred stock was redeemable by the Company at par.
In the event of a change of control of the Company, the holders of the Series C
preferred stock will have the right to require the Company to repurchase shares
of such stock at 101% of the liquidation preference. Under the terms of the
Series A and B preferred stock, shares of such stock were mandatorily redeemable
(i.e., the holder did not have the option of continuing to hold such shares) at
101% of the liquidation preference.
 
     On January 16, 1998, TPG Partners L.P. ("TPG") and certain of its
affiliates sold approximately 93% of their Preferred Stock holdings to
unaffiliated investors.
 
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
     Effective August 4, 1997, the Del Monte Foods Company Employee Stock
Purchase Plan was established under which certain key employees are eligible to
participate. A total of 5,000 shares of Common
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   145
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
    
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
Stock of the Company are reserved for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase
Plan. During December 1997, 1,560 shares of the Company's common stock were
purchased by and issued to eligible employees.
 
  Stock Option Plan
 
     On August 4, 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan which
allows the granting of options to certain key employees of the Company. Options
may be granted to participants with respect to 9,508 shares of the Company's
Common Stock. Options may be granted as incentive stock options or as non-
qualified options for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Options terminate
ten years from the date of grant. Two different vesting schedules have been
approved under the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan. The first provides for annual
vesting on a proportionate basis over five years and the second provides for
monthly vesting on a proportionate basis over four years. Pursuant to this plan,
options for 8,274 shares were granted to eligible employees in December 1997.
The per share exercise price of the options granted in December 1997 was $1,000,
which was determined to be the fair market value of said shares.
 
   
     The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation using the intrinsic
value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and
related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost is measured as the
excess, if any, of the fair value of the Company's stock at the date of the
grant over the price the employee must pay to acquire the stock.
    
 
   
  Earnings Per Share
    
 
   
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company was not required to adopt Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share", as its
publicly traded securities included only debt securities. Since the Company is
in process of filing documentation in preparation for the sale of securities in
a public market, the Company intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 128.
    
 
NOTE D -- CONTADINA ACQUISITION
 
     On November 12, 1997, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement
to acquire the Contadina canned tomato businesses, including the Contadina
trademark worldwide, capital assets and inventory from Nestle USA, Inc. and
Contadina Services, Inc. (the "Contadina Acquisition") for a total purchase
price of $197, comprised of a base price of $177 and an estimated net working
capital adjustment of $20. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on
the final calculation of net working capital as of the closing date. The
transaction closed on December 19, 1997.
 
     The Company funded the acquisition through the issuance of senior discount
notes (the "Initial Notes") with an aggregate principal amount at maturity of
$230, which resulted in gross proceeds of $126. These Initial Notes accrue
interest at 12.50% payable on each June 15 and December 15, which will be
accreted through December 15, 2002, after which time interest will be paid in
cash until maturity. The Initial Notes mature on December 15, 2007. An
additional source of funding was provided through an equity contribution of $40
from the Company's majority shareholder, Texas Pacific Group and certain other
investors. Also, the Company amended its bank financing agreements to permit
additional funding which was drawn in an amount of $50. Amortization of the
additional Term B loan amount is incremental to the scheduled amortization of
the existing Term B loan. Such additional amortization will begin on a quarterly
basis in the second quarter of fiscal 1999 in the amount of $0.5 on an annual
basis with such amortization increasing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004,
through the third quarter of fiscal 2005, to approximately $12 per quarter.
These debt agreements contain restrictive covenants, the most restrictive of
which currently is minimum EBITDA (as defined).
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   146
                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
       NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
    
   
                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
 
   
     The Contadina Acquisition has been reflected in the balance sheet at
December 31, 1997. The transaction has been accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting. The total purchase price has been allocated to the
tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on preliminary
estimates of their respective fair values. Accordingly, adjustments will be made
based upon final determination of the purchase price adjustments and completion
of the valuations that are in progress. The results of operations of the
acquired business for the period from the closing of the acquisition to period
end and any other expenses of the transaction are reflected in the statements of
operations for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 1997, and did
not significantly effect the results of operations of the Company for those
periods. The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on January 5, 1998
reporting this acquisition. An amendment to the Form 8-K will be filed not later
than March 4, 1998 which will contain the financial information required by Rule
3-05 of Regulation S-X.
    
 
NOTE E -- SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     In January 1998, management announced a four-year plan to consolidate its
California manufacturing operations in order to enhance the efficiency of fruit
and tomato processing operations and allow the Company to better meet the
competitive challenges of the market. In 1999, tomato production currently
taking place at the Modesto plant is expected to be transferred to the Company's
newly acquired facility in Hanford. The Modesto location would then be converted
to a fruit processing plant allowing production currently processed at the San
Jose plant to be transferred to Modesto. At the end of the 2000 production
season, the Company is expected to close its Stockton fruit plant and transfer
production from that plant to Modesto. Considerations of plant age and location
were primary factors in the decision to close the eighty year-old San Jose plant
and transfer production closer to the growing areas. None of the Company's other
plants will be directly affected by these decisions.
 
     The Company is currently analyzing the impact of such plans and will record
a restructuring charge as soon as this analysis has been completed, if
appropriate.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   147
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Del Monte Foods Company
 
   
     We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Contadina (a
division of Nestle USA, Inc.) as of December 18, 1997 and December 31, 1996, and
the related statements of operations, divisional equity, and cash flows for the
period January 1, 1997 through December 18, 1997 and for the year ended December
31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of Del Monte Foods
Company management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
    
 
   
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
    
 
   
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Contadina (a division of
Nestle USA, Inc.) as of December 18, 1997 and December 31, 1996, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the period January 1, 1997 through
December 18, 1997 and for the year ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
   
March 16, 1998
    
Los Angeles, California
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   148
 
                                   CONTADINA
                        (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
                                     ASSETS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 18,
                                                                  1996           1997
                                                              ------------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
Current assets:
  Trade accounts receivable.................................      $ 10           $ 17
  Other receivables.........................................         3             --
  Inventories...............................................        92             98
                                                                  ----           ----
          TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS..............................       105            115
Property, plant and equipment...............................        94             90
Goodwill....................................................        32             31
                                                                  ----           ----
          TOTAL ASSETS......................................      $231           $236
                                                                  ====           ====
 
                            LIABILITIES AND DIVISIONAL EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses.....................      $ 10           $ 13
  Payable to Nestle USA, Inc................................        17             52
                                                                  ----           ----
          TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES.........................        27             65
Divisional equity...........................................       204            171
                                                                  ----           ----
          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DIVISIONAL EQUITY...........      $231           $236
                                                                  ====           ====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                  See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.
    
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   149
 
                                   CONTADINA
                        (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
                     COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND
                               DIVISIONAL EQUITY
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
   
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               JANUARY 1
                                                               YEAR ENDED       THROUGH
                                                              DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 18,
                                                                  1996            1997
                                                              ------------    ------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
Net sales...................................................      $160            $162
Cost of products sold.......................................       151             163
                                                                  ----            ----
     Gross profit (loss)....................................         9              (1)
Selling, advertising, administrative and general expense....        20              26
                                                                  ----            ----
          OPERATING LOSS....................................       (11)            (27)
Interest expense............................................         6               6
                                                                  ----            ----
          NET LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES......................       (17)            (33)
DIVISIONAL EQUITY, BEGINNING OF PERIOD......................       221             204
                                                                  ----            ----
DIVISIONAL EQUITY, END OF PERIOD............................      $204            $171
                                                                  ====            ====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                  See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.
    
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   150
 
                                   CONTADINA
                        (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
   
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED    JANUARY 1 THROUGH
                                                   DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 18,
                                                       1996              1997
                                                   ------------   ------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net loss.......................................      $(17)            $ (33)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
     flows used in operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization...............        12                13
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Accounts receivable.........................         9                (4)
     Inventories.................................       (16)               (6)
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......         4                 3
                                                       ----             -----
          NET CASH USED IN OPERATING
            ACTIVITIES...........................        (8)              (27)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures...........................       (10)               (8)
  Proceeds from sale of assets...................         1                --
                                                       ----             -----
          NET CASH USED IN INVESTING
            ACTIVITIES...........................        (9)               (8)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net borrowings from Nestle
  USA, Inc.......................................        17                35
                                                       ----             -----
          NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH
            EQUIVALENTS..........................        --                --
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
  period.........................................        --                --
                                                       ----             -----
          CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
            AT END OF PERIOD.....................      $ --             $  --
                                                       ====             =====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                  See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.
    
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   151
 
                                   CONTADINA
                        (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
                               DECEMBER 18, 1997
    
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
NOTE A -- ORGANIZATION, OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    
 
   
     General:  The accompanying combined financial statements include the
accounts of Contadina Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestle USA,
Inc. ("Nestle") and other divisional accounts related to the Contadina canned
business within the culinary division of Nestle ("Contadina") on a carve-out
basis, excluding the effects of product lines not acquired (see Note E).
Contadina operates in one business segment which manufactures and markets
branded, private label, industrial and foodservice processed tomato products
from manufacturing facilities in Hanford, California and Woodland, California.
Contadina's products are distributed throughout the United States.
    
 
   
     Contadina does not maintain stand-alone corporate treasury, legal, tax and
other similar corporate support functions. Therefore, corporate general and
administrative expense and interest expense, as well as certain other expenses
(see Note D), are allocated to Contadina from Nestle generally on a proportional
basis. Allocations and estimates, as described in Note D, are based on
assumptions that Del Monte Foods Company management believes are reasonable. It
is impracticable to determine whether such costs are comparable to those which
would have been incurred on a stand-alone basis. Long-term debt and income taxes
are not allocated by Nestle.
    
 
     All purchases of inventory, payroll, capital and other expenditures are
funded through Contadina's intercompany account with Nestle. Remittances from
sales to customers are collected by Nestle and are accounted for through the
intercompany account. Accordingly, Contadina has no cash on a stand-alone basis.
Trade receivables and payables do represent the amounts due from/to
customers/suppliers at the dates presented.
 
   
NOTE B -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    
 
     Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out) or market.
 
   
     Property, plant and equipment and depreciation:  Property, plant and
equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives,
principally by the straight-line method. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as
incurred. Significant expenditures that increase useful lives are capitalized.
The ranges of estimated useful lives for computing depreciation are:
buildings -- 30 years; leasehold improvements -- the shorter of useful life or
life of lease; and machinery and equipment -- 5 to 17 years. Depreciation of
plant and equipment and building and leasehold improvements amortization was $11
for the year ended December 31, 1996 and $12 for the period ended December 18,
1997.
    
 
     Goodwill:  Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over fair value of
acquired assets and liabilities. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis
over 40 years.
 
   
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments:  The carrying amount of the Company's
financial instruments, which include trade accounts receivable, accounts
payable, and accrued expenses, approximates fair value due to the relatively
short maturity of such instruments. The carrying amount of the payable to Nestle
USA, Inc. approximates fair value due to the regular settlement of this account.
    
 
     Cost of Products Sold:  Cost of products sold includes raw material, labor,
and overhead.
 
   
     Royalties:  Under a royalty agreement with Nestle S.A. (parent of Nestle
and legal entity which owns the Contadina trademarks), royalties are charged for
the license of the Contadina trademarks at a rate of 3% of net sales. Royalty
expense under this agreement was $5 for both the year ended December 31, 1996
and the period ended December 18, 1997.
    
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   152
                                   CONTADINA
                        (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
     Divisional Equity:  Divisional equity includes the combined historical
legal capital of Contadina Services, Inc. and profit and losses of Contadina
subsequent to December 31, 1995 on a carve-out basis. Pre-1996 results of
operations for the acquired product line are not available. Transactions with
Nestle for all other intercompany transactions are included in and settled
through the intercompany account payable to Nestle.
    
 
   
     Use of Estimates:  Certain amounts reported in the financial statements are
based on management estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities as of December 31, 1996 and December 18, 1997, and the reported
amounts of income and expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the
period ended December 18, 1997. The ultimate resolution of these items may
differ from those estimates.
    
 
   
     Change in Accounting Principle:  Effective January 1, 1996, Contadina
adopted the provisions of SFAS 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." The statement requires that
assets held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Contadina evaluates impairment based upon undiscounted future cash
flows. If such cash flows indicate that long-lived assets may not be
recoverable, the loss is measured by discounting cash flows to present value.
The statement also requires that all long-lived assets, for which management has
committed to a plan to dispose, be reported at the lower of carrying amount or
fair value. Contadina does not depreciate long-lived assets held for sale. There
was no material effect upon the adoption of this statement.
    
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>   153
                                   CONTADINA
                        (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
   
NOTE C -- SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
    
   
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 18,
                                                                  1996           1997
                                                              ------------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
Trade Accounts Receivable:
  Trade.....................................................      $ 10           $ 17
  Allowance for doubtful accounts...........................        --             --
                                                                  ----           ----
          TOTAL TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE...................      $ 10           $ 17
                                                                  ====           ====
Inventories:
  Finished product..........................................      $ 60           $ 69
  Raw materials and supplies................................        35             32
  Other, principally packaging material.....................         2              2
  Reserves..................................................        (5)            (5)
                                                                  ----           ----
          TOTAL INVENTORIES.................................      $ 92           $ 98
                                                                  ====           ====
Property, Plant and Equipment:
  Land and land improvements................................      $  8           $  4
  Buildings.................................................        36             40
  Machinery and equipment...................................       110            125
  Construction in progress..................................        10              3
                                                                  ----           ----
                                                                   164            172
  Accumulated amortization..................................       (70)           (82)
                                                                  ----           ----
          PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET................      $ 94           $ 90
                                                                  ====           ====
Goodwill:
  Goodwill..................................................      $ 44           $ 44
  Accumulated amortization..................................       (12)           (13)
                                                                  ----           ----
          GOODWILL, NET.....................................      $ 32           $ 31
                                                                  ====           ====
Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
  Accounts payable..........................................      $  6           $  2
  Payroll...................................................         1              1
  Marketing.................................................         1              8
  Other.....................................................         2              2
                                                                  ----           ----
          TOTAL ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES.......      $ 10           $ 13
                                                                  ====           ====
</TABLE>
    
 
NOTE D -- CORPORATE ALLOCATIONS AND RELATED PARTY INFORMATION
 
   
     Goodwill is associated with the acquisition of Carnation Foods in 1985, the
then-parent of Contadina, and was not recorded in the individual business units'
accounts. As such, goodwill relating to Contadina has been allocated based on a
percentage derived from the tax basis goodwill specifically identified to
Contadina in relation to total tax basis goodwill. This relative percentage was
then applied to aggregate goodwill to determine book basis goodwill attributable
to Contadina. This allocation basis was determined to be reasonable by Del Monte
Foods Company management.
    
 
     Since invoicing is centralized at Nestle for all business units, customer
discounts and unapplied cash related to trade receivables are allocated based on
Contadina relative sales dollars on a customer invoice as a percentage of the
total sales dollars on the customer invoice. Cash discounts are allocated to
Contadina based on Contadina receivables as a percent of total consolidated
Nestle receivables. A specific reserve for doubtful
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>   154
                                   CONTADINA
                        (A DIVISION OF NESTLE USA, INC.)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
    
 
accounts is not maintained on a business unit basis. Therefore, a reserve for
doubtful accounts was established for Contadina through an allocation of the
corporate reserve based on the percentage of Contadina's outstanding receivables
to the total Nestle outstanding accounts receivable balance.
 
   
     Variable distribution costs are allocated based on the applied usage rate
for the respective products. Fixed distribution costs are allocated on an
historical average cost per case basis. Allocated distribution costs included in
cost of products sold for the year ended December 31, 1996 were $5 and for the
period ended December 18, 1997 were $7. Marketing and sales force expense is
allocated based on relative Contadina sales dollars to total Nestle sales
dollars. The majority of warehousing costs reported are actual costs related to
Contadina's two facilities; however, a component of warehousing cost also
includes costs allocated from Nestle based on historical average inventory
stored at the distribution center.
    
 
   
     General and administrative expenses are, for the most part, allocated by
function. Allocated selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses
amounted to $12 for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to $20 for the period
ended December 18, 1997, respectively. Benefit costs are allocated at a rate of
40% of gross wages which is representative of total benefit costs (including
pension, postretirement benefits, bonus, 401(k) matching contribution and
vacation) to total compensation. Interest expense is charged to Contadina based
on the end-of-month working capital balance at an intercompany rate equal to 7%
for all periods.
    
 
   
     Contadina's sales of product to Nestle were $6 for both the year ended
December 31, 1996 and the period ended December 18, 1997.
    
 
NOTE E -- SALE OF CONTADINA
 
     On December 19, 1997, Del Monte Foods Company acquired the Contadina canned
tomato businesses, including the Contadina trademark worldwide, capital assets
and inventory from Nestle and Contadina Services, Inc., for a total purchase
price of $197, comprised of a base price of $177 and an estimated net working
capital adjustment of $20. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on
the final calculation of net working capital as of the closing date. In
accordance with the asset purchase agreement, dated November 12, 1997, by and
among Del Monte Foods Company, Del Monte Corporation ("DMC") and Nestle USA,
Inc., Nestle has provided its calculation of the net working capital which would
result in a payment to DMC of approximately $2. DMC has until April 18, 1998 to
review this calculation and determine if it has an objection to the calculation.
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>   155
 
======================================================
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH
IT RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH
SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          PAGE
                                          ----
<S>                                       <C>
Forward-Looking Statements..............   ii
Available Information...................  iii
Prospectus Summary......................    1
Risk Factors............................   15
The Exchange Offer......................   20
Use of Proceeds.........................   28
Capitalization..........................   28
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data......   29
Selected Consolidated Financial Data....   34
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations............................   37
Business................................   47
Corporate History.......................   61
Management..............................   63
Certain Relationships and Related
  Transactions..........................   72
Capital Stock of DMFC...................   73
Description of Existing Indebtedness....   75
Description of the Notes................   78
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
  Considerations........................  106
Plan of Distribution....................  109
Legal Matters...........................  110
Experts.................................  110
Index to Financial Statements...........  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
======================================================
======================================================
 
                                  $230,000,000
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                            DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY
 
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                            12 1/2% SENIOR DISCOUNT
                                 NOTES DUE 2007
                                      FOR
                        SERIES B 12 1/2% SENIOR DISCOUNT
                                 NOTES DUE 2007
                           WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                            ------------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                            ------------------------
                                           , 1998
 
======================================================
<PAGE>   156
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
   
     Following the reincorporation of DMFC, it is expected that the Certificate
of Incorporation of the Registrant will provide that the Registrant will
indemnify each of its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") and may
indemnify certain other persons as authorized by the DGCL. Section 145 of the
DGCL provides as follows:
    
 
   
145  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS; INSURANCE. --
    
 
   
     (a) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by
reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the
person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the
person's conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding
by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or
its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did
not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the
person's conduct was unlawful.
    
 
   
     (b) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a
judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at
the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by
the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit
if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that
no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that the court of Chancery or the court in which
such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite
the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
    
 
   
     (c) To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a
corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this
section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall
be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
    
 
   
     (d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section
(unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized
in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or
former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances
because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in
subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with
respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such
determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to
such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a
committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   157
 
   
directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such
directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a
written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
    
 
   
     (e) Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director
in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit
or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition
of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately
be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the
corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys'
fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents
may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems
appropriate.
    
 
   
     (f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive
of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of
expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person's
official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such
office.
    
 
   
     (g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such
person in any such capacity or arising out of such person's status as such
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person
against such liability under this section.
    
 
   
     (h) For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall
include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation
(including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or
merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and
authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving
corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent
corporation if its separate existence had continued.
    
 
   
     (i) For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises" shall
include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise
taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and
references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any
service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which
imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or
agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or
beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person
reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries
of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in this
section.
    
 
   
     (j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or
ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person.
    
 
   
     (k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to
hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification
brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders
or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily
determine a corporation's obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys'
fees).
    
 
   
     The Registrant also carries liability insurance covering officers and
directors.
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   158
 
   
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
    
 
     (a) Exhibits. A list of exhibits included as part of this Registration
Statement is set forth in the Exhibit Index which immediately precedes such
exhibits and is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
 
     (b) Financial Statement Schedules. Schedules have been omitted since the
required information is not present, or not present in amounts sufficient to
require submission of the schedule, or because the information is included in
the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by any such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     (c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form S-4, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
 
     (d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   159
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement to be signed
on its behalf, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Francisco, State of
California, on March 20, 1998.
    
 
                                          DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY
 
                                          By: /s/  RICHARD G. WOLFORD
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Richard G. Wolford
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities indicated, on March 20, 1998.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                            TITLE
                      ---------                                            -----
<S>                                                    <C>
              * /s/ RICHARD G. WOLFORD                 Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive
- -----------------------------------------------------  Officer) and Director
                 Richard G. Wolford
 
                * /s/ DAVID L. MEYERS                  Executive Vice President, Administration and
- -----------------------------------------------------  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial
                   David L. Meyers                     Officer)
 
               * /s/ RICHARD L. FRENCH                 Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
- -----------------------------------------------------  (Principal Accounting Officer)
                  Richard L. French
 
               * /s/ RICHARD W. BOYCE                  Chairman of the Board and Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Richard W. Boyce
 
               * /s/ TIMOTHY G. BRUER                  Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Timothy G. Bruer
 
                          *                            Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                      Al Carey
 
                 * /s/ PATRICK FOLEY                   Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                    Patrick Foley
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       S-1
<PAGE>   160
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                            TITLE
                      ---------                                            -----
<S>                                                    <C>
                */s/ BRIAN E. HAYCOX                   Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   Brian E. Haycox
 
                */s/ JEFFREY A. SHAW                   Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   Jeffrey A. Shaw
 
                */s/ WESLEY J. SMITH                   Chief Operating Officer and Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   Wesley J. Smith
 
               */s/ DENISE M. O'LEARY                  Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Denise M. O'Leary
 
             */s/ WILLIAM S. PRICE, III                Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                William S. Price, III
 
               *By /s/ DAVID L. MYERS
   ----------------------------------------------
                   David L. Meyers
                  Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       S-2
<PAGE>   161
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
   
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
    NO.                              DESCRIPTION
  -------                            -----------
  <C>        <S>
     2.1     Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 12, 1997,
             among Nestle USA, Inc., Contadina Services, Inc., Del Monte
             Corporation and Del Monte Foods Company (the "Asset Purchase
             Agreement") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
             Report on Form 8-K filed January 5, 1998)
 
     2.2     Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 21, 1997,
             amended and restated as of April 14, 1997, among TPG
             Partners, L.P., TPG Shield Acquisition Corporation and Del
             Monte Foods Company (the "Agreement and Plan of Merger")
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registration
             Statement on Form S-4 No. 333-29079, filed June 14, 1997
             (the "DMC Registration Statement"))
             NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of Item
             601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes to
             furnish to the Commission upon request copies of any
             schedule to the Agreement and Plan of Merger.
     3.1     Articles of Amendment and Restatement of TPG Shield
             Acquisition Corporation, filed April 17, 1997 (included as
             Exhibit A of the Articles of Merger filed as Exhibit 3.3)
     3.2     Articles Supplementary of TPG Shield Acquisition
             Corporation, filed April 18, 1997 (included as Exhibit A of
             the Articles of Merger filed as Exhibit 3.3)
     3.3     Articles of Merger between TPG Acquisition Corporation and
             Del Monte Foods Company, filed April 18, 1997 (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the DMC Registration
             Statement)
     3.4     By-laws of Del Monte Foods Company, as amended (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Registration Statement on
             Form S-8 filed November 24, 1997)
     3.5     Articles Supplementary to the Charter of Del Monte Foods
             Company, filed October 15, 1997 (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 3 to the Quarterly Report for the quarter ended
             September 30, 1997 on Form 10-Q filed November 14, 1997)
   **3.6     Certificate of Incorporation of Del Monte Foods Company
   **3.7     Bylaws of Del Monte Foods Company
   **3.8     Certificate of Designations filed April   , 1998
   **3.9     Certificate of Merger between Del Monte Foods Company and
             Del Monte Foods Merger Company filed April   , 1998
   **3.10    Articles of Merger between Del Monte Foods Company and Del
             Monte Foods Merger Company filed April   , 1998
   **4.1     Specimen Certificate of Common Stock of Del Monte Foods
             Company
     4.2     Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of April 18, 1997, among
             Del Monte Foods Company and its Stockholders (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the DMC Registration
             Statement)
             NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of
             Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes
             to furnish to the Commission upon request copies of the
             instruments pursuant to which various entities hold
             long-term debt of the Company or its parent or subsidiaries,
             none of which instruments govern indebtedness exceeding 10
             percent of the total assets of the Company and its parent or
             subsidiaries on a consolidated basis
     4.3     Form of Stockholders' Agreement among Del Monte Foods
             Company and its employee stockholders (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form
             S-8 filed November 24, 1997)
     4.4     Form of Stockholders' Agreement between Del Monte Foods
             Company and its non-employee directors
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   162
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
    NO.                              DESCRIPTION
  -------                            -----------
  <C>        <S>
   **4.5     Form of Stockholders' Agreement between Del Monte Foods
             Company and its non-employee directors -- directors' fee
             arrangement
     4.6     Indenture, dated as of December 17, 1997, among Del Monte
             Foods Company, as issuer, and Marine Midland Bank, as
             trustee, relating to the Notes (the "Indenture")
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's
             Form S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed
             March 4, 1998)
             NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of Item
             601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes to
             furnish to the Commission upon request copies of any
             schedule to the Indenture.
     4.7     Form of Series B 12 1/2% Senior Discount Note due 2007 of
             Del Monte Foods Company (the "Exchange Notes") (included as
             Exhibit B of the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1)
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant's
             Form S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed
             March 4, 1998)
     4.8     Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 17,
             1997, by and among Del Monte Foods Company and the Initial
             Purchasers listed therein, relating to the Notes (the
             "Registration Rights Agreement") (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant's Form S-4 Registration
             Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March 4, 1998)
             NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of Item
             601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes to
             furnish to the Commission upon request copies of any
             schedule to the Registration Rights Agreement.
     4.9     Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December
             17, 1997, among Del Monte Corporation, Bank of America
             National Trust and Savings Association, as Administrative
             Agent, and the other financial institutions parties thereto
             (the "Amended Credit Agreement") (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 4.4 to Registrant's Form S-4 Registration
             Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March 4, 1998)
             NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of Item
             601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes to
             furnish to the Commission upon request copies of any
             schedule to the Amended Credit Agreement.
     4.10    Amended and Restated Parent Guaranty, dated December 17,
             1997, executed by Del Monte Foods Company, with respect to
             the obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Registrant's
             Form S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed
             March 4, 1998)
     4.11    Security Agreement, dated April 18, 1997, between Del Monte
             Corporation and Del Monte Foods Company and Bank of America
             National Trust and Savings Association (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the DMC Registration Statement)
     4.12    Pledge Agreement, dated April 18, 1997, between Del Monte
             Corporation and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
             Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the
             DMC Registration Statement)
     4.13    Parent Pledge Agreement, dated April 18, 1997, between Del
             Monte Foods Company and Bank of America National Trust and
             Savings Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             4.8 to the DMC Registration Statement)
     4.14    Indenture, dated as of April 18, 1997, among Del Monte
             Corporation, as issuer, Del Monte Foods Company, as
             guarantor, and Marine Midland Bank, as trustee, relating to
             the 12 1/4 Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007 (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the DMC Registration
             Statement)
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   163
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
    NO.                              DESCRIPTION
  -------                            -----------
  <C>        <S>
     4.15    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 18, 1997,
             by and among Del Monte Corporation and the Purchasers listed
             therein, relating to the 12 1/4 Senior Subordinated Notes
             Due 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the
             DMC Registration Statement)
     4.16    Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of April 18, 1997, among
             Del Monte Foods Company and its Stockholders (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the DMC Registration
             Statement)
             NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of
             Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes
             to furnish to the Commission upon request copies of the
             instruments pursuant to which various entities hold
             long-term debt of the Company or its parent or subsidiaries,
             none of which instruments govern indebtedness exceeding 10
             percent of the total assets of the Company and its parent or
             subsidiaries on a consolidated basis
     4.17    Form of Stockholders' Agreement among Del Monte Foods
             Company and its employee stockholders (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form
             S-8 filed November 24, 1997)
    *5.1     Opinion of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP regarding legality
             of the Exchange Notes
    10.1     Transaction Advisory Agreement, dated as of April 18, 1997,
             between Del Monte Corporation and TPG Partners, L.P
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the DMC
             Registration Statement)
    10.2     Management Advisory Agreement, dated as of April 18, 1997,
             between Del Monte Corporation and TPG Partners, L.P
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the DMC
             Registration Statement)
    10.3     Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and David
             L. Meyers, dated November 1, 1991 (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 10.3 to the DMC Registration Statement)
    10.4     Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Glynn
             M. Phillips, dated October 5, 1994 (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the DMC Registration Statement)
    10.5     Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Thomas
             E. Gibbons, dated January 1, 1992 (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 10.5 to the DMC Registration Statement)
    10.6     Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Brian
             E. Haycox, dated December 11, 1995 (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the DMC Registration Statement)
    10.8     Del Monte Foods Annual Incentive Award Plan and 1997 Plan
             Year Amendments (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8
             to the DMC Registration Statement)
    10.9     Additional Benefits Plan of Del Monte Corporation, as
             amended and restated effective January 1, 1996 (incorporated
             by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the DMC Registration
             Statement)
    10.10    Supplemental Benefits Plan of Del Monte Corporation,
             effective as of January 1, 1990, as amended as of January 1,
             1992 and May 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10.10 to the DMC Registration Statement)
    10.11    Del Monte Foods Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration
             Statement on Form S-8 filed November 24, 1997)
    10.12    Del Monte Foods Company 1997 Stock Incentive Plan
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registration
             Statement on Form S-8 filed November 24, 1997)
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   164
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
    NO.                              DESCRIPTION
  -------                            -----------
  <C>        <S>
    10.13    Agreement for Information Technology Services between Del
             Monte Corporation and Electronic Data Systems Corporation,
             dated November 1, 1992, as amended as of September 1, 1993
             and as of September 15, 1993 (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit 10.11 to the DMC Registration Statement)
    10.14    Supply Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Silgan
             Containers Corporation, dated as of September 3, 1993, as
             amended as of December 21, 1993 (incorporated by reference
             to Exhibit 10.12 to the DMC Registration Statement)
  **10.22    Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and
             William J. Spain, dated January 1, 1992
  **10.23    Del Monte Foods Company Non-Employee Director and
             Independent Contractor 1997 Stock Incentive Plan
   *12.1     Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
  **16.1     Letter re: Change in Accountants
    21.1     Subsidiaries of Del Monte Foods Company (incorporated by
             reference to the same exhibit number to Registrant's Form
             S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March
             4, 1998)
   *23.1     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
   *23.2     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Accountants
   *23.3     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Accountants
   *23.4     Consent of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP (included in its
             opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)
    25.1     Form T-1 with respect to the eligibility of Marine Midland
             Bank with respect to the Indenture (incorporated by
             reference to the same exhibit number to Registrant's Form
             S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March
             4, 1998)
    99.1     Form of Exchange Agent Agreement (incorporated by reference
             to the same exhibit number to Registrant's Form S-4
             Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March 4,
             1998)
    99.2     Form of Letter of Transmittal (incorporated by reference to
             the same exhibit number to Registrant's Form S-4
             Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March 4,
             1998)
    99.3     Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (incorporated by
             reference to the same exhibit number to Registrant's Form
             S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March
             4, 1998)
    99.4     Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust
             Companies and Other Nominees (incorporated by reference to
             the same exhibit number to Registrant's Form S-4
             Registration Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March 4,
             1998)
    99.5     Form of Letter to Clients (incorporated by reference to the
             same exhibit number to Registrant's Form S-4 Registration
             Statement, File No. 333-47289, filed March 4, 1998)
   *99.6     Schedule Identifying Documents Omitted pursuant to
             Instruction to Item 601
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
 * Filed herewith
 
   
** To be filed by amendment
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                         PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP
                             235 Montgomery Street
                        San Francisco, California 94104
                                 (415) 983-1000

                                         March 20, 1998

Del Monte Foods Company
One Market Plaza
Steuart Tower
San Francisco, CA 94105

     Re: Registration Statement on Form S-4

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This opinion is being delivered in connection with the proposed offer to
exchange (the "Exchange Offer") by Del Monte Foods Company (the "Company") their
12-1/2 Senior Discount Notes Due 2007 (the "Exchange Notes") for any and all of
their 12-1/2 Senior Discount Notes Due 2007 (the "Initial Notes"). The Exchange
Notes are to be issued pursuant to a Registration Statement of Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement"), filed on March 4, 1998, and amended pursuant to
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement, filed on March 20, 1998 by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of
1933. The Exchange Notes will be issued under an Indenture, dated as of December
17, 1997 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and Marine Midland Bank Trustee
(the "Trustee"), in substantially the form filed as Exhibit 4.1.

     We are of the opinion that, when (a) the Indenture, under which the
Exchange Notes will be issued, has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939, as amended, (b) the Exchange Notes have been executed by the Company
and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture
and (c) the Exchange Notes have been delivered in exchange for the Initial
Notes in the manner and for the consideration stated in the Registration
Statement and the Indenture, the Exchange Notes will be legally issued and
binding obligations of the Company.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus included therein.
 


                                         /s/ PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP
                                         ---------------------------------

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1


                    DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                             (Dollars in millions)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Pro Forma                    Pro forma
                                   Year       Year        Year        Year         Year       Year        Six Months    Six Months
                                   Ended      Ended       Ended       Ended       Ended       Ended         Ended         Ended
                                 June 30,    June 30,    June 30,    June 30,    June 30,    June 30,    December 31,   December 31,
                                   1993        1994        1995        1996        1997        1997          1997          1997
                                 --------    --------    --------    --------    --------   ---------    ------------   ------------
<S>                              <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>           <C>
Consolidated pre-tax income
  (loss).......................  $(142)        $ 11        $ 15        $119        $(14)      $(31)           $ 3           $(11)
Interest expense...............     68           61          76          67          52         93             36             49
Interest portion of rent
  expense......................      9            9          11           9          11         11              7              7
                                 -----         ----        ----        ----        ----       ----            ---           ----
        Earnings...............  $ (65)        $ 81        $102        $195        $ 49       $ 73            $46           $ 45
                                 =====         ====        ====        ====        ====       ====            ===           ====

Interest expense...............  $  68         $ 61        $ 76        $ 67        $ 52       $ 93            $36           $ 49
Interest portion of rent
  expense(a)...................      9            9          11           9          11         11              7              7
                                 -----         ----        ----        ----        ----       ----            ---           ----
        Fixed charges..........  $  77         $ 70        $ 87        $ 76        $ 63       $104            $43           $ 56
                                 =====         ====        ====        ====        ====       ====            ===           ====
Ratio of earnings to fixed 
  charges......................   N/A           1.2x        1.2x        2.6x        N/A        N/A            1.1x           N/A
Surplus (deficiency) of
  earnings available to 
  cover fixed charges..........  $(142)        $ 11        $ 15        $119        $(14)      $(31)           $ 3           $(11)
</TABLE>


(a) Interest portion of rent expense is assumed equal to 33% of operating lease
    and rental expense for the period.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                  Conformed Copy


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


        We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and
to the use of our report dated August 29, 1996, in Amendment No. 1 to the 
Registration Statement and related Prospectus of Del Monte Foods Company for the
registration of $230,000,000 at maturity of 12 1/2% Senior Discount Notes Due
2007.




                                                   /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Francisco, California
March 19, 1998





<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


The Board of Directors
Del Monte Foods Company:

We consent to the use of our report dated August 22, 1997 with respect to Del
Monte Foods Company included herein and to the reference to our firm under the
heading "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related
Prospectus of Del Monte Foods Company.



/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


San Francisco, California
March 19, 1998

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.3

The Board of Directors
Del Monte Foods Company

     We consent to the inclusion in the registration statement on Form S-4 of
Del Monte Foods Company of our report dated March 16, 1998, with respect to the
combined balance sheets of Contadina (a division of Nestle USA, Inc.) as of
December 18, 1997 and December 31, 1996, and the related statements of
operations, divisional equity, and cash flows for the period January 1, 1997 to
December 18, 1997 and for the year ended December 31, 1996, which report appears
in the Form 8-K/A of Del Monte Foods Company dated March 19, 1998.

/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
- -------------------------


Los Angeles, California
March 18, 1998

 

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 99.6

     Pursuant to the provisions of Instruction 2 to Item 601, the Registrant
omits the following documents:

     1.  Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Paul H. Mullan,
dated December 11, 1995 (the "Mullan Retention Agreement"). The Mullan
Retention Agreement is substantially similar in all material respects to the
Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Brian E. Haycox, dated
December 11, 1995 (the "Haycox Retention Agreement") filed as Exhibit 10.6. The
Mullan Retention Agreement differs from the Haycox Retention Agreement only as
to the parties thereto.

     2.  Retention Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Brent D. Bailey,
dated January 19, 1998 (the "Bailey Retention Agreement"). The Bailey Retention
Agreement is substantially similar in all material respects to the Retention
Agreement between Del Monte Corporation and Glynn M. Phillips, dated October 5,
1994 (the "Phillips Retention Agreement") filed as Exhibit 10.4. The Bailey
Retention Agreement differs from the Phillips Retention Agreement only as to
the parties thereto.



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