Pauline Crosby was selected for the reimagined role via public vote
Newly crowned ‘Nan from Del Monte’ Pauline Crosby is making her much-anticipated TV debut this month.
After 25 years off-screen, Fresh Del Monte is reviving one of the most memorable figures in advertising history, but with a modern twist. The iconic Man from Del Monte has made way for the the first Nan from Del Monte in the shape of Crosby, who will star in her first UK TV commercial on ITV this November alongside her granddaughter Poppy Capper and great-granddaughter Mila.
Crosby was chosen earlier this year by public vote following a nationwide search for a modern figurehead who embodies quality, warmth, and culinary tradition, echoing the beloved spirit of the original ‘80s Man from Del Monte. After being nominated by Capper, Crosby won the hearts of voters across the country.
The new TV commercial forms part of a major integrated campaign supporting Fresh Del Monte’s collaboration with Disney’s Zootropolis 2, celebrating the film’s UK release 28 November.
As part of the global collaboration, Fresh Del Monte will roll out co-branded Zootropolis 2 stickers across a wide portfolio of its fresh fruit and tinned products.
Hundreds of millions of stickers will be distributed worldwide, helping families spot their favourite characters while enjoying fruit across categories, from bananas and pineapples to Fresh Del Monte’s canned fruit range.
The collaboration also launches a major consumer competition, giving families the chance to win a trip to Dubai, alongside a range of themed prizes inspired by the film’s adventurous spirit. Details on how to enter will be shared on participating packs and across Fresh Del Monte’s UK social channels.
Since being crowned, Crosby has visited Fresh Del Monte’s Wisbech production site in Cambridgeshire to explore the behind-the-scenes magic of quality control and has been lending her approval to new and existing recipes, just as the original Man from Del Monte once did.
Martin Selley, managing director of Fresh Del Monte, said: “Pauline has been a joy from the very beginning. The reaction to her appointment has been extraordinary, and bringing her into this global collaboration with Disney’s Zootropolis 2 felt like a natural next step. The Nan from Del Monte says yes – and retailers and consumers alike are already saying yes to her.”
The Zootropolis 2 activity will be supported by a 360-degree UK marketing rollout, including POS, print advertising, digital visibility, and on-pack communications across both fresh and tinned categories.
