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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
                                                                  Conformed Copy

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

The Board of Directors
Del Monte Foods Company

     We consent to the inclusion in the registration statement on Form S-1 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.


/s/ KPMG LLP


Los Angeles, California
January 14, 1999