Del Monte says may sell StarKist

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Del Monte Foods Co (DLM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday it is exploring alternatives for its StarKist seafood business, including a possible sale.

Del Monte, which also sells its namesake canned fruits and vegetables as well as Meow Mix cat food and Kibbles 'n Bits dog food, gave no further details about its review of alternatives for StarKist.

StarKist, known for the iconic "Charlie the Tuna" cartoon mascot, has weighed on Del Monte's profits in recent quarters as the cost of skipjack tuna has soared. The company has raised prices to try to offset rising costs.

Del Monte acquired StarKist in 2002 as part of a deal that brought it several businesses that formerly belonged to H.J. Heinz Co (HNZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research).

Del Monte is likely to take a financial hit on the sale, said Tim Ramey, analyst at D.A. Davidson.

"I'm sure there will be some kind of loss on the sale and an impairment charge," Ramey said.

Del Monte shares were flat at $9.63 on Friday on the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Brad Dorfman, editing by Phil Berlowitz and Dave Zimmerman)