PHILADELPHIA, PA - Those of us who have seen the ebbs and flows of the produce industry know that being able to create loyal customers is something that can make or break a business over time. But how do you make sure your customers are loyal to your products? The key is consistency, says Kevin Frye, Sales Manager for AgroFresh’s RipeLock™ North America. Showing your customers that you will be able to consistently provide high-quality, ripe produce is an excellent way to capture the hearts and minds of shoppers everywhere, and one way to do this, Kevin says, is through the RipeLock™ Quality System.
“It’s probably safe to say that, to have bananas stay fresh longer than their typical short shelf-life is incredibly desirable for retailers and consumers alike,” Kevin explains. “While price discounts and promotions are effective in driving traffic to retail, studies show that consumers cite appearance and ripeness as the two most important factors in their produce buying decision—before price. Eighty-six percent of shoppers occasionally purchase produce on impulse, based on these two key attributes.”
As we’ve reported previously, AgroFresh’s RipeLock Quality System allows its users unmatched control over the ripening process, as a way to ensure bananas, and soon categories beyond, retain their freshness throughout the supply chain, all the way to the consumer. When produce professionals across the supply chain include RipeLock in their existing banana programs, everyone benefits, Kevin says.
“In preparation for shipping, bananas are placed in RipeLock bags creating an optimal environment that controls respiration and maintains proper humidity during the shipping process, reducing rot and mold. Approaching the end of the ripening cycle, the RipeLock application helps to hold the bananas’ color longer, reduce sugar spots and maintain pulp freshness and texture. When the bananas reach the retailer, they remain in the RipeLock bags to maintain quality until they are ready for display. The RipeLock process, which fits into normal banana handling practices and extends the quality of the fruit from the farm to the display, attracting more customers and increasing sales for retailers.”
Another way Kevin says RipeLock can assist in making loyal customers is to help retailers focus on fresh—a tactic we’ve been seeing from many retailers who are looking to stay competitive in today’s buy-side landscape, whether it be Amazon and Whole Foods, Kroger, and many more.
“Increasing consumer focus on health and wellness further drives demand of quality produce, and consumers will shop wherever they need to in order to get it, even if it means shopping at multiple retailers to meet their weekly grocery needs,” Kevin adds. “According to research from FMI, better quality or the freshness of produce is the number one reason for switching channels. Consumers demand freshness!”
Additional studies from MMR Research Worldwide show that consumers prefer RipeLock bananas over regular bananas more than 2 to 1 when evaluating taste, texture, color, freshness, ripeness, and appearance—and this goes for both unpeeled and peeled bananas. The firm’s research suggests that a successful banana program delivers more consistent quality and a longer shelf-life of bananas, which will increase customer loyalty, reduce waste, and ultimately help drive increased produce sales overall.
Want to find out more about RipeLock and how you can implement it into your part of the supply chain? Check out the AgroFresh website for all the details, and be sure to visit PMA Fresh Summit booth #4217 on the show floor!
NEW ORLEANS, LA, AND BAKERSFIELD, CA ⎯ PMA Fresh Summit is here, and the festivities are abundant. On the eve of the event, Grimmway Farms kicked off the convention and expo by sharing the importance of making healthy food choices with more than 25 third-grade students at Phyllis Wheatley Community School–part of the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans (ESYNOLA) program.
“Promoting family, education, and healthy eating habits are core to our values at Grimmway Farms, so we were thrilled to take part in the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans project with these inspiring students,” said Jeff Huckaby, President, Grimmway Farms, according to a press release. “Our thanks go out to the school officials and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans team for making the event possible, but special thanks go out to the kids for their eagerness to learn about eating healthy.”
ESYNOLA’s mission is to teach children to make healthy connections through food, and it does this by offering garden and culinary education classes to 3,000 pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students. Representatives from Grimmway Farms joined local school officials and ESYNOLA staff to provide students with an interactive lesson on vegetable nutrition and proper serving sizes.
Additionally, representatives from Grimmway Farms showed students an animated presentation about how baby carrots are made, as well as the history of Grimmway Farms. During the event, Grimmway Farms staff passed out Carroteenies snack packs for children to enjoy while they worked on vegetable themed coloring sheets and word puzzles provided by the company. The day was capped off with a tour of the school and garden grounds – including a unique “Gumbo Garden” area where students grow ingredients to make the Creole dish, Louisiana’s official state cuisine.
“We’re excited to return to PMA’s Fresh Summit conference to showcase both our conventional and organic products,” Huckaby added. “This year we’re featuring our rainbow carrot offerings – a subcategory that provides consumers with a fresh, innovative way to enjoy carrots.”
Grimmway Farms now turns its attention to PMA’s Fresh Summit conference where the company is celebrating its 20th consecutive year as an exhibitor of the premier event. This year, the senior leadership team will be on hand showcasing the company’s booth (Booth #1329) and products.
During this year’s event, visitors can experience a real, in-store shopping simulation complete with wet-rack displays filled with Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms, and Bunny-Luv products. The booth also includes a sampling station where Cal-Organic rainbow baby carrot promo snack packs will be handed out throughout the show.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
Safe Produce Inc.
Operating out of Nogales, Ariz., for failing to pay a $7,760 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Rebecca J. Favela and Scott A. Favela were listed as the officers, directors and/or major stockholders of the business.
Manuel Gomez, doing business as Steele Canyon Produce
Operating out of Chula Vista, Calif., for failing to pay a $49,809 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Manuel A. Gomez was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
Victor Guerrero, doing business as Camila Fresh
Operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $23,006 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Victor Guerrero was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
Maria Soto, doing business as Mary’s Produce
Operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $1,290 award in favor of an Illinois seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Maria C. Soto was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Our experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO – Leading innovator in flexible, fresh produce packaging DuPak Inc. is proud to announce the unveiling of the company’s updated branding with a new logo and refreshed design aesthetic. These recent rebranding efforts are an extension of DuPak’s commitment to continually evolve and improve their business as they seek ways to better serve its customers in the fresh produce industry.
“While we have been very focused on enhancements to our product offerings and service capabilities, it was time to turn our attention to our marketing presence,” said Duke Yu, CEO of DuPak Inc. “We want to ensure that the look and feel of our brand aesthetic best reflects who our business is today and the level of quality that our customers have come to expect from us.”
As DuPak embarks on its 15th year in business serving a wide range of industries with flexible packaging solutions, the signature stand-up pouches continue to be at the forefront of their business. The recently patented stand-up pouches are used by several leading fresh produce brands and continue to provide creative solutions that loyal customers have grown accustom to.
Attention to detail and commitment to quality continues to be the focus of the brand’s promise, DuPak strives to evoke a sense of confidence with customers looking for reliable, durable and beautiful packaging solutions. For more information, please visit www.dupak.com. For business inquiries, please email [email protected].
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CA - Earthbound Farm is slated to release a new line of organic riced veggies and chopped salad kits. While commercial launch is set for January of 2018, there will be a preview and sampling of the new line at PMA Fresh Summit.
“We hear all the time from our consumers asking about new ways to add organic veggies into their meals and how important it is for the product and packaging to be convenient. We believe Organic Riced Veggies hit the spot perfectly!” said Ben Schnelle, Earthbound Farm Marketing Manager, according to a press release.
Because healthier options are dominating meal-prepping plans, the cauliflower medleys of riced veggies are aligned with consumer trends, which are deviating from pasta and rice dishes.
Adding to the already popular chopped salad kits, Sweet Kale and Caesar are the newest additions to the line, which all offer flavorful and organic ingredients. These two additions will be available for sampling at the Summit, as well.
All of the new items are focused on healthy eating, a consumer trend seen throughout the market.
Visit booth #2107 in New Orleans at the PMA Fresh Summit this weekend to say hello and get more information on how to get your hands on the new releases.
LIMA, PERU – Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Board–PROMPERÚ–has announced the participation of the SUPER FOODS PERU brand in one of the most important specialized fairs in North America and the world, the Fresh Summit PMA 2017, where Peruvian companies will showcase the best of their exportable offer.
80 companies, grouped in different foreign trade segments, will be part of this important convention, where Peru will be participating for the twelfth time. The Peruvian delegation of 150 entrepreneurs will exhibit a great variety of Peruvian products in an interactive and friendly way, reaffirming Peru as a nutritious and healthy foods world pantry.
Over 20,000 fairgoers will have the chance to enjoy a variety of Peruvian agricultural crops of the highest quality such as blueberries, grapes, asparagus, mangoes, avocados, mandarins and pomegranates.
PROMPERÚ’s mission is to promote Peru’s image, tourism and exportable offer at an international level. “We bring the best of Peru to the world,” explained Luis Torres Paz, Director of Export for PROMPERÚ. He added that the North American market is one of the main destinations for fresh Peruvian products exports. Since 2016, this market has experienced a 13% growth. “Our participation in this kind of event is crucial for the strengthening and continuous growth of this market, which is why we have four Commercial Offices (OCEX) operating in the United States,” said Torres.
This will mark SUPER FOODS PERU first participation in this important convention+expo. The brand will highlight the health and nutritional attributes of the showcased exportable offer, products rich in vitamins and antioxidants, including not only vegetables and grains such as quinoa, but also cranberries, avocados, asparagus, artichokes, pomegranates and grapes, among others. All with great growth potential in the international market.
The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) welcomes visitors from over 60 countries to the Fresh Summit Convention and Expo. In addition to visiting the different exhibitors stands, attendees can enjoy delicious culinary tastings.
For more information on SUPER FOODS PERU and its participation in the Fresh Summit PMA 2017, visit peru.info/en-us/superfoods.
NASHVILLE, TN - Always on the leading edge of innovation, top marketing and communications executives from Ready Pac Foods are heading to the exclusive, invitation-only Brand Partnership Forum in Nashville, TN this week. The company, notorious for its original Bistro Bowl® complete meal salad, will be represented by Alan Hilowitz, Director, Corporate Communications, and Priscila Stanton, Director, Marketing at the event.
Brand Partnership Forum brings more than 150 top decision makers in retail, advertising, and entertainment together to focus on the insights, trends, and partnership marketing tactics that are driving the marketing community to new heights, according to a media alert.
Alan Hilowitz and Priscila Stanton will present on October 20th at 10:30 a.m. Central Time, and cover a variety of topics including:
- Ready Pac Foods history and acquisition by multinational vegetable company Bonduelle.
- Current position as the leader in fresh prepared meal solutions.
- Overview of the fresh prepared meal solutions industry and consumer research data.
- Current marketing strategies and consumer engagement programs.
Dedicated to giving consumers the freedom to eat healthier for nearly 50 years, Ready Pac Foods has been at the forefront of innovation with one of the first pre-packaged salad blends on the U.S. market, the invention of the modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf-life, and the triple wash process for all of its greens.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring you the latest in fresh produce innovation.
NEW YORK, NY – Fans of Top Chef and foodies everywhere are in for a treat this week as Plated, the meal kit service for people who love food, kicks off its Tastemakers: Collaborations for a Life Well Fed series with Top Chef judge, food writer, and culinary expert Gail Simmons. The new series will feature like-minded, food-loving people and brands across Plated menus, events, and digital channels several times a year.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Gail is the first Tastemaker in our exciting new series” said Elana Karp, Plated Culinary Co-Founder and Head Chef, in a press release. "She shares our love of food and our passion for helping people create amazing culinary experiences–with inspiration from around the globe! Her debut cookbook is filled with delicious, inspired recipes, and we’re delighted that our customers will get the chance to cook one, Plated-style.”
Plated will open the series with Gail's personal and tasty Za’atar Chicken Schnitzel with Israeli Salad recipe from her first cookbook Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating, which debuts next week. Plated is also releasing an interview and behind-the-scenes video on Plated’s content site Morsel, a hosted cooking demo with Gail from Plated Test Kitchen on Facebook Live, and more.
“Partnering with Plated to bring a recipe from my new cookbook to life has been a dream come true,” Gail said. “My Za’atar Chicken Schnitzel with Israeli Salad is a very personal recipe and I am beyond excited to know that, thanks to Plated, so many devoted and enthusiastic cooks can easily order everything needed, at the click of a button, to make it for themselves at home.”
Sharing her best recipes and food experiences she’s gathered from her Top Chef culinary adventures with the world’s most notable chefs and her personal travels exploring global flavors, Gail’s cookbook is centered around the question: “How can I bring this dish home to my own kitchen?” Her goal is to make tasty recipes using accessible ingredients and smart, simple cooking techniques for successful family meals and easy entertaining.
You can check out Gail’s recipe for Plated on plated.com/menus, which will also be available for delivery for four weeks beginning November 12. For more about Gail, including the story behind her recipe, visit plated.com/morsel.
For more exciting industry updates, be sure to stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
YAKIMA, WA - Apple harvest is here, and just in time for the Autumn Glory® annual debut at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit. As the highlighted variety for Domex Superfresh Growers®, this apple continues to shine throughout the harvest season.
To highlight Autumn Glory’s culinary usage, Superfresh will have Instagram chef, influencer, and recipe builder Christi Lazar of BizaarLazarr at its PMA Fresh Summit booth to create two dishes: Autumn Glory Apple Pad Thai Salad and Autumn Glory Apple Ham and Cheese Stack.
“Autumn Glory apples are spiralized and represent the ‘noodle base’ with a sweet and savory Pad Thai blend of vegetables and dressing. We wanted to create something 100% produce-based,” said Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Communications Manager, in a recent press release.
The new Pad Thai recipe is a top ten finalist in the PMA Sensory Experience Contest, which will be held today. Superfresh Growers is produce-focused for consumers, as can be seen in its finalist recipe.
Samples of the Pad Thai recipe will be available at the Fresh Ideas in Action Reception at booth #753 today, October 19th at 4 p.m., where Chef Lazar will be there to discuss the recipe and talk passion with those in attendance. However, if you miss Thursday’s Reception, there will be a sampling of Chef Lazar’s second recipe, the Autumn Glory Apple Ham and Cheese Stack, on Saturday at the Superfresh Growers booth.
The company said that these recipes will come in handy as demand for Autumn Glory apples rises. Harvest begins mid-October, with availability of Autumn Glory apples from November through April. Buyers and consumers should be aware that this variety has been known to sell out quickly.
“We watched Autumn Glory demand grow dramatically, selling out two months earlier than planned. We are doubling our crop and expect to reach more consumers for a longer period of time,” said Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing, in the same release.
Word of Autumn Glory’s unique and delicious taste was spread throughout the blogosphere and online portals, ultimately reaching forty-five million consumers. Autumn Glory has kept up with the increased interest and attraction to social media.
“We live in an era where everyone wants the next thing to share, whether it is to bring it to the next party, or share on Instagram. Consumers are looking for a new food experience that delivers on flavor and appearance to share, and Autumn Glory does just that,” said Gipe-Stewart.
With smaller than usual sized apples, bulk promotions will be of interest to retailers.
“This will be a great year for bag promotions due to size. Autumn Glory pouch bags are a key part of our marketing program, and we have seen exponential growth in pouch bag sales, especially in the past few years,” said Preacher.
Perhaps bulk sales mean more Pad Thais and unique recipes in our future. If so, AndNowUKnow will be the first to notify you.
SALINAS, CA - Capitalizing on fresh food trends and the advent of innovative plant-based alternatives, Taylor Farms announced today the introduction of zucchini and yellow squash vegetable noodles as new foodservice product offerings.
“As we continue to see an increase in consumers transitioning vegetables from the side to the center of their plates, we realized the importance in creating entrée options with veggies in mind,” said Tanya Mason, Vice President, Marketing and New Product Development, Taylor Farms Foodservice, according to a press release. “Spiralized zucchini and yellow squash are wonderful additions to any low-calorie, low sodium, vegan, or gluten-free menus. Our veggie noodles, which can be served hot or cold, are quick to prepare, on-trend, and a healthy alternative to a traditional pasta option that can be high-calorie and high-carbohydrate.”
Available now, Taylor Farms Foodservice customers can use these low-carb, pre-cut vegetable noodles for dishes on their menus. This new line of products gives more options to health-conscious consumers looking for a lighter base for their meals when they eat out.
These new spiralized veggie noodles come individually packaged in a 2/3 lb tray format. Taylor Farms’ unique tray technology and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) allows for national distribution capabilities with a 14-day shelf-life.
Taylor Farms Foodservice was founded in 1994. Today the Foodservice segment serves high quality products to broadline distributors, institutions, quick service restaurants, and casual dining, including but not limited to restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other catering formats. The Taylor Farms Foodservice team said it is passionate about its customers and building relationships to ensure a successful long-term partnership.
Visit the team at PMA Fresh Summit booths #745 and #1045.