ORLANDO, FL - Produce professionals settling into Orlando enjoyed a celebration of leadership today. Industry trailblazers Joe Pezzini, President and CEO of Ocean Mist Farms in Castroville, California; and Dave Corsi, Vice President of Produce & Floral for Rochester-based Wegmans, were both honored with leadership awards at the PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo’s first Forum for the Future on October 18th. These awards were given to those who demonstrate exceptional volunteer commitment to PMA and to the fresh produce and floral industry, as well as to those that stand out for their collaborative leadership.
“These two gentlemen are always willing to bring to the table their talent, resources, and, most importantly, their time to move our association and industry forward,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns. “Without a doubt, the global fresh produce and floral industry is stronger because they are part of this community, and their ideas and insights have helped move PMA closer toward fulfilling its vison of building a healthier world.”
Pezzini won the Robert L. Carey Leadership Award because of his mutual respect and appreciation of everyone he meets, according to a press release, and these virtues are what make him admirable. Retired President and CEO of Castellini Group in Newport, Kentucky, Bill Schuler also expressed Pezzini’s strong record of volunteer service with PMA and other industry organizations. Pezzini served on PMA’s Board of Directors and Co-Chairs for PMA’s Science and Technology Committee.
“This year’s recipient has been fearless in meeting industry challenges head on — most notably, issues of food safety,” said Schuler. “He is always a thoughtful and strategic person when sharing his thoughts on a subject and always considers the good of the entire industry.” Schuler, the 2017 Carey award recipient, presented Pezzini with this year’s award.
Pezzini was thrilled to receive the award that honored his commitment to the industry in many ways. The Robert L. Carey Leadership Award was established in 2012 to honor former PMA President Robert. L. Carey, who led PMA’s charge from 1958 to 1996. He transformed the organization from one with 100 members and a narrowed focus on produce packaging to one that includes thousands of dynamic and lively members from all corners of the industry. By orchestrating the connection between buyers and suppliers, PMA has become a powerhouse, and this award celebrates that. This year’s winner, Pezzini is recognized for his work in the same vein as Carey’s.
“It is an honor to be recognized by PMA as this year’s Robert L. Carey Leadership Award recipient,” said Pezzini. “I have been fortunate to be able to serve PMA and the industry in various leadership capacities over the years. I am grateful and proud to follow in the footsteps of Bob Carey and the previous award winners to serve the produce industry.”
Corsi received the Bryan E. Silbermann Collaboration Award because of his spirited cooperation, leadership, and dedication to the industry. This is the second year that this award has been given out, so Corsi succeeds Tim York—President of Salinas, California-based Markon—who was the first recipient last year.
“Our awardee doesn’t hesitate to get involved in industry issues, either chairing a project or working behind the scenes to make things happen,” said York, when teasing out Corsi’s identity to the audience. “With a wide reputation for working across the supply chain, it’s no surprise to hear a colleague describe this year’s recipient as ‘a consensus builder with a special talent for achieving collaboration among diverse industry representatives.’”
Corsi’s volunteer experience spans throughout the industry and includes his roles as Chair of PMA’s Board of Directors and as a Board Member of the Center for Growing Talent. He has also been on committees and task forces for PMA and Center for Growing Talent, and Corsi currently serves as the Chair for Center for Produce Safety’s Board of Directors, proving his dedication to advancing food safety. Corsi used his time to shine as an opportunity to put the Center for Produce Safety’s efforts at the forefront of discussion and to support its efforts with future collaborations.
“I am honored, humbled, and, quite frankly, blown away in being recognized for this award,” said Corsi, who credited his mentors and company’s Founder for his collaborative style. “When you become a volunteer leader, taking quality time away from other areas of your life, sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone, you do all this in order to make a difference. Robert Wegman created our culture of taking care of our people first through respect, care and listening. If you don’t have those values, how do you collaborate?”
A presentation was given to offer congratulations from Bryan E. Silbermann, who was not able to attend the ceremony. The namesake award was established in 2016 to recognize Silbermann’s 30-year career at PMA and 20 years as President. The award celebrates collaborative leadership to unite industry members or organizations, even those outside the awarded professional’s own organization, to create mutually beneficial solutions for the industry as a whole.
Congratulations to both Joe Pezzini and Dave Corsi! Happy Show-Going, friends!
ORLANDO, FL - Litehouse, Inc., a 100 percent employee-owned company and the No. 1 Refrigerated Salad Dressing (RSD) brand in the U.S. and Canada, will showcase its latest product innovations at Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit. These new products include Litehouse Snack Packs, Organic Spoonable dressing and Pumpkin Spice Caramel, as well as refreshed branding and packaging for Freeze Dried Herbs, Caramel Dips and Litehouse Simply Artisan cheese. During the past two years, Litehouse has made strategic investments in its manufacturing facilities and increased production capabilities to support overall business growth and product innovations like Litehouse Snack Packs.
Innovation and Convenience: Snack Packs and Organic Spoonable Dressings
According to a 2018 IRI Snacking Study, consumers snack more than twice per day on average, and 56 percent of consumers want convenient, portion-sized snacks. Introducing: Litehouse Snack Packs. The single-serve, 1.5 oz. snack-size portion cups are available in two classically-delicious and top-selling Litehouse dressing flavors: Homestyle Ranch and Blue Cheese. The versatile snack pack format provides portion control and great taste in a convenient package – perfect for lunches or snacking on the go.
Unlike many competing products on the market, Litehouse Snack Packs do not contain artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, and are made without high fructose corn syrup or added MSG. Available in a six-pack of 1.5 oz. cups, Litehouse Snack Packs can be found in the refrigerated produce department at grocery retailers nationwide for an SRP of $3.99-$4.49.
Litehouse Organic Spoonable dressings are a new take on the company’s classic, creamy dressing flavors and will help make organic even more accessible for consumers across the country. Unlike many organic dressing options, which are thinner, vinaigrette-style dressings, Litehouse developed more traditional, thick and creamy options – just like those found in its core dressing line – but organic! Litehouse Organic Spoonable dressings are Certified USDA Organic, Certified Gluten Free and non-GMO, and are available in an 11-ounce glass jar in four classically-delicious and top-selling flavors: Ranch, Blue Cheese, Caesar and Coleslaw.
Increased Consumer Demand Spurs Company Growth
As demand for Litehouse products continues to increase across the retail, foodservice, club and value added channels, the company is continuing its strategic investment in equipment and facilities. In September, Litehouse completed an expansion to its Hurricane, Utah manufacturing facility, which added over 175,000 sq. ft. to the existing facility, tripling the overall square footage. This added space allows for a significant increase in production capacity to support the company’s phenomenal growth. The Hurricane, Utah expansion is in addition to the expansion Litehouse completed at its Sandpoint, Idaho-based manufacturing facility at the end of 2017, which added 26,000 sq. ft. of additional space.
PMA Fresh Summit attendees can visit booth 643 to see the latest Litehouse product innovations and expanded packaging refresh. For more information, visit www.litehousefoods.com.
VERO BEACH, FL - Greenyard USA/ Seald Sweet announces a new label design for this upcoming Florida Citrus season, using historic vintage labels. “We are creating a collage utilizing old Florida vintage style labels to celebrate our 110th year anniversary and to embrace our history” says Mayda Sotomayor, CEO of Greenyard US/Seald Sweet. These designs revive the old ‘crate labels’ used more than half a century ago, when citrus was shipped all over the country in wooden crates. This retro-design brings back to life Seald Sweet’s original labels used in the 50’s, depicting their beautifully illustrated designs from the past.
Mayda Sotomayor stated that “The retro-labels for oranges and tangerines reflect the heritage of Florida citrus, which was our beginning. Although Seald Sweet now sells a wide variety of produce from around the world, we want to remember and show-case that Seald Sweet was born in Florida, as a Citrus grower cooperative, more than a century ago”.
These limited edition labels were created for Florida oranges and tangerines, including the “Fresh from Florida” Logo. This Logo associates the members' products with Florida agriculture’s worldwide image of excellence, which has been carefully cultivated and promoted by the Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign (FAPC) program since its beginnings in 1990.
As part of our winter domestic citrus program, the new packaging is available now through January. An ‘old-new’ look for fresh fruit!
TORONTO, CANADA - HelloFresh and Chefs Plate have entered into an agreement to combine their Canadian businesses. HelloFresh will acquire all shares of Chefs Plate. Together, the two companies will have targeted revenues of about CAN $200 million (U.S. $153 million). As part of the global HelloFresh group, meaningful synergies and an economy of scale will allow Chefs Plate to further enhance its brand positioning and accelerate growth, the companies noted in a press release.
"We are proud to join forces with the leading global meal kit company HelloFresh," said Jamie Shea, Co-Founder & CEO of Chefs Plate. “Since our launch in 2014, we have pioneered the meal kit market following our clear mission to create meaningful human connections through food. Now, we have the unique opportunity to further accelerate our plans and create an offering that attracts even more customers. We are more than delighted to have found a partner in HelloFresh that shares our passion for food and quality at all levels. The partnership will allow us to leverage the strength of the most successful global player in the market and at the same time continue to build a sustainable Canadian food system and support the community around us."
The press release noted that Canadian customers will benefit from two strong brands serving distinct meal kits for every need. Based on the complementary customer bases and leading positions at different pricing points, HelloFresh and Chefs Plate plan to strengthen both brands along distinct offerings for its Canadian consumers. By leveraging synergies across marketing, sourcing, and operating expenses both brands gain significant means to further accelerate the individual brand strategies and to expand the joint market leadership.
"The integration of Chefs Plate is a big leap for our ambitious plans for the Canadian market. Together, we are not only the largest player, but we also create a superior offering. In the future, we can serve the widest range of individual consumer needs with two strong brands," said Ian Brooks, CEO of HelloFresh Canada. "We are more than happy to have the talented Chefs Plate team on board and are looking forward to working together on many exciting projects."
For the latest in acquisitions, meal kit companies, and more, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
THERMAL, CA - North Shore Living® Herbs + Greens to debut new packaging innovation this week at PMA Fresh Summit in Orlando, FL.
Chris Wada, Marketing Manager said, “Put simply, the products we grow, pack, and ship are truly unique because everything we deliver is quite literally still living with the roots connected for freshness. This means any changes—to packaging, for example—challenge us to create something entirely new. We believe this patent-pending Root Lock Technology helps illustrate that what we do is 100% rooted in providing every customer the freshest herbs and microgreens.”
For context, North Shore Living® Herbs + Greens are grown in an organic growing medium, similar to peat moss, creating a “root ball” that locks in the herbs’ freshness. Since the late 90’s, they have spent years refining their 10+ acres of proprietary hydroponic greenhouse systems to achieve 3x longer shelf life than cut herbs.
Chris comments, “While being original is important to us, listening to customer feedback is critical to any future success we hope to achieve. That is why we are quite pleased that this latest packaging innovation – developed exclusively for our clamshell line of fresh herbs, checks both of those boxes.”
As the company behind The Original Living Herbs®, they find satisfaction from inventing customer-centric solutions. That’s why this year at PMA Fresh Summit they are excited to add the all new Root Lock™ Technology to their existing clamshell line of Mini Greenhouse™ packaging.
Benefits of Root Lock™
- Eliminates potential for loose debris in package
- Separate compartments for plant and roots
- Enclosed roots are held secure in-transit
- Limits damage during shipping by air or truck
- Root compartment doubles as watering cavity
- Convenient solution for consumers
- Improved merchandising for retailers
- All plants are perfectly positioned to highlight the roots
The new patent-pending clamshell design will be applied to all 3 of their clamshell sizes currently offered, starting with the regular clamshell towards the end of next month. For existing customers, there are no changes required, the new packaging fits in all existing merchandising displays.
To learn more, check it out in the New Product Showcase or visit them at PMA booth 4163 (where they are handing out ice cream popsicles made with their living herbs and drizzled with dark chocolate).
OXNARD, CA - Something big happened to me this year: I turned 30! This huge milestone was one I was so excited to reach, but Mission Produce has got me beat. The avocado distributor is ringing in its 35th year of providing the pretty green fruit by announcing its 35 Years of Innovation intiative at PMA Fresh Summit. There, the company will highlight its ingenuity over the years and showcase what’s ahead, as Mission Produce continues to carve out its path and lead the industry in exciting new ways.
“For the past 35 years, we have been risk-takers,” noted Steve Barnard, President and CEO. “This avocado revolution is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we do not plan on slowing down anytime soon. It’s only half-time.”
The long list of accomplishments is a mile long, but one of note is the company’s position as a pioneer for the nationwide U.S. avocado ripening program. This initiative was the first to commercially import avocados from Chile, and the first to open an avocado ripening and distribution center in China, according to a press release.
“Mission simply pays attention and seizes opportunities,” said Jim Donovan, Senior VP of Global Sourcing. “We will continue to capitalize on being the most innovative and quality-centric avocado handler in the world.”
Innovation is a core value for Mission Produce. The company attributes success to this foundational characteristic, as it operated in nine countries and owns eleven ripening facilities in North America, Europe, and China. Team members and partners who have helped put Mission Produce at the forefront of innovation are one of the many ways the company is thankful.
“Although we have grown tremendously in the last 35 years, our core values remain the same. Our employees abide by the acronym FIRST, which stands for fun, innovative, reliable, successful, and trustworthy. We will continue building this business by investing in relationships, living by the motto ‘work hard, play hard,’ and showing our partners our devotion for success. We are looking forward to connecting with everyone at PMA and celebrating this momentous occasion,” said Ross Wileman, Senior VP of Strategic Initiatives.
So, it's settled: 35 Years of Innovation is the theme of my birthday party in five more years' time because, as Mission knows and has tapped into, everyone likes to celebrate fabulous achievements.
Congratulations on this milestone, Mission Produce. We look forward to seeing what creativity you bring to the industry’s table moving forward!
CORAL GABLES, FL - We are less than a week away from PMA Fresh Summit and suffice it to say, the industry is practically humming with excitement. One such company excited to show off its products and programs is Del Monte Fresh Produce. I caught up with Dionysios Christou, Vice President of Marketing, to find out what the company will be showcasing.
“This will be our first PMA since the acquisition of Mann Packing Co., Inc. earlier this year, so we are focused on showcasing how we are a leading supplier of both fresh fruit and vegetables,” Dionysios begins. “Del Monte Fresh Produce’s goal is to offer wholesome and convenient, fresh and valued-added fruit and vegetable products to consumers whenever and wherever they are making food choices. Bringing Mann Packing into the Del Monte Fresh Produce family puts us in the ideal position to meet the needs of today’s consumers.”
These consumers, Dionysios explains to me, are the driving force behind Del Monte’s products.
“Consumers are seeking out convenient ways to add more fruit and vegetables to their diet and Del Monte Fresh Produce is ideally positioned to deliver products that meet this demand,” he shares with me. “We’re constantly looking for ways to bring new and convenient products to market that encourage consumers to eat more wholesome foods. For example, we’ll be showcasing our new Honeyglow™ Pineapple at the event this year. This new product has high shell color that entices consumers to think again about a familiar favorite.”
For those attending this year’s Fresh Summit, Dionysios wants you to know that the company is committed to bringing market innovations that help consumers make healthier food choices—which is only one of the reasons you should stop by booth #2901 to say hello.
“With over 125 years in the produce business, some delegates might think they know Del Monte, but there are always lots of exciting new products and developments in an innovative business like ours,” Dionysios tells me. “From bringing Mann Packing into the family and our Go Bananas consumer promotion, to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and our recently announced partnership with Rene Produce LLC. Delegates should stop by our booth to find out more.”
If all of those reasons didn’t entice you, Dionysios shares with me that Del Monte will be launching a fun consumer holiday promotion in November—details which will be revealed at its booth. Be sure to stop by and see for yourself!
LAKE ELSINORE, CA - The produce industry is a wearer of multiple hats and a group that has a never-ending knack for new skills. Prometo Produce, an importer of avocados, blackberries, and, now, blueberries, is but one example of why the produce industry is known for excellence, and one that’s leading the charge of keeping our industry up-to-date and in every nook and cranny around the world.
I spoke with Edward Guerra, Account Manager, to learn more about Prometo Produce's newest program and why its booth should be PMA show-goers number-one stop this weekend.
“Prometo Produce tripled sales in blackberries last season compared to the previous one. With the growing demand we received from our customers, we decided to start importing blueberries as well,” Edward tells me. “We received our first blueberry shipment last month, and we are expecting to continue until March.”
Available from September to March, Prometo Produce’s blueberries are delivered to the company’s customers in top-notch quality and 12 oz clamshells. While Mexico experienced quite a bit of rain this year, blueberries were not notably affected. Edward also notes that blueberries are in high demand at the moment—one of the key reasons why Prometo is excited for this season and the ones to come.
“Our mission is to be different in how we adhere to quality, customer service, and how we treat our employees. We set our quality standards very high since we hand pick every blueberry from the field. While we do not have high volume yet, we are slowly easing into yielding higher volume as we continue to expand our berry program,” Edward says.
With operations expanding across all programs—the company also offers blackberries from September to May and avocados year-round—Prometo is currently honing in on the North American market, while also meeting the international needs of its newest partner: one of China’s leading grocers, Alibaba.
“We have so much to share at this year’s PMA. We are excited to be exhibiting again this year at one of the biggest trade shows in the industry. We expect to meet with all of our customers and welcome all potential business partners. We hope to not only sell well but build the crucial foundations of relationships,” Edward reveals.
To learn more about Prometo Produce and its growing blueberry, blackberry, and avocado programs, stop by booth #408 at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit.
YAKIMA, WA - When I say the team at Sage Fruit is busy, I mean busy. Between the end of cherry season, rolling right into apple season, and then a greatly expanding stonefruit season, this company has a very full plate—one its sharing with consumers everywhere.
“With PMA Fresh Summit a few days away, we really want to make sure attendees know just how fast we are growing as a company,” Chuck Sinks, President, Sales and Marketing, tells me. “Last year, we had a little over 100 thousand cartons of stonefruit. This year, we’ll have well over one million. And in 2019, with the introduction of organic peaches and nectarines into our portfolio, we anticipate even more growth to come.”
With a hot August putting an end to a high-quality cherry season at the front end of the month and apple season rolling right up in its place, Sage Fruit is also expanding in the form of new packaging for its most popular treefruit varieties. At the company’s booth #927, Chuck will help debut a new 5 lb pouch bag that will capitalize on the 2018-2019 season’s large apple sizes.
“Pouch bags are becoming more popular in the produce department as they make the produce stand upright for a cleaner display,” Chuck explains. “We will be offering this bag for popular varieties like Gala, Granny Smith, and Fuji, but will also provide a generic bag that retailers can use for any other variety they would like to offer. The new 5 lb bag is an excellent way to merchandise the larger-sized fruit we’ve been growing this season.
Also new on the apple front this year is a new variety available to its retail partners: Smitten®. Sage Fruit partnered with Honey Bear Tree Fruit to provide the unique apple—a cross pollination of Gala, Braeburn, Fiesta, and Falstaff. To celebrate the new variety, the company is promoting its own Smitten contest that offers a chance to win a Sample Case of Smitten Apples and a $100 Amazon Gift Card.
Organics, as Chuck mentioned are perhaps Sage Fruit’s most pressing area of growth in the coming seasons. Organic peaches; nectarines; Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples; and pears are all on the agenda.
“All these areas of growth point to one main goal for Sage Fruit: to become a one stop shop supplier,” Chuck surmises. “Over the last four years, our team has worked hard to have a strategic plan and to keep growing our organic and apple programs.”
Want to see the fruits of Sage Fruit’s labor for yourself? Visit Chuck and the team at PMA Fresh Summit booth #927 and sink your teeth into all of it.
ORLANDO, FL - Riding the crest of the fresh trend, Sunkist has announced plans to continue meeting crazy consumer demand; the citrus provider announced its readiness to service customers and end consumers with more than 40 varieties of fresh quality citrus for the new season, along with innovative ideas, new packaging, merchandising displays, and promotional programs to drive citrus sales.
“Specialty citrus is about education and experience for consumers,” said Director of Retail Marketing Julie DeWolf, in a press release. “Sunkist has a wide array of retail marketing programs, including sampling, digital coupons, high-graphic secondary display bins and in-store point-of-sale materials that highlight flavor profiles, nutritional benefits, and recipes to build awareness, drive trial, and increase sales.”
The company noted that growth continues in a number of specialty varieties such as sweet, seedless, and low-acidity Cara Cara navels and savory, rich blood oranges. And once consumers taste these varieties, the company notes, research suggests that consumers become abiding fans of these unique flavor profiles and come back for more.
Sunkist offers lemons, limes, and grapefruit year-round and also offers a number of seasonal specialty varieties, including: sweet-tart pummelos; Texas Rio Star, Florida, Sweetie, and Melo Gold grapefruit; and sweet, easy-peel Satsuma mandarins. Specialty lemons are growing in demand, the company noted, along with the category, creating opportunities for seedless, pink variegated Zebra™ lemons, and Meyer lemons.
Sunkist Delite™ mandarins are set to begin shipping in early November—with higher volumes than last year’s inaugural season. Delite mandarins boast a sweet taste, seedless flesh, and easy-to-peel rind—and are sure to serve as a “must-have” driver of sales for retailers looking to capitalize on the mandarin category’s unprecedented growth.
Throughout winter and spring, several additional varieties will be available such as minneola tangelos, royal and gold nugget variety mandarins, and Fairchild and Ojai pixie tangerines.
The company also offers a range of organic citrus in promotable volumes.
The company is also promoting its California grown navel oranges—a sweet, juicy, seedless variety that’s an excellent source of vitamin C. Perfect for a healthy and a versatile ingredient for seasonal and everyday recipes, navels will feature in Sunkist’s 2019 limited edition “Year of the Pig” 10-pound gift carton—with a special-themed marketing element specifically geared towards the Lunar New Year celebration.
Retailers can also boost sales using Sunkist’s secondary display options to promote citrus outside the produce section in departments such as seafood and liquor.
Interested parties can stop by Sunkist’s “We Are Citrus™” booth—#2443—to learn more about the company’s offerings and its comprehensive selection of marketing support—including customizable promotional and merchandising programs that can be tailored to unique needs.