PHARR, TX – As 2017 PMA Fresh Summit fast approaches, buyers and suppliers alike are turning their focus to new offerings, new packaging, and new and innovative ways to serve their customers. One such company is London Fruit; a premier provider of limes, avocados, and mangos from Mexico is taking to Fresh Summit with some trade secrets in tow.
I recently had the opportunity to pry Project Manager Kalani Jaime and Cindy Swanberg Schwing, Sr. Marketing / Business Development, for information.
“Presently, we do 1-lb and 2-lb bag limes, and we also do some multi-size count mesh bags for avocados, and this year we’re going to introduce a little something else. I’m not going to tell you what it is,” Kalani jokes. “I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag—we’re not telling our secrets just yet—but we want people to be aware, to come by and see us, and we want to show our new offerings to our customers, our prospects, and our friends.”
Try as I might, this cagey produce veteran would not give up the goods. So, I changed my tack, and asked what London Fruit’s focus will be at PMA Fresh Summit.
“One of the things we want to emphasize at this year’s PMA is our packaging—our value-added packaging and custom packaging. If we have customers that require or ask about different setups—clamshells or bags or specialty boxes, for example—we have that ability, and that is something that we’re going to be showcasing this year at PMA,” Kalani says.
London Fruit is seeking to provide even more options to its customers and offer retail solutions to meet any number of needs, Kalani and Cindy tell me. As a company that has always been on the cutting edge, providing its customers with whatever they need, London Fruit isn’t afraid of adapting and taking on new challenges and stepping outside the company’s comfort zone.
“We’re fearless,” Cindy tells me. “In keeping with the theme of PMA’s convention, ‘Let’s Grow Together,’ we wanted to jump on board with that and emphasize how we want to grow with our customers in the same way. I think that as things change with trends and preferences in the trade, it’s nice that we’re a smaller company that is nimble and able to accommodate our customers with options like custom packaging.”
With year-round supplies of limes and avocados, the former from Veracruz and Oaxaca and the latter from Michoacán, and mangos available in season from up and down the coast of Mexico, London Fruit is primed to meet demand for premium-quality value-added fruit.
The company encourages industry members to stop by and visit the team at booth #1753 at this years PMA Fresh Summit. The team will include Jerry Garcia Sr., VP and Sales Manager, who coined the phrase “at London we do things right.” The company certainly guards its secrets well, so stop by and see what’s new.
For more on all things produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL – Produce for Kids was recently recognized by both Feeding America for philanthropic efforts and by popular blog ranking site, Feedspot, for providing online blog content that is helping create a healthier generation. Through in-store and online programs over the last 15 years, Produce for Kids has donated more than $6 million to charities like Feeding America that benefit families and children who struggle with hunger. In addition, the Produce for Kids website provides healthy recipes, tips and more to help busy families live healthier lives.
Feeding America’s recognition as a Mission Partner is based on the substantial philanthropic investments Produce for Kids made in 2016 and 2017. Produce for Kids’ programs have provided more than 7 million meals* to families in need through Feeding America and expects to provide 5.5 million meals over the next two years.
In addition to the Feeding America recognition, Feedspot, a website that houses and ranks blogs and websites in multiple categories, recognized the Produce for Kids blog as a Top 100 Kids Food Blog. Produce for Kids is listed along with Mom to Mom Nutrition, the blog owned by Katie Serbinski, the official registered dietitian at Produce for Kids.
“Produce for Kids was founded on the idea of giving back. Being recognized as a Mission Partner by Feeding America is truly a big deal for us,” said Trish James, vice president, Produce for Kids. “We strive to continue to give back with every program we develop, but also remain in tune with our family audience by providing relevant online content to encourage the consumption of produce. Seeing the Produce for Kids name in the Top 100 Kids Food Blogs confirms our efforts are working.”
With the success of the all-digital Power Your Lunchbox program over the first three years, Produce for Kids added a second activation in 2017 to re-inspire families heading back to school after the holiday season. This year, more than 533,000 meals* were donated to families in need from a record-breaking 2017 Power Your Lunchbox digital program. The 2017 back-to-school program, which ran Aug. 7 to Sept. 22, 2017, alone saw 200 million impressions with 66.5 million impressions from the #PowerYourLunchbox social media hashtag. Across the U.S. and Canada, 27,072 families took the pledge, including 67 classrooms.
Partner produce companies supporting the 2017 Power Your Lunchbox digital program included: Avocados From Mexico, Bee Sweet Citrus, Crispy Green®, Earthbound Farm®, Eat Smart®, Marie’s ®, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, The World of Eric Carle®, GROW Bananas by Organics Unlimited, NatureFresh™ Farms, Pero Family Farms®, Sun World®, Vegy Vida® Dips ‘n More, Wish Farms Strawberries and Zespri® Kiwifruit.
“Our Power Your Lunchbox movement continues to grow year over year as we evolve the digital program along with our family audience,” continued James. “We are able to continue to provide relevant recipes and content for these busy time periods for families by recognizing that families are diverse and the bulk of time spent in the kitchen is not just on moms.”
Power Your Lunchbox will relaunch in January to re-inspire families to eat a healthier lunch in the New Year.
HOUSTON, TX - Broadening its market reach in what many might call paradise Sysco Corporation announced yesterday that it has agreed to acquire Hawaii-based broadline distributor HFM FoodService.
“HFM has been providing quality service to Hawaii and Guam for over 50 years, and we are excited to welcome them to the Sysco family of companies,” said Tom Bené, Sysco’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “A key pillar of Sysco’s strategy for continued growth and value creation is the continuous assessment of new market opportunities. Acquiring HFM provides Sysco with direct access to the growing Hawaiian market and is in clear alignment with our strategy for disciplined, profitable growth of the business.”
HFM FoodService was founded as a flour mill in 1964, according to a press release, and has since grown into one of the largest foodservice distributors in the state of Hawaii with approximately $290 million in annual sales.
“By leveraging the combined skills of Sysco and HFM, we are better positioned to serve our customers,” Bené continued. “This partnership provides an opportunity to broaden our vision to be our customers’ most valued and trusted business partner.”
Sysco said that it expects to retain the executive leadership team of HFM, as well as all current associates.
For the latest strides in growth for both foodservice and retail influencers, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
KINGSVILLE, ON - After success at last year’s PMA Fresh Summit and Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention & Trade Show, Mucci Farms announced full scale production of the Award-Winning Veggies To GoTM ‘on-the-go snacks for kids.’
“After several months of market research, in-store demos, as well as engaging with current and potential retail partners to develop the innovative EZ Snap packaging, we are ready for full production,” said Danny Mucci, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are confident that Veggies To Go will have a big impact on our industry as the snacking category continues to make big gains in the marketplace.”
Veggies To Go is a 9-ounce pack divided into 3-ounce compartments with “EZ Snap” packaging, allowing each compartment to be “snapped” off. This package is a mix of Mucci Farms Sun DropsTM or Sun BlissTM Grape Tomatoes, CuteCumbersTM and Sweet To The PointTM pointed mini peppers. A club pack version is also available as a 3-tier 27-ounce package.
“Not only is this a convenient package for the consumer, it’s also fully customizable for our retail partners based on their target demographics,” explains Joe Spano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We’ve got 4 great commodities, and our retail partners have the option to choose any combination of them to create their own version of the Veggies To Go package.”
Mucci Farms Veggies To Go was a finalist for a PMA Impact Award at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Conference & Expo in 2016. In addition, Veggies to Go won the “Freggie Approved” Award at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention & Trade Show recognizing the best kid-centric product and package. This year, Mucci Farms is looking forward to working with their “Partners in Produce” to make Veggies To Go a household name across North America.
The Mucci Team will be handing out free samples of Veggies To Go at the PMA’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in New Orleans at the Registration Desk and the 5K Race for Talent. Committed to promoting healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, Mucci Farms is giving attendees a chance to win a Fit Bit Charge 2! The ANUK team will definitely be stopping by booth #5229 for details, so see you there!
SANTA PAULA, CA – Everyone knows that lemons are a key recipe ingredient but….
Many people don’t know that each specialty lemon variety has a unique flavor profile that pairs with certain foods and beverages to create winning taste combinations.
Limoneira conducted a recent test market in a Southern California supermarket chain and learned that consumers were not familiar with specialty lemons. In the test, three lemon varieties – Meyers, Pinks, and Classics–were displayed side-by-side with signs highlighting flavor differences and recipe possibilities. The test was very successful and demonstrated that specialty lemons sales volumes increased from 20% to 40% of lemon sales, total lemon sales increased by 105% with no cannibalization, and cross promotional item sales increased by 150%.
With busy produce aisles full of shoppers looking for last-minute ingredients and party necessities, it’s easy to fall back on ho-hum holiday recipes. But this season, Limoneira is using learning from its test market to create something new. Limoneira plans to help retailers sweeten their lemon varieties and zest up produce category sales with its “Pairing Perfection for the Holidays” marketing campaign.
Difficult to grow and in limited supply, Meyer lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin, and are a favorite amongst chefs for their slightly sweet, delicate flavor.
For the November, December, and January months, Limoneira is offering retailers special Meyer lemons stand-up pouches with on-bag merchandising and in-bag inserts, including delicious lemon-inspired recipes to try every month, celebrating each month’s unique holiday. Limoneira is also hosting monthly contest giveaways for shoppers to Pair-adise (Hawaii), Pair- ‘is (Paris), and Pair-a-Dice (Las Vegas).
“In-store merchandising and robust social media marketing to geo-targeted shoppers will help build awareness and sales of Limoneira Meyer Specialty Lemons,” said Healthy Grocery-Girl and Limoneira spokesperson Megan Roosevelt in a recent video. “Colorful graphics on the bags, in-bag recipes, lemon pairing information, and contest details will help inspire and excite your shoppers to eat healthier.”
Each month, Limoneira offers recipes starring the Meyer lemons sweetness that are sure to be a party for shoppers’ flavor palates.
In November, shoppers can try dishes perfect for any Thanksgiving table or autumn night in, like:
- Roasted Garlic & Meyer Lemon-Rubbed Turkey
- Celery Root Stuffing with Roasted Meyer Lemon
- Rosemary-Meyer Lemon Turkey with Wilted Escarole
- Meyer Lemon Cake
- Rustic Meyer Lemon Tarte
In December, shoppers can get new ideas for dishes to bring to holiday parties, trying their hand at recipes like:
- Lemon Ginger Tea Infused Madeleines
- Meyer Lemon Mincemeat Pie Filling
- Meyer Lemon Candied Lemon Peel
- Butternut Squash Rose Tart with Meyer Lemon Roast Potatoes
In January, shoppers can start off the new year right by getting a jump on their resolutions with healthy recipes like:
- Meyer Lemon Tuscan Kale New Year’s Potato Salad
- Lemon-Cured Sardine Crostini with Ricotta and Fennel
- Falafel Bites with Lemon Twist Hummus
- Lemon Grilled Chicken, burst Tomato and Artichoke Skewers with Goat cheese dip
Megan also notes that Limoneira is ready to work with retailers’ in-house graphic teams or agencies to create customizable graphics or webpages uniquely crafted just for your store.
Stay tuned for Limoneira’s Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter updates for more “Meyer Magic for the Holidays” information and contest details, and don’t forget to visit Limoneira at booth #1905 at PMA Fresh Summit this week.
And if you liked Meyer lemons, keep your eyes peeled for Limoneira’s Lemon Trifecta making a big splash nationwide as pink lemons sprout this spring.
For more produce industry news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
OVIEDO, FL - Duda Farm Fresh Foods is revealing a new and improved website that is seeking to spark recipe inspiration for everyone who visits. With a user-friendly and fresh format, the new website will make meals easier than ever and even offers suggestions of the company’s favorite fruits and vegetables.
“The new look and feel of our site allows us to add value to those who visit by providing information about our products and a way to get to know their farmers personally,” said Dan Duda, President. “This digital tool will allow us to position ourselves as the go-to resource for shoppers looking to learn more about our brand.”
Along with the white wood and marble aesthetics that create a fresh appeal, the website offers a product locator. This capability enables customers to locate their favorite products or products similar to what they are looking for in stores near them.
“The redesigned website allows us to share our healthy, on-the-go snacking options with consumers in a new and interactive way. We put shoppers top of mind when designing the layout and choosing features like the product locator,” said Nichole Towell, Director of Marketing.
Here is the kicker, though: the website is also mobile-friendly, working alongside the company’s social media platforms to provide useful and insightful information for consumers when they are on-the-go. “This website will also support our other consumer touch points like social media and influencer marketing by providing a stunning, helpful resource for content,” said Towell.
This capability in the website will collect data about consumer dietary preferences and act as the central control over digital promotions for everything the company offers. From inspirational recipes for amateur cooks to go-to materials for experienced chefs, the new website will house content benefiting every viewer and will act as an interactive tool for customers who want to know more about the Duda history and farms.
Duda’s new website promises to be more personal, making information about the source of their goods easier for consumers to locate and consequently creating a more personal appeal.
To hear more about their products and new, interactive website, you can visit them at the PMA Fresh Summit this weekend at booth #1307.
YAKIMA, WA – FirstFruits Marketing of Washington is building for success during the 2017-2018 apple season with new technology focused on exceeding quality expectations in all of their crops including proprietary varieties Opal® and Sweetie™ apples.
Earlier this year, FirstFruits completed the installation of a brand new packing line and automated palletizing system at their flagship facility at Broetje Orchards in the heart of their growing acreage in Prescott, Wash. The new additions improve the handling of fruit to ensure apples arrive in high-quality condition to assist in maintaining a longer shelf life at retail. The new systems also include improvements to the cold chain process to keep apples chilled from harvest to arrival.
Along with the improvements to infrastructure, Broetje Orchards welcomed Paul Esvelt as their new Post Harvest Manager in August to help manage the facilities and lead fruit storage, production and inventory management. Esvelt is a Washington apple industry veteran with more than a decade of experience.
“Paul will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization,” said Chuck Zeutenhorst, general manager of FirstFruits. “His diverse skill set and commitment to quality have already had a very positive effect this season.”
Organic tonnage at FirstFruits continues to rise, with emphasis on varieties consumers demand including Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and of course, Opal®.
“We continue to invest in and grow our organic program and remain committed to leading the industry in organic farming practices and varietal development,” said Zeutenhorst.
Adding to a theme of infrastructure improvements and new technology powering FirstFruits into the 2017-2018 season, visitors to PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans Oct. 19-21 can get an immersive view of Broetje Orchards through VR Goggles at Booth #1663.
Sweetie™, FirstFruits’ early exclusive variety, continues to gain ground this season. Known as Gala’s sweeter, crunchier cousin, this Braeburn and Royal Gala hybrid is intensely sweet and juicy with a crunchy texture and is only available for a limited time. The consumer favorite Opal® apple returns to the market beginning in late October. The bright yellow and naturally non-browning Opal provides a sweet and crisp eating experience and naturally resists oxidation that gives it a non-browning superpower. As the exclusive marketer of the Opal®, FirstFruits will offer the variety in both organic and conventional options and expects supplies to last through June 2018.
“The response to Opal continues to grow and remains positive among consumers,” said Zeutenhorst. “There’s a powerful fan following for the apple that continues to propel it upwards in both sales and volume. As of last season, Opal climbed into the list of the top 20 varieties.”
And Opal®, the highly-acclaimed apple creating a frenzy in the category, is sporting a new look for the 2017-2018 season along with a brand new consumer campaign that will have fans singing. Literally.
This season’s consumer campaign, entitled “SupercrispiOpalicious,” centers around a challenge issued to Opal fans to create and perform their own original song about why they love Opals. Launching late this fall, the public will be asked to vote on the top five performers selected by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will be selected by both popular vote and FirstFruits judges and receive a prize package and featured spot on the Opal apple website.
The consumer favorite Opal apple boasts a bright yellow exterior, incredibly sweet flavor and distinctive crisp texture. Best of all, the apple is naturally non-browning, making it perfect for snacks, salads and lunchboxes. As of the 2016-2017 apple season, the Opal is among the ranks of the Top 20 varieties in the country.
“Opal fans are some of the most passionate and vocal apple-lovers we’ve ever seen,” said Chuck Zeutenhorst, general manager of FirstFruits. “The SupercrispiOpalicious campaign will give them an opportunity to engage with us in a very unique and interactive promotion.”
The familiar Opal logo received a facelift and a redesigned website will launch this fall to coincide with the release of the apples to the market. Opals are supported through a comprehensive marketing strategy including in-store support, a full calendar of consumer events and public relations, engaging social media and digital content, partnerships with consumer influencers and a highly-targeted digital advertising campaign.
FirstFruits represents Broetje Orchards, a leader in Washington organic apple production and an innovator in new varieties to the market, as well as Congdon Orchards. As the exclusive marketer of the Opal®, FirstFruits offers the variety in both organic and conventional options beginning in late October and expects supplies to last through June 2018.
FirstFruits’ apples are supported at retail through comprehensive marketing plans including point-of-sale materials, merchandising bins, social media content and produce manager education. For more information, please contact East Coast Regional Marketer Dennis Jackson or West Coast Regional Marketer Tim Corkill. Learn more about FirstFruits at www.firstfruits.com.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger Co. today announced the retirement of Central Division President Katie Wolfram, after 38 years of distinguished service, effective November 4. Pam Matthews, the current QFC Division President, will succeed her, and Suzy Monford will join the company to serve as the new President of the QFC division.
"We are grateful for Katie's nearly 40 years of dedicated service to our associates and customers, and we are excited to have Pam and Suzy take on these indispensable leadership roles in our company," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chairman and CEO, in a press release. "Both leaders bring successful and distinguished retail experience to the roles and will help with the execution of the Restock Kroger Plan that will bring valuable changes to our customers, associates, communities, and shareholders."
Katie Wolfram went on to serve in several leadership positions at Kroger’s corporate office in Cincinnati and with Kroger’s Manufacturing Division, after beginning her career with Kroger in 1979 as an assistant store manager in the Cincinnati-Dayton division. In 2005, she moved to Denver to join the King Soopers Division as Vice President of Merchandising, before joining the Central Division in 2014 to serve in the same role. Wolfram was named to her current role in 2016 and has been spearheading an aggressive growth strategy in the Central Division since joining the region as the Vice President of Merchandising in 2014.
In the last two years of Wolfram’s service, the company has invested nearly $329 million in the central Indiana market, expanding its 138 stores and employing more than 19,500 associates total by adding five new Marketplace stores and 12 new gas stations, remodeling and/or expanding 14 existing stores, building a regional training center, and adding more than 1,400 new jobs to the regions.
Wolfram was also a leader for the first Cultural Council, a team development and culture-building group, started at the corporate office, and she started the Reach Higher initiative in Kroger Manufacturing. Additionally, Wolfram represented Kroger as a leader in the Network of Executive Women, Denver.
"Katie has accomplished much in her career with Kroger and has always been passionate about creating an inclusive and diverse work culture," continued McMullen. "She has been a valued leadership partner across the company and Central division. We truly appreciate the many contributions Katie has made to Kroger, and we wish her and her family the best in retirement."
In retirement, she plans to move back to Denver to be near her daughter and grandson.
Pam Matthews is currently the President of the QFC division, and will succeed Wolfram as President of Kroger’s Central Division, effective October 23. Matthews started with the company in 1980 in the Fred Meyer division and has held a variety of leadership roles over the course of her 25-year Fred Meyer career, including store management, training, corporate brand development, and merchandising for deli-bakery, drug-general merchandise, and grocery.
Before being named President of the QFC division in 2016, Matthews also served as Director of Deli-Bakery Merchandising and Director of Floral Merchandising and Procurement at Kroger's corporate office in Cincinnati before being promoted to Vice President of Merchandising for the Central Division in 2006. She moved to the Delta division as Vice President of Merchandising in 2014 and was named Vice President of Operations in 2015.
Monford has been named President of QFC Division, succeeding Pam Matthews, effective October 23. Before joining the company, Monford was the former CEO of Andronico’s Community Markets, a Bay Area chain acquired by Albertsons in early 2017. Prior to Andronico's, Monford was the head of innovation for Woolworths Supermarkets in Australia, after spending 10 years as an executive for H-E-B Central Market and H-E-B Grocery Company in Texas.
Passionate about creating healthy communities, Monford is an internationally-certified group exercise instructor and health coach.
She will be based at the division office in Seattle and oversee QFC's 65 stores in Washington and Oregon.
AndNowUKnow wishes Pam Matthews and Suzy Monford luck in their new roles, and Katie Wolfram a happy retirement.
HARTSVILLE, SC - Sonoco (NYSE:SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, will exhibit at PMA 2017 in New Orleans to showcase its newly expanded produce packaging capabilities. Due to the recent acquisitions of Peninsula Packaging and Clear Lam, Sonoco now offers the industry’s broadest array of packaging solutions tailored to the needs of the fast-growing produce market.
“The perimeter of the store continues to experience solid growth as consumers are drawn to more fresh and natural options, with produce being the significant driver,” said Sonoco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rob Tiede. “This growth is accelerating the need for brands to offer more convenient, on-the-go options that are easy to store, consume and dispose. Shoppers are also looking for ways to reduce food waste, so packaging has a big role to play in portion control and maintaining freshness.”
The newly expanded product line, which will be featured at the show, includes options ranging from flexible pouches and peel-reseal lidding, to rigid plastic trays, tubs and hinged containers. These formats are ideal for pre-cut produce, prepared salads and snack-packs, as well as whole fruits and vegetables.
At this year’s event Sonoco will be highlighting its new SmartSeal® peel-and-reseal lidded packaging for fresh produce. SmartSeal technology features a patented precision-scored, easy-open and reclose feature and offers tamper evidence and high-impact graphics. When coupled with the company’s thermoformed PET containers, the easy-open and reseal functionality addresses the needs of consumers interested in reducing food waste and looking for more convenient product options. Visitors to the show will be able to see the product in action at both the Sonoco and DuPont booths where it will be running on commercial equipment.
“The addition of Peninsula and Clear Lam to the Sonoco family greatly expands what we can bring to produce brands,” stated Tiede. “Our material science expertise and packaging variety, combined with our focus on innovation, goes a long way toward helping us develop new packaging options for our customers that address the demands of today’s busy, health-conscious consumers.”
Sonoco will be exhibiting at booth numbers 5820 and 4526. Learn more at www.sonoco.com/freshsnacking.
LAKESHORE, ON and DETROIT, MI - Accu-Label was born in 2001 as the sales company for the successful ORB-it® fruit labelling system developed at Ag-Tronic Control Systems Inc., a company known for innovation and designing leading-edge technology in agriculture since January 1991.
With immediate success abroad, Accu-Label International was incorporated in USA in 2002. “We realize the fruit and vegetable PLU labelling industry is not a one-size fits all,” company President, Joe Sleiman said. “Our customers range from mom and pop re-packers to some of the largest fruit and vegetable growers in North America, and they describe our products to 'perform like a Ferrari with the quality and reliability of a Lexus.'”
“With Ag-Tronic Control Systems spear-heading innovation and product development, we are able to customize labelling solutions to suit the industry’s requirements. Our latest product was developed in response to the trends we're seeing overseas and what is starting to be mandated by the retailer,” Sleiman continues.
The new FLEX-TL is a fully-modular tray labeler designed to suit the customer's unique and individual requirements, and will be introduced at the upcoming PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana. “We’re seeing customers settle for low-quality products based on price point alone. Sadly, they end up paying more in the long term to rectify low label percentages, or pay additional service costs for unreliable equipment. The new FLEX-TL will allow the customer to choose his or her options to build a system with the features they absolutely need and add on the features they want, for a reasonable price, while offering the customer the peace of mind of having the reputable ORB-it® brand.”
Accu-Label's internationally-patented ORB-it® Labelling system, with Print & ApplyTM, is considered the most successful Print-On-Demand PLU labeler in the world–entering its 10th year in production. "Much of the competition is realizing that Print & ApplyTM is the future and we've had a great head start to perfect our technology–continuously upgrading our software and hardware as technology has improved over the years. This year, we introduced our print vision verification feature to validate and verify the quality of the printed information before the label is applied to the product. This solution allows the customer to control the quality of its product upstream–reducing the risk of recalls at the retailer.” Installations of the verification feature will be completed by end of fall this year with many loyal customers profiting from this upgrade at no additional cost. “We are committed to staying ahead of the labelling technology curve and enjoy having our customers benefit from these advancements.”
“The industry has been very receptive to the innovations we’ve brought to the fruit labelling community. Our challenge now is to continue to innovate, while satisfying all of the requests we’ve had internationally for our product,” says Sleiman. In the past two years Accu-Label has strategically aligned itself with distributors and reps throughout the world to help spread the ORB-it® brand.
Find Accu-Label International at PMA Fresh Summit October 20th-21st at booth #859.
To learn more about Accu-Label’s commitment and reliability, visit www.accu-label.com.