NEW YORK - Showcasing the culinary potential of New York-grown apples, the New York Apple Association (NYAA) has entered a new partnership. The organization recently announced its collaboration with Nancy Fuller, a renowned American celebrity chef on the Food Network.

“We are excited for the opportunity to add Nancy’s culinary touch to our social media lineup. We know consumers are going to be thrilled when they learn the news,” said Cynthia Haskins, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYAA.

Fuller serves as a judge on the popular Holiday Baking Championship and Spring Baking Championship television shows. The chef is also known as the host of the Food Network television series Farmhouse Rules, where she shares her passion for farm-fresh ingredients and traditional cooking. She is also the author of the cookbook Farmhouse Rules: Simple, Seasonal Meals for the Whole Family.

According to a press release, Fuller’s culinary journey began in her family’s kitchen, where she developed a deep appreciation for wholesome, home-cooked meals. Her love for cooking and dedication to quality ingredients have made her a beloved figure in the culinary world.

“I am fortunate to live near several New York apple growers. Many of them are personal friends. I either pluck the apples right from the tree or gather them from a nearby grocer. The best recipes begin with the best ingredients, and New York apples are full of flavor,” said Fuller.

Fuller will contribute to NYAA’s social media content this year, starting with apple-picking in October. She will then create a culinary delight in November.

In addition to her television career, Fuller is the Co-Owner of Ginsberg’s Foods, a multi-million-dollar food distribution business she runs with her husband. The company, based in Hudson Valley, New York, has been a staple in the community for decades.

For more on this exciting partnership, stick with ANUK.

LA QUINTA, CA - Prime Time International is bolstering its leadership team, welcoming an experienced industry player to its ranks. The premier bell pepper, sweet mini pepper, and asparagus provider recently announced its newest Director of Business Development, appointing Patrick Cortes to the role.

“I’m pumped to join Prime Time International and help drive the customer experience and deliver meaningful growth to our retailers and foodservice operators,” commented Cortes on his new role. “My skill set meshes perfectly with the industry-leading farming and marketing operations that have been built, and I look to add value across the supply chain.”

In this new position, Cortes will play a crucial role in expanding the company’s existing market share, driving revenue and margins, and enhancing the company’s overall presence and brand visibility. He wields over 16 years of produce industry experience and a wealth of expertise in business development, market strategy, and team leadership.

As a press release stated, his impressive skill set and commitment will help generate new business, leverage existing relationships, and expand Prime Time's distribution.

“We are excited to welcome Patrick to Prime Time. His dedication to the industry and strategic thinking will play a key role in our company’s success,” said Mike Way, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Brian Miller, who currently serves as Director of Business Development, also commented.

“We trust that Patrick will deliver top-notch service to our customers and associates. Having him on board will help us reach new heights,” added Miller.

Headquartered in the Coachella Valley, Prime Time operates five sales offices and nine shipping locations across the United States and Peru.

Congratulations to Patrick Cortes for joining this powerful produce operation!

TAMPA, FL - Expanded partnerships are worthy of recognition, which is why today we bring you the latest news from Sprouts Farmers Market and IFCO. The two have announced significant advancements, underscoring both companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation in supply chain logistics.

“By expanding our use of IFCO’s reusable packaging solutions, we are taking steps in contributing to a circular economy where we’re reducing waste sent to landfills and increasing resource efficiency,” said Justin Kacer, Sustainability Manager at Sprouts.

The partnership commenced in December 2020 with a pilot program at Sprouts, focusing on the use of RPCs for fresh produce items packed in high-humidity environments. The aim was to assess the feasibility of replacing single-use corrugated and especially wax-corrugated boxes, a press release stated. A successful trial indicated positive environmental impacts and operational efficiencies resulting in a nationwide expansion including all distribution centers and converting additional fresh produce items packing into RPCs.

Having expanded the trial to all Sprouts distribution centers across the United States, Sprouts will continue to monitor quality, store team receptivity, and environmental impact.

This strategic shift is expected to drastically reduce landfill waste by eliminating the use of single-use shipping packaging. The expanded use of RPCs will cut thousands of tons of packaging waste annually. Furthermore, the durable design of IFCO’s RPCs minimizes product damage during transport.

The use of IFCO RPCs will contribute to Sprouts’ commitment to the environment and operating its business in a way that reduces its carbon footprint, limits natural resource use, and diverts waste from landfills.

We applaud this expanded partnership and look forward to its next advancements.

WATSONVILLE, CA - Gem-Pack Berries is pushing for even further advancement in terms of sustainable packaging, taking its next vital step with a strategic new partnership. The berry provider recently tapped Multisteps, a leader in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, to help reduce its environmental impact and establish a more sustainable supply chain.

“Gem-Pack and Multisteps share a deep passion for sustainability and innovation,” said Madu Etchandy, Senior Vice President of Operations at Gem-Pack Berries. “The opportunity that Multisteps brought our way to launch this technology within the USA berry category is very exciting and is another step in the right direction to reducing our overall environmental impact. We look forward to building on this and deepening our commitment to sustainable practices, driving innovation, and leading by example.”

As a press release detailed, Gem-Pack Berries is the first berry company in the U.S. to adopt Multisteps’ Digital Direct Printing technology. Multisteps utilizes cutting-edge technology, harnessing its Digital Direct Printing capabilities to provide a solution that greatly reduces the strain on recycling centers while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and keeping harmful PET out of landfills. The release noted that the company’s innovative printing technology uses food-grade washable inks that clean off easily in the recycling process, ensuring the materials can be recycled in the most sustainable way possible. The technology also provides superior color finishes without compromising sustainability.

By helping to eliminate traditional paper labels, film, and adhesives, this breakthrough innovation simplifies the recycling process, thus enhancing recyclability and streamlining sustainability efforts.

“We have spent a few years perfecting this innovation while adding an array of proprietary technologies to ensure we produce a flawless final product,” Monica Steinberg, Multisteps Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development, added. “Multisteps Industries is incredibly honored to partner with Gem-Pack in this new venture, and we deeply share their beliefs in sustainability. For us, finding innovative ways to reduce plastic waste has become a lifelong commitment. Direct Printing opens a new world for branding and marketability, far beyond what labels can offer, giving companies an array of choices to stand out away from the competition. One other benefit to this technology is the substantial cost savings. As consumers become more aware and demanding of legitimate environmentally friendly solutions, our Direct Printing is the latest, most advanced technology to truly close the cycle of sustainability.”

As Gem-Pack Berries explores new projects through this advantageous alliance, this initiative with Multisteps will begin rolling out across a portion of the supplier’s California-based products beginning in Q4.

For more information on the partnership, click here.

More industry news is on the way!