NEW KENSINGTON, PA - A prestigious award has been given to Yerecic Label! The 2024 Calvin Frost Elevation Sustainability Award by Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) honored the packaging company for its accomplishments in sustainability goals, strategies, and executions that are advancing multiple aspects of the company's environmental responsibility initiatives.

“It's innovations like these that help us continue to be leaders in both quality and sustainability,” said Elizabeth Yerecic Freedman, Co-Owner and Executive Vice President of Sales and Sustainability, Yerecic Label. “This transition reflects our dedication to move the needle on Design for Recycling, making these material selections the expectation when specifying labels to be applied to PET packaging. This change not only aligns with our sustainability goals but also simplifies the material specification process for our customers.”

In line with this achievement, Yerecic Label announced a formal transition to a wash-away adhesive for appropriate film pressure sensitive label constructions applied to PET.

As a press release outlined, this wash-away adhesive has been formally recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), a change designed to enhance the company's commitment to sustainability and improve the recyclability of food grade PET products, explained a press release.

“This transition is a game-changer for our customers and for the environment,” added Jon Boyer, Vice President of Purchasing and Product Development, Yerecic Label. “We’re offering a solution that boosts recycling efficiency without compromising label performance.”

The release went on to note that while the company aims to assign this specification wherever suitable, Yerecic Label cannot guarantee that they will always know the end use of every product. Customers should inquire about specific use cases to ensure compatibility with product end-of-life.

“APR congratulates Yerecic Label for receiving the Calvin Frost Sustainability Award and taking action to improve the recyclability of their packaging,” said Steve Alexander, President and Chief Executive Officer, APR. “Yerecic Label not only took the steps to receive APR Design® Recognition for their labels but also transitioned to using adhesives that have been formally recognized. Collaborative efforts like this lead to less waste, more efficient use of limited natural resources, and more high-quality post-consumer resin (PCR) for new products.”

ANUK has you covered on all aspects of the fresh produce industry, so click back to stay in the know.

MONTEREY, CA - Innovation has come a-knocking at the door of Dole Food Company as the provider introduced three new flavors to its DOLE® Chopped Salad Kits line.

“Healthy has never tasted so good! Healthy ingredients and inspiring flavors deliver Dole’s crave-able, cultural, and familiar-with-a-twist experience in every bite,” commented David Austin, Vice President of Product Innovation for Dole Fresh Vegetables.

According to a press release, the new kits are as follows:

• DOLE Chopped Hummus Crunch Salad Kit: DOLE Romaine Lettuce, Green and Red Cabbage, and Carrots, tossed with Crispy Red Bell Peppers, Pita Chips, Tomato Basil Seasoning, and Dole’s Hummus Dressing
• DOLE Chopped Spicy Cashew Salad Kit: DOLE Romaine Lettuce, Green and Red Cabbage, and Carrots, tossed with Crunchy Cashews, Honey Sesame Sticks, and Dole’s Spicy Cashew Dressing
• DOLE Chopped Baja Ranch Salad Kit: DOLE Romaine Lettuce, Green and Red Cabbage, and Carrots, tossed with Crunchy Roasted Corn, Crispy Jalapeno, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sweet Lime Seasoning, and Dole’s Baja Ranch Dressing

For more information regarding each flavor, click here.

“We continue our strategy of creating the most unique, compelling salad kit flavor varieties in the industry and then working with our retail partners to make it easy for salad consumers to shop and choose Dole,” added Austin. “These new Chopped Salad Kit flavors reflect culinary trends that deliver distinct flavor experiences consumers are seeking along with the quality and freshness they expect from Dole.”

The three new SKUs began shipping in September and have joined Dole Food Company’s refrigerated salad sets. They reflect the brand’s reputation for pairing Dole lettuces and vegetables with differentiated toppings and unique dressings to encourage shoppers toward increased vegetable consumption.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest product innovations across the industry, so stay tuned.

DELTA, BC, CANADA - WINDSET FARMS® will showcase new fresh produce offerings and sustainable packaging innovations at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta this week. Expanding the fresh snacking category, the grower aims to meet consumer demand for healthy, convenient, and sustainably grown food. Leading the charge is SWEETIES™ Seedless Mini Peppers, which follow the success of the fun and playful branding found on the company's YUM YUMS™ Cherry Tomatoes.

“As the movement toward healthier lifestyles grows, SWEETIES Seedless Mini Peppers are exactly what today’s consumers are looking for,” said Ryan Cherry, Director of Sales. “We’re excited to offer a product that combines flavor, convenience, and vibrant colors to enhance any snack or recipe.”

SWEETIES Seedless Mini Peppers, available in red, orange, and yellow, come in 1 lb and 1.5 lb LDPE pouch bags. The packaging reduces plastic usage by 20 percent compared to laminated pouches.

“We’re dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint through innovation in both our growing and packaging practices,” added Cherry. “By reducing plastic usage, we’re offering consumers environmentally conscious choices without compromising freshness or quality.”

Inspired by the company’s sustainable pest management system, SHAKE & SNACK™ Tomatoes are ideal for on-the-go families, and come with clever clamshell packaging that features a playful ladybug design and pop-open lid.

“With this product, we’re offering a fun way to introduce healthier snacking while supporting sustainable farming practices,” explained Cherry. “Windset Farms will exhibit these innovations at the Global Produce & Floral Show. We look forward to connecting with partners and customers at this year’s show. With our new product lines and continued sustainability efforts, Windset Farms is driving growth in the fresh produce sector.”

Windset Farms is introducing 100 percent recyclable PET punnets and recyclable mono-material PET lidding film for its tomato varieties. A press release mentioned the company has also launched its On the Vine Tomato Line, featuring BRAVO® Grape Tomatoes, AMORE™ Sweet Plum Tomatoes, and CAMEO® Cherry Tomatoes, available in red and gold.

“Our On the Vine offerings were developed after extensive trials, ensuring optimal yield, virus resistance, and flavor,” shared Cherry. “With greenhouse facilities in British Columbia, California, and Mexico, we’re able to grow these tomatoes across three regions, year-round.”

For more information, go meet the team at Windset Farms’ booth #B1465.

ELGIN, MN - Those at Global Produce & Floral Show will want to stop by Honeybear Brands’ booth to learn more about how the grower is taking advantage of another strong supply of Pazazz® apples—and how retailers can, too.

“Apples have seen a drop in consumption with younger consumers. We need to turn that trend around and give them a reason to choose apples first for a variety of eating occasions. We know health-conscious consumers choose their produce based on health benefits and convenience, something apples has in spades,” said Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. 

According to a press release, this year’s Pazazz crop is currently being harvested and packed across Honeybear’s facilities in Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, and Nova Scotia. 

This variety provides retail partners with peak-of-harvest flavor and long-term supply. 

To further promote apple consumption, the grower partnered with Taylor Heise, a professional hockey player, to help with its Assist Second Harvest Heartland campaign. During the campaign, Honeybear will donate 600 pounds of apples each time Heise feeds a teammate an assist—otherwise known as an “apple” in hockey—during her games this season. 

“Apples help fuel our bodies. And who better than an elite athlete like Taylor Heise to remind health-conscious audiences about the health benefits of apples? Taylor’s fan base is comprised of that younger audience, and she has a genuine desire to be part of a cause marketing effort to combat hunger,” added Roper. “Women’s sports are having a big moment, and we are excited to celebrate that while attracting new apple consumers and donating to a good cause.”

For those looking to learn more, stop by booth #B2049.

As always, AndNowUKnow will be here to deliver the latest in all things fresh.

CORONA, CA - In our industry, collaboration is paramount to success. Index Fresh knows this well as the company recently announced its 27^th annual Cultural Seminar series, set to take place in late October across prime growing regions in California.

“The seminar serves as a culminating event for California’s avocado industry, bringing together growers and stakeholders to reflect on the season. At Index Fresh, we take pride in facilitating this gathering, which not only provides valuable education but also fosters an environment for sharing knowledge and experiences,” commented Keith Blanchard, Field Manager. “This event offers an ideal opportunity to analyze the past year’s challenges and successes, allowing us to collectively prioritize areas for improvement and strategically prepare for future seasons.”

The seminars will be held from 9am to 11:30 a.m. PST on Wednesday, October 23, in San Luis Obispo, California; on Thursday, October 24, in Ventura, California; and on Monday, October 28, in Temecula, California.

“When our growers are equipped with actionable information, it helps them produce a better crop,” Blanchard added. “That is when we all benefit up-and-down the avocado supply chain from the farmer to retailer to foodservice operator.”

According to a press release, an expert panel discussion on Practical Irrigation Technology will take place, as well as additional presentations on pest management solutions. The presentations will help growers stay ahead of common pest problems currently facing California avocados and provide key data points and solutions for the long-term health of avocado groves.

For more information regarding this seminar, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you abreast of industry updates, so stay tuned.

YERINGTON, NV - With more than 40 years of experience growing onions, David Peri set his sights on growing a premium garlic product. Not happy with the seed products that were readily available, he and his agronomist team painstakingly worked to develop a proprietary garlic variety using a strict seed-selection process. 

Here’s What’s in Store. 

The goal was to grow a product with well-formed, plump cloves, nice white coloring inside and out, and good aroma and flavor. 

We are excited to now offer Peri & Sons Farms’ specially grown USDA organic garlic. Our organic garlic is grown on our family farm. With big and beautiful heads, the flavor, quality, and color are top-notch.

Now, every year, this special garlic product will be grown from seed that is cultivated only by the team at Peri & Sons Farms using certified organic and sustainable farming practices.

You can also simplify your onion order with Peri & Sons Farms’ One 'n Done approach. We offer red, white, yellow, sweet, Sweetie Sweet®, and Tearless Onions, as well as shallots, Cipollinis, and garlic—available in Premium and Certified USDA Organic.

All the onions you need, offered through a straight-line process that reduces transportation risks and saves you time and money.

Thank you for watching What’s in Store.