WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - From new products to new prowess in its portfolio, there is much to be celebrated and reacquainted with for the Fresh Gourmet Company team.

As the dust settles from acquiring Concord Foods earlier this year, welcoming with it the combined experience and product innovation of both sides, Minal Thakkar, Marketing Manager, shares there is much to look forward to when seeing the Fresh Gourmet team in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 2024 International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show.

“Fresh Gourmet and Concord Foods joined together now and the combined experience has helped lead to the unveiling of six new products between both brands, which will be coming in time for IFPA,” Minal shares. “Product innovation and continuing to be partners in fresh are top priorities as we grow.”

The new offerings will be showcased at booth #B1727, as well as in IFPA’s New Item Showcase. The launch includes:

• Fresh Gourmet Caesar Crunch Meal Topper: A crunchy, savory blend of mini croutons and crispy Parmesan bites perfect for Caesar salads, wraps, and protein bowls
• Fresh Gourmet Walnut Apple Topping: Toasted candied walnuts blended with sweet, chewy apples great for a winter salad or baking
• Fresh Gourmet Sunflower Pomegranate Topping: A blend of honey roasted sunflower kernels with dried pomegranate arils ideal for topping a fresh spring salad or oatmeal
• Concord Fresh Success Lemon Loaf Cake: Elevate your baking game with this easy-to-use cake mix; the right blend of tang and sweetness that highlights the citrus
• Concord Fresh Success Hot Honey Glaze Mix: A balance of sweet honey with a kick to add extra flavor to carrots, Brussels sprouts, or any of your shoppers’ favorite produce

• Concord Fresh Success Street Corn Mix: Notes of chili, lime, garlic, and a hint of cheese make an easy-prep seasoning mix for corn dishes

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“We have a long history as a produce partner that looks to innovate to maximize the department,” Minal says. “From new shippers and packets to helping inspire retailers to use the airspace above wet racks to offer cross-merchandising, helping inspire consumers to eat more produce is a big push we are working toward."

In addition to the new offerings, Fresh Gourmet’s portfolio boasts a range of brands and products wide enough that Minal confidently assures me the team has a complementary product for every fresh item. Not only this, but with both Concord and Fresh Gourmet under one umbrella, assortments can be planned, ordered, and shipped together, freeing up admin time and offering promotional and merchandising synergies.

“We've applied lifestyle images and spotlighted produce on all packaging, with front and back messaging inspiring fun and easy usage. With inclusions like ‘great on’ messaging or QR codes with recipe pages, we have worked hard to make clear the ties not just between our items and produce, but the opportunities for healthy fun with both to consumers,” Minal concludes.

With plenty of partnership and promotional opportunities, as well as singular offerings for retailers, be sure to swing by booth #B1727 while at IFPA GPFS October 17–19.

WATSONVILLE, CA - Embracing sustainability and health, Monterey Mushrooms® prepares to showcase its innovations at the International Fresh Produce Association's 2024 Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. This premier event promises to gather the brightest minds and leaders in the produce and floral industries.

Monterey Mushrooms will display its latest offerings, including:

• New NIR Tills: In response to the industry's focus on environmental stewardship, Monterey Mushrooms introduced near-infrared (NIR) sortable materials for its mushroom packaging. These tills, made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), promote recyclability and incorporate safe colorants that facilitate the plastics recycling process
• High Vitamin D Mushrooms: Leveraging proprietary ultra-violet lighting and production methods, Monterey Mushrooms produced mushrooms naturally rich in vitamin D. These uniquely labeled mushrooms are the only produce aisle items that can help boost dietary vitamin D levels
• Organic Mushrooms Lineup: As consumer interest in organic food grows, Monterey Mushrooms’ organic offerings have become increasingly popular, providing a healthy alternative that meets rising demands for responsibly sourced products

These products will be on display throughout the trade show, providing opportunities for businesses seeking high-quality produce to explore collaboration with Monterey Mushrooms.

According to a press release, Monterey Mushrooms looks forward to connecting with like-minded companies focused on nutrition, sustainability, and environmental stewardship during the event.

Stop by booth B3939 to meet the team and learn more about the company's initiatives.