WATSONVILLE, CA - Innovative packaging solutions are on their way to the highly anticipated Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS) thanks to Sambrailo Packaging. The fresh produce partner will be showcasing its new MIXIM 6 oz "5x5" HV clamshell, designed for extra-large cane berries, during the event.

“We are focusing on expanding our packaging and services within the berry category,” shared Sara Lozano, Director of Marketing and Product Development. “Our new MIXIM “5x5” HV clamshell is the first new size to join our existing clamshell product family in over 10 years. With its unparalleled smooth wall design, cooling efficiency, and superior product presentation, it’s a customer favorite, and our partners have been patiently awaiting this size to catch up with their large varieties of berries.”

Sambrailo’s new MIXIM 6 oz "5x5" HV clamshell is designed specifically for extra-large cane berries and is made of 100 percent food grade Post Consumer Recycled PET.

Another exciting component of the provider’s GPFS showcase is a selection of new offerings in ReadyCycle® sustainable packaging, including designs for mushrooms, dragon fruit, ginger, kiwifruit, and more.

“We remain focused on expanding our ReadyCycle packaging categories into new and existing categories to meet the demand for sustainable packaging alternatives,” Sara added. “We continue to increase our sales by over 20 percent each year since we began our mission to provide a viable and leading single-use plastic packaging solution, ReadyCycle is making it happen!”

Make sure booth C1931 is on your Global Produce & Floral Show itinerary! For a preview of some of the newest packaging developments on display at the show, click here.

ANUK is the place to be for more updates straight from the show floor, so stick around!

ORLANDO, FL - Chiquita is unveiling its groundbreaking Yelloway One banana prototype at the International Fresh Produce Association trade show. This innovative banana variety, resistant to diseases and low in carbon emissions, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable fruit production for the company.

"At Chiquita, we are passionate about bringing the vibrant spirit of the tropics to our customers and consumers. The IFPA Trade Show is the perfect platform for us to engage with our customers and showcase our commitment to the future of the banana industry, through sustainability and innovation," said Jamie Postell, Vice President of Sales.

Building on this excitement, the Yelloway One prototype is the result of a collaborative effort between Chiquita, KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University and Research. This joint venture underscores Chiquita's dedication to pioneering advancements in the banana industry.

In addition to the Yelloway One unveiling, Chiquita will present its new 2024-25 Sustainability Report at the trade show. The report highlights the company's environmental initiatives, including carbon reduction efforts and strategies to combat banana crop diseases.

Furthermore, visitors to Chiquita's booth will be transported to the tropics, where they can explore the brand's history, learn about the Behind the Blue Sticker initiative, and gain insights into the banana production cycle. The company will also offer engaging videos, Q&A sessions, and presentations featuring key Chiquita spokespersons, as a press release stated.

The IFPA Trade Show will serve as a great time to celebrate Chiquita's achievements in sustainable agriculture and fair labor practices while addressing future challenges. Attendees can also learn about the company's latest Small Change, Big Difference Pink Sticker Campaign for breast cancer prevention awareness by visiting booth #B3459.

To see how more innovative prototypes and many others changing the industry, stay tuned with ANUK!

SEATTLE, WA & SACRAMENTO, CA - Here’s some news worthy of the peanut gallery and beyond. Oppy and almond brand Blue Diamond Growers have partnered to deliver an array of almond and almond-fruit blends into retail produce departments, bringing marketing opportunities abound.

“Annual almond consumption in the U.S. triples that of the next most popular nut, but almonds own a mere 5 percent volume share in produce,” said Brett Libke, Senior Vice President of National Sales, Oppy. “We see a huge opportunity, with Blue Diamond’s brand equity, powerful promotions, and free-standing displays driving sales.”

The consumer-tested and approved almond assortment includes, Oven Roasted Honey, Lightly Salted, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, and Whole Natural almonds, as well as Toasted Almonds & Cherries, and Sea Salt Almonds & Blueberries. Varieties will be sold in eye-catching and resealable stand-up bags.

“We are excited to complement our center-store portfolio with this fresh new offering,” said Carmen Bourgaize, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Diamond Growers. “Our consumer research indicates a purchase intent of over 70 percent, and nine out of 10 people say there’s at least one item in our portfolio they would buy. We are eager to bring this strong value proposition to the produce shopper through our friends at Oppy.”

A press release shared that after several years of research and development by Blue Diamond, the new line features premium almond varieties and no added oils or artificial flavors.

Want to know what the future holds for nuts in the produce aisle? Visit the Oppy booth #3239 at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show for more information!

LEAMINGTON, ON, CANADA - In the past year, Pure Flavor® has remained a symbol of strategic, accelerated growth. After seeing a 160 percent increase in its owned acreage in the span of one year, the greenhouse grower is laying the foundation for further growth in the coming year through significant capital investments.

“We have an aggressive plan for growth that will allow us to deliver more, high-quality fresh produce, more quickly and efficiently to retailers and consumers across North America,” Jamie Moracci, Chief Executive Officer, shared. “Our strategic focus on expanding our locally-grown program continues to facilitate our ability to meet the growing demand for Pure Flavor produce, and drive growth for our business, alongside our grower partners.”

Coming out of one of the highest growth periods in its history, Pure Flavor is primed for another season of rapid development. This recent growth is the result of several acquisitions and expansions of its network.

In 2023, the company acquired over 120 acres of greenhouse assets, including DeTemporada Farms, a pepper greenhouse in Merlin, Ontario; a high-tech greenhouse adjacent to its flagship farm in Leamington, Ontario; and Illinois-based MightyVine®, a high-tech greenhouse and recognized brand in the Midwest. Pure Flavor also added a distribution center in McAllen, Texas, a press release noted.

Through its greenhouse in Peach County, Georgia, Pure Flavor has bolstered several “Locally Grown” programs for retailers. The farm’s location has enabled the delivery of fresh Georgia-grown tomatoes to consumers across the Southeast, even in the winter, the release stated.

The supplier now has plans to double the acreage of the existing Georgia farm in the near future—with the Georgia farm seeing its highest yields on record and a nearby distribution center in Byron, Georgia, built to accommodate growing supply.

The expansion of Pure Flavor’s Georgia greenhouse is expected to be announced in the coming months.

“We continue to see a growing demand for local, USA-grown produce,” added Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice President. “Without question, this is an exciting area of opportunity for us to drive growth within the category, both for our business and for our retail partners.”

Bearing the Georgia Grown label, Pure Flavor’s Georgia-grown tomatoes are recognized by consumers for their exceptional quality and flavor.

“Our retail partners in the Southeast are seeing year-over-year sales growth stemming from Georgia Grown programs,” Mastronardi stated. “We see a lot of runway to continue to expand our supply and our product offerings.”

Pure Flavor will be showcasing its high-quality Georgia Grown produce at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia, this week, so don’t forget to stop by!