CHICAGO, IL - While I was in the Windy City last week, it was the produce industry’s out-of-the-box thinking and attention to detail that truly blew me away. As someone who has spent most of her time as a consumer, getting a peek behind the curtain at how our industry is pouring energy into ensuring consumers have a fun, delicious, and meaningful experience in the produce aisle was everything. There were lots of products that stood out, but here are some of my favorites from the floor of this year’s United Fresh…
Mucci Farms CuteCumber™ Poppers
The party doesn’t start until you walk in with Mucci Farms CuteCumber™ Poppers. After upping the packaging stakes, the CuteCumber Poppers are not only the perfect party trick for consumers—voila, they've brought tiny, adorable cucumbers sure to wow all partygoers—but also the perfect party snack that is convenient for all involved. Slicing and dicing are activities of the past thanks to the smaller, pop-in-your-mouth veg size. And with tray-in-a-tray packaging that includes dip, there’s no need for consumers to heft around bowls and plates. Put these front and center in produce deparments; Mucci Farms CuteCumber Poppers can do it all.
Fox Packaging™ Stand-Up Combo® Bag
I’m a sucker for sustainable. If companies are going the extra mile, I’m here for it. Fox Packaging recently upgraded its stand-up pouch bag with Mother Earth in mind. Now available in a recyclable alternative, the Stand-Up Combo Bag is a beaut sure to catch consumers’ eyes—it definitely caught mine. Constructed from a combination of poly and mesh, which allows the fruit inside to breathe, the Stand-Up Combo Bag features perks like a flat bottom, ample printing space, and a zip close, all of which keep convenience and function at the top of mind.
Stemilt Growers Rave™ Apples
After debuting in fall of 2017, Stemilt Growers’ Rave apples are making waves in the produce aisle and crowd-surfing their way into grocery carts everywhere. Touting features like “outrageously juicy” and with a “refreshing snappy zing,” this apple isn’t for the faint of heart and has a powerful flavor profile capable of awakening the senses to a deeper apple experience. There’s a reason so many including myself are raving about this apple, so take a bite and join the party.
Chelan Fresh Orondo Ruby Cherries
Maybe it’s vain of me or maybe it’s just not that deep: sometimes I like what I like because it’s pretty, and I must say, Chelan Fresh’s Orondo Ruby Cherries are dang pretty. With vibrant red and yellow coloring, I almost didn’t want to pop an Orondo Ruby cherry into my mouth, but was almost tempted to wear them as a fashion statement instead. But that was before I bit into one. A delicious summer cherry—crisp, juicy, and bright—the Orondo Ruby Cherries stand out from the bunch for a reason, as most gems do.
Cece’s™ Veggie Co. Riced Organic Broccoli
Plant-based alternatives are where it’s at these days, and Cece’s Veggie Co. is throwing its hat into the ring with its riced organic broccoli product. With clean packaging that features the USDA organic logo, easy instructions like 6-8 minutes to sauté, and a peek into the product inside, I can see consumers stocking up on this by the boatload. As a vegetarian, I always trying to convince my carnivorous friends you can’t go wrong with some more greens in your life, Cece’s has my best super sleuth cooking intentions at heart.
Until next time, United Fresh!
