REIDSVILLE, GA - It’s that time of year again, folks, when the produce industry is packing up its innovative products—and its cowboy boots—and heading down to Nashville, Tennessee, for the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations. Shuman Farms, the year-round producer and shipper of Vidalia and Peruvian sweet onions, is one such company making sure that the event lives up to its name. The company recently announced big changes to the look, feel, and sustainability of its organic packaging, which attendees will be able to see this weekend.
“The revamp of our organic packaging is just the beginning of an overall initiative to increase sustainability across all of our RealSweet® brand products,” said John Shuman, President. “Innovative marketing is a part of our core values, and we believe that innovation should lead to more sustainable offerings at retail following trends of consumer and retailer demand.”
According to a press release, the plastic in the new consumer bags will be reduced by 38 percent through the use of a different netting and thinner film, all while maintaining the structural integrity of packaging. The goal of this new initiative, the company noted, is to reduce plastic usage, educate consumers on the recyclability of onion packaging, and address shopper concerns about food waste in America.
In addition to shopper feedback, the focus of educating consumers on reducing food waste also stems from Shuman Farms’ partnership with Feeding America®. According to Feeding America, 40 percent of food in America goes to waste, and yet 1 in 8 struggle with hunger.
Like the rest of the RealSweet brand line of consumer bags, the redesigned organic packaging reduces shrink by design, allowing good airflow around the onions to keep them fresh.
“We are looking forward to unveiling the new packaging at the upcoming Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations Organics & Food Service show in Nashville,” continued Shuman. “This show is the perfect platform to showcase the new look and feel and share information on the future of Shuman Farms’ overall sustainability efforts.”
Be sure to see the new packaging for yourself at Shuman Farms’ booth #301!
