Seen and heard at West Coast Produce Expo — Part 3
PALM DESERT, Calif. — From one-on-one conversations to a host of activities to educational programming and a lively expo floor, the 2023 West Coast Produce Expo at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, May 19-20, offered something for everyone.
Fresh Innovations/Yo Quiero made good on its “dip destination” claim by sampling its bean dips, the spicy version of which contains tomatillo sauce, fiber and protein. The company also featured its guacamole and avocado cheese dips. Fresh Innovations’ Tara Murray describes Yo Quiero’s dips as “produce forward,” adding that avocados are the No. 1 ingredient in its Avocado Cream Cheese Dip With Spinach.
“We really love these smaller shows,” Murray said of WCPE. “We get one-on-one time with people here and have more conversations. I also love that there are extra things to do [at West Coast Produce Expo], like farm tours and yoga.”
Named after founder and CEO Brian LaForest’s daughter Molly, Molly’s Sun Select grapes are premium-quality, sweet and crisp grapes, said Tony Morimoto. The company’s fun and colorful bags were developed by 35-year-old moms with an eye for enticing kids to eat fruit and vegetables, he added. “Instead of candy, kids will want to eat grapes,” Morimoto said.
Molly’s Sun Select grapes are packed to order rather than put in a cooler — “that’s where grapes get soft,” said Jon Morimoto.
The Idaho Potato Commission is hopeful for the new crop. “In mid-June, we’ll know where the acreage comes in. The good thing is we’re not worried about water like last year,” Ross Johnson said. The Idaho Potato Commission is also gearing up to announce the winners of its 2023 Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest on June 1, Johnson said. This year’s contest features $150,000 in cash and prizes.
In addition to featuring its UPC coded EZ Band recyclable paperboard-based packaging that holds four large-size apples, Stemilt was eyeing its cherry season. “California cherries are super popular,” said Jorge Macias, who added that the season is getting going and was expected to be in full swing within one to three weeks. Despite the late start, “the fruit quality has been good,” Macias said.
The team at Sunkist discussed all things citrus from navels to mandarins to grapefruit and blood oranges. Brano Popovac said the company is looking forward to a good season and retail partnerships.
At the Schur Star Systems booth, Tracy Gilmore and Bart Johnson discussed the company’s latest recyclable sustainable packaging initiatives. “A lot of people are telling the industry what to do [around sustainable packaging] but not how to get there,” Gilmore said.
Related: Seen and heard at West Coast Produce Expo — Part 1
Related: Seen and heard at West Coast Produce Expo — Part 2
