Coosemans DC, Jessup, Md., is now offering a sustainable fresh herb bag program in addition to the traditional clamshell packs for retail herbs.
“The bags use 75% less plastic than conventional clamshells,” said Bill Santoni, director of sales and marketing for the firm.
“This not only helps the environment but also meets retailers’ as well as customer demands for sustainable packaging.”
In addition to reducing plastic waste, the bags have micro-perforations to provide a controlled atmosphere, which extends product shelf life, he said.
A large percentage of Coosemans’ business consists of retail chains throughout parts of the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and into the Southeastern regions, and Santoni said that retail business has been “strong and steady.”
“Not being able to have face to face meetings with (retailers) has been one change due to COVID,” he said.
Even so, Coosemans has been working closely with retail buyers and has strengthened relationships during the past few months, he said.
While foodservice accounts have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, conditions have improved beginning in mid-June when restaurant restrictions began to loosen with phase 2 reopening.
“The reopening of restaurants helped July’s numbers substantially,” he said.
In general, Santoni said sales are up so far this year compared with a year ago.
“We are fortunate to have very strong and reliable teams in all departments of our organization,” he said.
“We are looking forward to continued growth of business in 2021.”
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