EVERETT, Mass. — The fresh produce industry converged at the recent New England Produce Council’s 2024 Produce, Floral and Foodservice Expo to share new products and the latest industry news. The expo was held Aug. 19-20 at the Encore Boston Harbor Hotel and Casino.
Zespri showcased its SunGold kiwifruit and green kiwifruit. “Every time people have the opportunity to taste a SunGold kiwi, they discover a delicious fruit with so many minerals and vitamins,” said Therese Mauch.
Why is the New England Produce Council’s Expo important to Zespri?
“This is a big region for us. We’re focusing our marketing here and in the mid-Atlantic,” said Mauch, adding, “The U.S. market represents just 8% of Zespri’s global kiwifruit sales. That’s why allocation in the U.S. is so important.”
Goodness Gardens featured its Just a Cup Living Basil. Just add water and it keeps growing on the windowsill, said Sarah Burnette.
The team from Hapco Farms shared the news that its new packing facility for potatoes in Hadley, Mass., was set to open the week after the 2024 NEPC Expo. Part of a new venture between Hapco Farms and Valley Spud, the new company is called Barnwood Valley Farms.
Hapco’s Raquel Mello said another facility for carrots and onions is in the works in Old Town, Fla. The Florida facility is anticipated to open in December or January.
The additional facilities are expected to extend Hapco Farms’ regional reach. “Retailers love local produce,” Mello said.
At the 2024 NEPC Expo, Superfresh Growers was wrapping up its last week of cherry harvest, which has a pack date of Aug. 22, said Trevor May. “Everybody else cleaned up a couple of weeks ago.”
May explained that Superfresh Growers is growing at higher elevations at its orchards in La Grande, Ore. The cooler temperatures there allow for late-season cherries.
Superfresh also featured its Cosmic Crisp apples. “It’s the next big apple,” May said.
The team at Ark Foods showcased its bagged pepper line that’s also available in bulk. Each bag of peppers features a heat scale as well as a recipe and suggested uses.
“We try to educate on the package as much as possible,” said Lindsay Belfatto.
Dayka & Hackett, a Frutura Co., displayed its mangoes, Cara Cara Pink navel oranges and limes, as well as Autumn Crisp grapes. “They’re super popular,” said Susie Alvarez of the grapes.
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