Seen and heard at IFPA show, part 5
ANAHEIM, Calif. — From new products and packaging to new marketing campaigns and recent acquisitions, many companies embraced the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show as an opportunity to introduce the latest and greatest in the fresh space.
Ocean Mist showed off a new booth that “communicates who we are to the customer,” said Mark Munger. The new booth pays homage to the company’s nearly 100-year-old roots as an artichoke grower as well as its new and expanding value-added business and commodities, he explained.
“We want to reinforce our position as a value-added provider,” Munger said. As such, an entire wall of the booth was devoted to just that: Ocean Mist’s robust offerings in high-quality, value-added products.
The team at AgroFresh discussed its recent acquisition of South Africa-based packaging solutions provider Tessara — a move it says will amplify the company’s capabilities in postharvest produce freshness and food waste reduction, adding solutions for key crop segments such as table grapes and berries. The acquisition also increases AgroFresh’s footprint across fruit growing regions such as South Africa, China, Australia and South America.
Related: AgroFresh acquires packaging solution company, broadening portfolio
The California Avocado Commission marketing team shared some exciting changes in how it will manage its marketing program going forward.
“We’re changing our messaging but we’re not walking away from our history,” said Terry Splane, commission vice president of marketing. This year marked the 45th anniversary of the California Avocado Commission.
“We’re not walking away from our messaging; we’re modernizing and strengthening it. We still serve growers and we’re still maniacally focused on California,” Splane said.
Sustainability will be part of the new marketing campaign messaging, expected to launch in late March or early April 2024. CAC’s booth offered a preview of its renewed focus on sustainability with a large sign celebrating the topic.
Seventy-seven percent of consumers believe sustainability is important in selecting a product, Splane said.
CAC also seized the IFPA show as an opportunity to introduce Marketing Manager Lori Small, who joined the team in October.
“We’ve got a new team and new energy,” Splane added.
Mucci Farms debuted its new Savorries Sweet Strawberry Tomatoes, which the company says are sweet like a strawberry and savory like a tomato. The variety is resistant to tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRVF) and grown under high-tech glass. Savorries are available in 12-ounce and 1.65-pound top-seal formats.
I Love Produce is poised to launch a new squeezable product, the first shipments of which will hit market in mid-November, said Isha Getia. Made in India, the line includes Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste, Ginger Garlic Paste, and Minced Garlic. Stay tuned for the same products in “squat jars,” set to ship in December or January 2024, Getia said.
Volm Cos. brought a 30-person team to this year’s IFPA show. The company teased its HiC2 Pouch, designed to be recyclable at store drop-off. Volm says the single-film structure allows for the pouch to be recycled at stores. It will be available in consumer packs from 1 to 10 pounds and is suitable for automated or hand packing.
Dole Food Co. featured its newly launched dragon fruit. The company began shipping the Ecuador-grown exotic fruit to the western U.S. in October. ”We’ll be doing more and more with exotic fruits,” said William Goldfield. “There’s lots of support for it.”
Nature Fresh Farms sampled its new Sweet Snaps with “a taste and crunch unlike any other,” said Krysta Markham. The mid-size pepper offers the refreshing lightness of a granny smith apple. “They’re really resonating with retailers and consumers,” said Markham, who added that the pepper category hasn’t seen a lot of innovation until now.
“Our company is deeply rooted in the produce perimeter,” said Chris Kiser of Spice World. The company is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. Spice World has introduced an industrial compostable pack for garlic bulbs with a UPC code. Kiser also showcased the company’s Easy Onion, which offers consumers a quality chopped onion that is ready to use with no peeling, dicing or crying. “Consumers want convenience,” said Kiser of the new product.
New packaging was also on display at Giro Pack Inc. “Given that sustainability is such a big topic, we’re featuring our plastic-free packaging,” said Russell Reta. The cellulose net packaging is made of eucalyptus tree fibers. The packaging is in the process of getting certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, a process Reta and Asya Asenova hope will be complete by year’s end.
Larger-than-life fruit was on display at the Naturipe booth, where its Mighty Reds jumbo strawberries and Mighty Blues jumbo blueberries were featured products. Due to heavier-than-normal rains, Mighty Reds will start to ship in the first quarter of 2024, said Marissa Ritter. The company also teased its Berry Buddies line of breakfast-forward snack packs, including Pancakes and Berries and Waffles and Berries. The kid-friendly snack packs are in testing now.
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