Seen and heard: New York Produce Show, Part 2
The New York Produce Show and Conference was buzzing with on-trend products, exclusive varieties, high-quality imported fresh produce and much more. Here’s what some exhibitors were talking about at the Dec. 1 event held at the Javits Center in New York City.
Sun Belle
Paul Stumpfig, Jennifer Sparks and Chuck Fiorenzi of Schiller Park, Ill.-based Sun Belle raved about the versatility of Golden Berries, also known as Cape gooseberries, which the company sources from Colombia. Sun Belle is the largest marketer of the fruit in the U.S., Fiorenzi said. “So much education is needed with Golden Berries. People don’t know what they are,” Fiorenzi added. While they are frequently enjoyed raw, he likes to grill them on shish kebabs or use them in casseroles and sautes. Merchandised in the berry section, the golden yellow color of the berries provides an eye-popping color break, Fiorenzi says.
Chilean Fresh Fruit Association
Chilean Fresh Fruit Association Chilean cherries and blueberries were the hot topic of conversation with Karen Brux and Allison Myers of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. “Large volumes of Chilean cherries are coming into North America,” Brux said. The season for the “jumbo fruit of amazing quality” is just getting started and will continue through the end of February and into March, said Brux, who added that February is National Cherry Month. The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association is also celebrating the “Blueberry Express,” a charter service that expedites shipments of blueberries from Chile to the U.S. The blueberries will arrive in Philadelphia 12 days faster and fresher using this service, Brux said.
Related: Seen and heard at New York Produce Show, Part 1
G&R Farms
At the booth, G&R Farms showcased its Season of Giving shipper-display units for its “grown with passion” Sweet Red Onions. Now in its third year, G&R Farms’ Season of Giving campaign works with retailers to raise funds for a local charity of the retailer’s choosing. The funds raised are based on a set donation amount per each box shipped during the promotion.
Starr Ranch Growers
Starr Ranch Growers’ Dan Davis spotlighted Juici apples, a variety exclusive to the Wenatchee, Wash.-based company. “Juici is a hot variety for us. We’ve had a lot of success with it at Costco nationwide,” he said. As a variety exclusive to Starr Ranch, Davis says there’s an added benefit to the company. “We’re doing something we can control from start to finish,” he said.
Grimmway Farms
Lisa McNeece, Bob Borda and Jen Verdelli Hurter of Bakersfield, Calif.-based Grimmway Farms featured its Cal-Organic Farms line of Organic Carrot Chips and Guacamole; Organic Carrot Chips and Ranch; and Organic Carrot Chips and Hummus.
Southern Specialties
This November, the Pompano Beach, Fla.-based company celebrated its 32nd anniversary, said Charlie Eagle and Tracy Monahan. “We’re the largest grower-importer of fresh asparagus from Peru for both green and white,” Eagle said. Southern Specialties has expanded its offerings to nearly 300 SKUs of produce items, including tropicals, heirloom tomatoes, value-added and more, added Eagle.
