MONTEREY, Calif. — Enthusiasm for organic produce was high at this year’s Organic Produce Summit, where exhibitors were eager to discuss new organic products, success stories, fair labor practices and more.
Known for its innovative marketing that addresses the serious topics of sustainable agriculture, trade justice and environmental protection, but through humor, bold messaging and a playfulness that draws immediate attention, Equifruit’s booth at OPS 2024 didn’t disappoint.
The organic, fair trade banana company’s “Bananity Fair-” themed booth invited attendees to strike a series of fun poses prompted by audio playing inside the see-through booth.
The Equifruit team was decked out in its usual shark accessories, prompting one passerby to ask, “What’s up with the sharks?”
“It’s a big part of our branding,” replied Equifruit’s Madison Hopper, who deftly turned the conversation to the importance of fair trade, because “farmers gotta get paid.”
Naturipe was also a recipient of the ECIP Leadership Circle Award. At the Naturipe booth at OPS, Donna Lynn Browne, senior director of food safety and social responsibility for Naturipe Farms, discussed the company being one of the first to get its growers into the program as well as its efforts to educate growers about social responsibility.
“A lot of them are doing the right thing but they aren’t documenting it,” she said.
Costco, an ECIP advisory group member, recently announced it would require 50% of its growers to be in the Ethical Charter Implementation Program by July 12, 2024, said Browne. When retailers set these requirements, it accelerates the need for the educational self-assessment tools that are part of the program, she added.
Homegrown Organic Farms, which also participates in EFI’s programs, spotlighted Pranksters, its new kiwi berries. Pranksters are available in conventional and organic, said Homegrown’s Elise Smith. Grown in Oregon and available from September to November, the smooth fruit doesn’t require peeling. “You can eat them just as you would eat a grape,” said Smith of the kiwi berries.
Boskovich Farms showcased its Fair Earth compostable salad bags that are home compostable in 100 days. “We’ve seen a lot of interest in that,” said Michael Boskovich. The company has also seen demand for its organic washed and ready-to-eat celery, said Boskovich, who added that there aren’t many organic examples of that product in the market.
Nature Fresh Farms featured its Organic Ombre Cherry Tomatoes, Organic Strawberries, and Organic Hiiros Tomatoes. “They’ve all proven successful on the conventional side and now we have organic,” said Dave Milison.
Lela Reichart of Fresh Solutions Network/Side Delights showcased the company’s Amazables! line of oven crispy-skin-style microwavable U.S. No.1 grade russet potato available with two custom sauces created exclusively by Litehouse. Fresh Solutions Network’s Kathleen Triou said the company has the capabilities to offer organic Amazables.
Related:
Seen and heard at Organic Produce Summit — Part 1
Seen and heard at Organic Produce Summit — Part 2
