Blueberry clamshell trends shift in these two ways

(By Meadowphoto; Source pixabay)

Growers and packers are using more top-seal clamshell packages for their blueberries to meet the shifting demand from consumers for less plastic. “It’s a peel-and-reseal top, kind of like you see on Oreos,” said Chelsea Consalo, vice president of produce operations for Consalo Family Farms, Egg Harbor City, N.J. “That uses 35% less plastic. Consalo’s role includes working on package design at her family’s sister company, Fresh Wave, Vineland, N.J., which handles packing, distribution and shipping.“There are just a lot of environmental trends as far as packaging that I’m seeing,” she said.

Consumers like the resealable aspect of this newer design, said Ryan Atwood, owning partner with Michael Hill of Mount Dora, Fla.-based H&A Farms, one of the largest blueberry packers on the East Coast. The company also owns or manages about 350 acres in blueberry production. “It’s more expensive for packing house and grower, but there’s a demand from consumers, so from retailers,” Atwood said. “It doesn’t pop open.”

The film that’s on top of the pint or quart clamshell requires a new expensive machine to do, but several New Jersey companies are doing it, said Denny Doyle, chairman of the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council and owner of D.G. Doyle Farms, New Lisbon, N.J.

Another shift is the way the retail package is measured: using weight instead of volume. The pint is now a pound, Doyle said. “We were always about volume, filling the container. Now stores want it by weight. I think it’s a trend to keep everything more level. It’s a lot more expensive for our growers to do this, but it’s the demand of the large retailers, the Costcos, the Walmarts,” he said. “Retailers want consistency and known nature of it.”

Related: 
Produce Pantry: Making U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council's TikTok cookie recipe
Mexican and Californian blueberry production driving strong spring season for Berry People
Beginning of Florida blueberry season marked by new variety
Graphic Packaging adds ProducePack™ Punnet packaging

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.