Seen and heard at GOPEX 2023 — Part 3

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — From technology to indoor grown to packaging innovations, the Global Organic Produce Expo 2023, which took place Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, was abuzz with the latest trends and hot topics.

Related: Seen and heard at GOPEX — Part 1

With labor top of mind for so many, Kevin Hannigan of AgSquared discussed how the company’s farm management software can track all aspects of labor and much more with the aim of helping growers be more productive, profitable, sustainable and transparent.

Related: Seen and heard at GOPEX — Part 2

Responsibly grown fruit was a topic of conversation with Stemilt’s Auna Lundberg. “We want to educate people on why and how we grow,” she said about the Wenatchee, Wash.-based grower’s interest in GOPEX. Stemilt, which received Equitable Food Initiative certification of its entire operation in 2021, displayed “Responsibly grown. Farmworker assured. EFI certified org.” signage in its booth. Stemilt also showcased its sustainable package called the EZ Band. Introduced last fall, the packaging is now available for its organic Cosmic Crisp apples. The four-pack of larger apples is also e-commerce-friendly, Lundberg said.

The team at R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce said it will have more organic blueberries this year. It will also offer 3-pound bags of jalapeno, shishito and Fresno peppers — in both organic and conventional — this spring.

TruFresh Produce’s KJ Peraza shared the news that the company will introduce organic limes later this year. He expects them to be in the market by September.

LUV by Fresh Directions showcased its four varieties of avocados from the Dominican Republic and sampled its Soursop and Fruit Pulps packaged in pouches.

Starr Ranch Growers featured its sustainable packaging for apples. While the company was anticipating a smaller crop of Washington apples late last year, Mike Marboe was pleased to report that the crop yielded “a little more fruit than expected.” He expects a normal cadence of fruit moving into the new year.

Ray Connelly of Procurant, a supply chain collaboration platform for retailers and foodservice operators, connecting a diverse network of perishable goods suppliers and service providers, said the company’s platform was “the hot topic” of the day. “Our platform is getting a lot of exposure, which increased by being at this show,” Connelly said.

First-time GOPEX exhibitor and new retail brand Touchstone Pistachio Company teased its line of pistachios that are expected to go to market in the first quarter of 2024. Charlotte Avila said the company, which has been farming pistachios for 35 years, became vertically integrated last year. While Touchstone has been focused on the export market, with its new retail brand and a new site in Fresno, Calif., the company is ready to make a splash at U.S. retail.