Fawning Over Fresh

The produce industry is headed south to the PMA Fresh Summit for a look at what is new in the grocery store’s most in-demand section.  

Consumers are flocking to the produce aisle in record numbers, leaving retailers eager to harvest the latest on products and promotions direct from the source—growers, shippers and suppliers. It is no wonder that officials from the Produce Manufacturing Association (PMA) expect this year’s Fresh Summit to be one of the largest yet—with upward of 18,000 attendees and more than 1,000 exhibitors to be in attendance.

The cannot-miss produce industry event of the year will take place in Atlanta, Oct. 23-25, featuring an expansive expo floor that will cover more than 270,000 net square feet of space. Attendees can look forward to a welcome reception on Friday evening at the Georgia Aquarium, and plenty of fanfare throughout the weekend, including the PMA Foundation 5K Race for Talent on Saturday morning.

Starting the weekend off will be PMA CEO Bryan Silbermann and PMA president Cathy Burns with the State of the Industry. Other notable speakers include Guy Kawasaki, known for his work in the Silicon Valley at Apple, who will host a session on how to take strategic risk and capture bold ideas through practical techniques; and Mike Walsh, founder and CEO of Tomorrow, who will discuss how the web will affect the way the industry interacts with consumers and how technology will change the way food is produced and delivered in the future.

For a taste of what can be found on the expo floor, here is a sampling of exhibitors and what they will be serving up:

ALCO Designs

alcodesigns.com  

Booth #715

ALCO Designs will share its innovations for produce display solutions. The company will feature its new VersaWall and VersaTray systems, which integrate an anti-microbial feature making the displays cleaner and safer. “The new products also maintain and improve upon the benefits that ALCO displays have boasted for years—create a massive presentation with minimal product to increase turns, reduce shrink and maximize profits,” says Nava Hackmon, director of marketing and sales for the Gardena, Calif.-based company. In addition, ALCO will introduce new VersaWave and VersaShape to the marketplace.

Apio

eatsmart.net

Booth #3553

Apio will showcase its line of gourmet superfood salad kits, including its newest flavor, Southwest Superfood Salad. Each kit contains toppings and a dressing for easy preparation. “These delicious, chef inspired salads are ready in minutes, and feature five or more superfoods, including ingredients like kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin seeds, beets, beet greens, quinoa and more,” says Anne Byerly, vice president of marketing. 

Also on display will be the Guadalupe, Calif.-based company’s new line of plant powered protein salad kits. These salad kits contain 10 or more grams of protein per serving, are rich in vitamins A and C and are good sources of fiber, Byerly adds.

Avocados from Mexico

avocadosFrommexico.com

Booth #2225

Avocados from Mexico (AFM) plans to launch its latest marketing theme—Fresh 365/24/7. Its newly renovated booth was designed so that AFM team members can educate attendees on its latest initiatives.

“We have a lot of surprises in store for Fresh Summit attendees,” says Alvaro Luque, president of the Irving, Texas-based company. “We’re excited to introduce fresh marketing programs, retail tools and partnerships, as well as fresh ideas on nutrition and digital engagement.”

AFM will also be sampling culinary fare prepared by chef Mark Garcia, including a Guac Bar and Raw Bar. Attendees can also check out its football tailgate experience, with features like an Avocado FroYo Bar and GuacDog Cart.

Bolthouse Farms

bolthouse.com

Booth #5035

Bolthouse Farms will showcase a variety of super premium juices, beverages and dressings, including its most recent innovations released this spring: Blueberry Banana Almond Milk, Creamy Balsamic Dressing and Caramelized Sweet Onion Dressing.

The Bakersfield, Calif.-based company will also display its new brand of organic ultra-premium juice, launched in May, called 1915. The 1915 line includes five cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juice flavors.

“As consumer demand for healthier and nutritious products continues to grow, we are excited to showcase a few of our favorite new products that show how deliciously fun and better-for-you food and beverages can be,” says Suzanne Ginestro, chief marketing officer of Campbell fresh division.

Borges USA—Cara Mia Products

caramiaproducts.com

Booth #4489

Cara Mia products will exhibit its line of jarred vegetables. Chris Brown, national sales manager, says that in addition to its popular brand of marinated artichokes, the Fresno, Calif.-based company will showcase new items including Grilled Artichokes and Piquillo Peppers, as well as asparagus, mushrooms, artichoke salad and sun dried tomatoes.

“Our line of items is the perfect complement to produce sections, as the vegetables pair well with salads and sandwiches and offer consumers the convenience of having vegetables ready to go any time,” Brown adds.

Braga Fresh Family Farms

josiesorganics.com

Booth #1333

Josie’s Organics, a brand of Braga Fresh Family Farms, will be exhibiting as part of the Pavilion for Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, showing more than 25 varieties of Josie’s Organics’ fresh vegetables. The Soledad, Calif.-based company’s product line is always expanding, and this year it introduced cauliflower, iceberg, green onions and dill, with more to come like green and red dandelion, arugula, fennel and leeks.

“It is our aim to provide retailers and distributors a full line-up of premium-quality, organic wet-rack commodities,” says Karen Nardozza, marketing for Moxxy Marketing, in representation of Josie’s. “We consistently demonstrate leadership in providing the highest quality products and service to our customers and consumers, while maintaining best sustainable farming practices.”

Calbee North America

harvestsnaps.com

Booth #5232

Calbee North America exhibits at the Fresh Summit every year to showcase its Harvest Snaps, a unique snack mainly sold in produce sections. The product’s package visual was recently upgraded to reflect its ingredient focused brand story.

“Harvest Snaps bring vegetable based snacking to a new level,” says Steve Kneepkens, vice president of sales and marketing for the Fairfield, Calif.-based company. “The core foundation of our brand is our commitment to that base ingredient. Green pea and lentil bean constitute more than 50 percent of the product’s ingredients.” Harvest Snaps come in six flavors, with its new product line—black bean, in Habanero and Mango Chile Lime flavors—hitting shelves soon.

Del Monte Fresh Produce

freshdelmonte.com

Booth #1919

Del Monte Fresh plans to showcase its whole and fresh cut produce lines, as well as its new Pure Earth juice and Fresh Guac offerings. The Coral Gables, Fla.-based company will highlight its Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet pineapple and its extensive line of Del Monte bananas, which includes a number of exotic varieties. The fresh cut selections will feature FrescoFresh snack packs and salad bowls, grab-and-go offerings and trays, as well as its many other fresh cut fruit and vegetable capabilities.

Flagler Global Logistics

flaglergl.com

Booth #5228

Flagler Global Logistics will educate PMA attendees about its exclusive, USDA-certified treatment process that can extend perishable shelf life up to 10 days longer. 

“Unlike traditional fumigation methods, FGL’s newly patented technology is able to preserve the cold chain by consistently maintaining perishables at the optimal temperature during treatment,” says Chris Scott, company president and CEO. “Our team of experts developed a process that uses enhanced air flow and subsequent cooling and storage to eliminate condensation and decay—delivering higher-quality, fresher products.”

This process is designed to offer retailers a competitive advantage and increase sales. Officials for the Miami-based company add that it is the only process in the country that recaptures the fumigants, making it environmentally friendly.

The Garlic Co.

thegarliccompany.com

Booth #1346

The Garlic Co. will feature freshly peeled garlic from its 2015 garlic harvest. The peeled garlic is packaged in both 5-pound jars and 5-pound bags, depending on the customer’s preference. “Vak-Pak” peeled garlic will also be on display, which is peeled garlic that is vacuum-sealed in individual 1-ounce pouches and placed into a stand up gusseted 6-ounce bag.

“Because each pouch is individually sealed, the consumer can use one or two pouches for a dish without needlessly opening the remaining sealed packages,” says Michael Layous, sales and marketing for the Bakersfield, Calif.-based company. “This maintains the freshness and shelf life of the remaining product while offering recipe ready fresh garlic for any meal.”

Hollandia Produce

hollandiaproduce.com

Booth #3164

Officials at Hollandia Produce believe there has never been a better time to be in fresh produce. The company will share its Live Gourmet and certified organic Grower Pete’s brands of living lettuce and leafy greens.

“Retail, wholesale and foodservice partners and prospects can learn how Hollandia’s reputation for unmatched product quality and uniformity, innovative packaging and exemplary food safety compliance has become the category benchmark for customer and consumer satisfaction and repeat purchase,” says Renee Cooper, marketing manager for the Carpinteria, Calif.-based company.

Cooper adds that Hollandia’s growing methods guarantee year-round produce that requires less land, produces 3.5 times more yield per acre, and uses 80 percent less water than field-grown crops.

Idaho Potato Commission

idahopotato.com

Booth #1135

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), the marketing arm for the Idaho potato industry, will be present at PMA to speak with industry insiders. The organization is responsible for the “Grown in Idaho” seal, which symbolizes quality, and is known around the world, says Seth Pemsler, the IPC’s vice president of retail/international.

Led by nine commissioners—five of whom are potato growers, two packers/shippers and two representing the processors—the IPC, based in Eagle, Idaho, has represented the growers, fresh shippers, and processors of fresh, frozen and refrigerated 100 percent grown in Idaho potatoes since 1937. The commission dedicates its efforts to training and education materials, and promoting Idaho potatoes through the vast number of recipes on its website.

Inline Plastics

inlineplastics.com

Booth #730

Inline Plastics will introduce its Safe-T-Fresh Vented Solutions line, an addition to the Safe-T-Fresh line of tamper-resistant, tamper-evident containers. The Vented Solutions line includes cup-style, herb and large rectangular containers, each having the benefits of tamper-evidence as well as specialized venting strategically designed to allow moisture and gases to escape, says Jack Tilley, market research manager. This venting system keeps contents fresher, longer and is ideal for foods such as herbs, fresh vegetables and uncut fruit. The containers were developed in response to the Shelton, Conn.-based company’s customers’ desire for vented versions of its containers to enable them to package a wider variety of foods.

Mann Packing Co.

veggiesmadeeasy.com

Booth #1333

The Mann Packing Co. booth will feature its innovative cuts and super food blends, including Mann’s Culinary Cuts, a line of fresh cut vegetables cut into distinctive shapes like Sweet Potato Ribbons and Butternut Squash Zig Zags. The vegetables are all-natural, preservative-free, washed, ready to cook and versatile enough for multiple uses such as side dishes, stir-frys, soups, casseroles and as a pasta swap.

Additionally, the Salinas, Calif.-based company will showcase Mann’s Power Blend, a super food combination of kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, carrots and broccoli. “Power Blend is completely on trend with current restaurant offerings,” says Kim St. George, director of marketing and communications. “Now consumers can enjoy it at home as a cold salad, hot sauté or add it to their favorite juicing recipes.”

Also on display will be Mann’s value-added six-ounce bag of Kalettes, now shipping in the U.S. and Canada. Kalettes are a natural, non-GMO cross between kale and Brussels sprouts. Mann is one of six grower/shippers with the exclusive rights to grow and market Kalettes.

NatureSweet

naturesweet.com

Booth #1121

NatureSweet will display some of its newest products, including NatureSweet Jubliees. “Jubilees answer the industry’s need for a sandwich tomato that tastes great,” says Michael Joergensen, vice president of marketing. “Consumers have had to use oversized, tasteless sandwich tomatoes for too long. Jubilees are perfect for slicing—each tomato is superior in flavor and the ideal size for one sandwich, so no waste.” Each tomato is packaged in its own 100 percent recyclable pod to ensure freshness.

The San Antonio-based company will also showcase its new Constellation brand, which offers a tomato for every occasion, including salads, snacking, cooking and sandwiches.

Northern Plains Potato Growers Association

nppga.org

Booth #2439

PMA attendees can stop by the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association’s booth to learn more about Red River Valley red and yellow skin potatoes. The variety is available from late September until June.

“The Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota is the nation’s leader in red potato production, and for good reason,” says Ted Kreis, marketing and communications director for the East Grand Forks, Minn.-based company. “Our temperate climate and rich black soil produce some of the best tasting and best looking red potatoes anywhere; famous for their deep red color.” 

Ocean Mist Farms 

oceanmist.com

Booth #3547

Ocean Mist Farms is set to expand its value-added product line that is ready to use, cook and serve. The line expansion will feature a new vegetable—Kalettes.

“Ocean Mist Farms’ Season & Steam Kalettes are packaged in an innovative Steamfast microwavable pack that gives users the option to open the bag, pre-season the contents to their flavor preference, reseal with the zip lock and steam by microwave all within the same bag,” says Diana McClean, director of marketing for the Castroville, Calif.-based company. The gusseted package is designed for face forward retail shelf presentation.

The new product adds to Ocean Mist Farms’ existing product line packaged in the Steamfast pack, including SuperShredsSuperFood, Quick Cook Sprouts, whole Brussels sprouts and Baby Sprouts.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers

oneonta.com

Booth #4937

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers will be on hand to discuss the quality of its Northwest apples, pears, cherries and stone fruit with retailers. The offerings include new apple variety Koru, which comes from New Zealand and will soon be grown in Washington State, as well.

“Our organic apple offerings continue to grow too, and we have a great line up of organic apples to tell attendees about,” says Dan Wohlford, national marketing representative. To promote apples, the Wenatchee, Wash.-based company has developed the Apple SnaQ school bus tri-wall bin sleeve, designed to fit over a standard tri-wall bin, and used wherever needed at retail. The school bus and animated kid graphics attract parents and kids alike, Wohlford adds.

Southwind Farms

southwindpotatoes.com

Booth #5119

Southwind Farms will showcase the quality, consistent sizing and good yields of this season’s crop, say officials for the Heyburn, Idaho-based grower.

“Fingerling potatoes continue to be on the upswing for foodservice and in-home dining,” says Robert Tominada, partner at Southwind Farms. “Many foodservice operations and home chefs have turned to the specialty potato for ease of preparation, plating appeal and unique flavor profile. Southwind Farms looks forward to sharing the bright horizons for their highly desirable specialty crop with PMA customers and attendees.”

Truly Good Foods

trulygoodfoods.com

Booth #3414

Truly Good Foods will display its line of value-added salad bar toppings, My Salad Bar. The product comes in tight-sealing trays to keep each item fresh, and it is designed to be enough for a family’s evening salad or to keep in the office, say officials for the Charlotte, N.C.-based company. “It is a perfect way to offer consumers a variety, without having to buy separate items,” says Chad Hartman, director of marketing.

My Salad Bar is available in four different combinations, including: Original, containing walnuts, cranberries, sesame sticks and sunflower seeds; sesame salad bits, mini fruit mix, blackened pumpkin seeds and soybeans; cashews, golden raisins, pumpkin seeds and black bean sticks; and the spicy Indian Cuisine option, containing spiced rice flour noodles, crispy fried lentils, fried split chick peas and whole lentils with lentil twigs. “All of these combinations take a salad eating experience to the next level,” Hartman adds.

Utah Onions

utahonions.com     

Booth #4614

The Utah Onions exhibit will place an emphasis on two of its programs, the first being the continuing success of its Hartley’s Best label, which debuted at PMA last year. “It is the banner that will unify our national brand labels,” says Shawn Hartley, owner and vice president of the Syracuse, Utah-based company.

Utah Onions will also announce that it has farming operations in Colorado this season. Sister company, Southwest Onion Growers, has already started shipping onions from Western Colorado, company officials say. Additionally, the company will have programs in Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley during the spring.

“This is all in a concerted effort to provide retailers quality onions on a year-round basis,” Hartley adds. “Our Domestic Sweet program will be greatly enhanced and we look forward to offering this opportunity from now through February in Colorado and late February to May from Mexico and Texas.”

Wada Farms Potatoes

wadafarms.com

Booth #829

Along with the regular russets, colored potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes that Wada Farms has grown and marketed over the past years, the Pingree, Idaho-based company will introduce new items. One of these items is the “Smalls” line of potatoes—mini variety potatoes in a 1.25-pound bag, ideal for consumers looking for something new, fast and fresh.

This will also be the company’s first year with organics out of Idaho, including russet, red and yellow organic potatoes. “We recognize the growing demand for organic product and have set our growth plans to meet that demand now and into the future,” says Kevin Stanger, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Along with our organic sweet potatoes, we will be expanding our organic lines in years to come.”

Well•Pict Berries

wellpict.com

Booth #4637

Well•Pict Berries will showcase its new 18-ounce Raspberry Club Store Pack. The new raspberry clamshell was developed to meet the demand for larger, club store style containers. Featuring a custom double-pillow design, the clamshells are made of the same 100 percent recyclable material as the Watsonville, Calif.-based company’s 6- and 12-ounce packs.

“Available from spring to fall, Well•Pict Berries premium, proprietary raspberries are bred for superior size, color and flavor,” adds Jim Grabowski, director of marketing.

The Wonderful Co.

wonderful.com

Booth #3634

The Wonderful Co. is exhibiting at PMA for the first time this year, and will showcase its consumer-favorite brands to the industry.

“The company’s 7,300 employees worldwide are dedicated to bringing consumers everywhere the freshest, most wholesome pistachios, almonds, citrus and pomegranates; bottling the finest water and wines; and creating colorful bouquets that are sure to touch the heart,” says Jennifer George, senior director of corporate communications/PR for the Los Angeles-based company.

Officials add that many of its products are No. 1 in their respective categories, further highlighting the company’s commitment to excellence—these include Wonderful Pistachios, FIJI Water and POM Wonderful.