The Latest in Fresh Produce News

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Produce Leaders
October 14, 2024

🌱 Good afternoon, and welcome to today's fresh newsletter! 

👉 In today's email:

  • Earthbound Farm Unveils New Organic Salad Kits

  • Fresh Solutions Network to Reveal New Amazables

  • Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet to Showcase Tropical Expansion

  • Sunkist Unveils Innovative Programs & Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

  • Highline Mushrooms: Setting New Standards in Sustainable Agriculture

SALAD KITS

Earthbound Farm Unveils New Organic Salad Kits and Sustainable Packaging

Earthbound Farm, the largest U.S. producer of organic salads, is set to introduce new products at the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta this October.

The company will launch a range of 100% organic avocado oil salad kits in flavors like Caesar, Chipotle Ranch, and Truffle Caesar, catering to health-conscious consumers. Two new full-size kits, Caesar and Balsamic Crunch, will also debut.

Additionally, Earthbound Farm will introduce its Limited Harvest Organic Wild Red Arugula, a bold, spicy green with striking red veining, offering a fresh salad option.

The company is committed to sustainability, with new plant-based packaging reducing plastic by 95%. This eco-friendly packaging will initially be available for Organic Spring Mix and Organic Baby Spinach.

Further innovations include a line of greenhouse-grown salads from Virginia and Indiana, ensuring consistent flavor while sourcing crops closer to markets.

Earthbound Farm will showcase these products at the IFPA event, providing samples and hosting happy hours to engage attendees.

With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Earthbound Farm continues to expand its reach and offer healthier, environmentally conscious organic produce options.

FRESH SOLUTIONS

Fresh Solutions Network to Unveil New Amazables

Fresh Solutions Network, LLC is set to introduce its new Amazables! crispy potatoes at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta on October 18-19, 2024.

Attendees will sample these microwave-ready Russet potatoes, paired with Litehouse sauces like Loaded Potato and Buffalo Ranch, at Booth #B1938. 

These sauces mimic popular food service flavors and are designed for convenience and gourmet appeal.

Fresh Solutions Network’s participation also highlights its partnerships with Basin Gold Cooperative and other key suppliers.

Alongside Amazables!, the company will showcase its Side Delights portfolio, which includes value-added and eco-friendly potato products. A major focus will be BioFlex, a sustainable packaging material that converts to soil in landfills and is 100% recyclable.

Fresh Solutions Network is the only U.S. produce supplier offering BioFlex packaging, aligning with growing consumer interest in sustainability.

Additionally, the company’s SPUDS line, featuring “less-than-perfect” potatoes, addresses food waste concerns and provides cost-saving options for consumers.

Kathleen Triou, President and CEO, emphasized the event’s value for networking and customer feedback while showcasing Fresh Solutions Network's commitment to innovative, sustainable products.

👨‍🌾 Fear Not The Purpose Of A Produce Specialist | ThePacker.com

🌧️ ProduceIQ: Growers Assess Storm Damage | ProduceBlueBook.com

GREENYARD USA

Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet to Showcase Tropical Expansion and Sustainability

Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet, a long-standing leader in the fresh produce industry, will showcase its latest innovations at the 2024 International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce Show in Atlanta from October 17-19. 

As a Platinum sponsor for over 25 years, Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet will unveil a refreshed brand identity and present an expanded tropical fruit line, including lychees, rambutan, plantains, and mangosteen, at booth #B2239.

The company will also offer a unique fruit and vegetable sushi experience for attendees to sample.

The event highlights Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet’s commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly packaging solutions and responsible sourcing practices.

Attendees can explore tailored business solutions, learn from the company's global network of growers, and connect with new team members.

Founded in 1909 as a Florida citrus cooperative, Seald Sweet has grown into a key player in the global produce market, becoming part of Greenyard in 1998.

Greenyard operates in 21 countries, employs 8,600 people, and generates €5.1 billion in annual revenues, all while emphasizing sustainable practices and healthy eating worldwide.

PROGRAMS

Sunkist Unveils Innovative Programs and Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

Sunkist Growers, Inc., a leader in the citrus industry, will make a major impact at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Atlanta by unveiling two key initiatives: “Power with the Pink Orange” and the Sunkist i3 program.

The pink-themed booth (#B3639) will promote breast cancer awareness in partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The initiative features pink ribbon packaging and creative in-store merchandising to support breast cancer awareness.

In addition, Sunkist’s i3 program will be introduced, reflecting the company’s commitment to technological innovation in citrus farming.

The program optimizes the supply chain, ensuring consistent quality and flavor in citrus products, reinforcing Sunkist’s reputation for excellence.

Attendees can explore these initiatives at the booth, receive limited-edition pink-branded tote bags, and engage with Sunkist representatives.

With over 130 years of experience and more than 1,000 family farms, Sunkist remains committed to sustainability, innovation, and supporting social causes like breast cancer awareness.

Their participation in the IFPA event showcases both product innovation and their dedication to health and wellness initiatives.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Highline Mushrooms: Setting New Standards in Sustainable Agriculture

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable agriculture, one company has quietly grown into a powerhouse of innovation and environmental stewardship.

Highline Mushrooms, founded in 1961 by Dr. Murray O’Neil, began as a modest family farm in Leamington, Ontario.

Today, it stands as the world’s largest grower of organic mushrooms, shipping its products across Canada, the United States, and Japan.

The journey of Highline Mushrooms is a testament to the power of vision, family values, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

From its humble beginnings, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of mushroom cultivation, setting new industry standards along the way.

In 1985, Highline became the first farm in Canada to incorporate the Dutch-growing method, revolutionizing the industry with a four-week growing cycle that produced whiter, denser mushrooms.

But Highline’s quest for innovation didn’t stop there. In 2001, the company achieved another milestone by becoming one of Canada’s first mushroom producers to be certified organic. 

This commitment to organic farming was further solidified when Highline implemented a certified organic wash process for sliced mushrooms, once again leading the industry in sustainable practices.

The company’s dedication to quality and safety is evident in its achievements. In 2010, Highline became the first Canadian mushroom grower to obtain Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, a globally recognized food safety management system.

This certification not only underscores the company’s commitment to producing safe, high-quality mushrooms but also demonstrates its proactive approach to meeting the evolving demands of retailers and consumers worldwide.

Highline Mushrooms prides itself on its work environment | Images: Courtesy of Highline Mushrooms

At the heart of Highline’s success lies its people. The company prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, providing employment opportunities to new Canadians and embracing various cultures.

Annual picnics and community engagement initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to treating its associates with dignity and respect, creating a positive work culture that extends beyond the farm.

Highline’s commitment to sustainability is perhaps its most defining characteristic.

The company has implemented a range of environmentally friendly practices that set it apart in the agricultural sector.

By converting agricultural by-products into nutrient-rich substrates for mushroom growth, Highline demonstrates a circular economy approach that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.

Water conservation is another area where Highline excels. Through innovative techniques such as reducing evaporation in growing rooms and reusing process water, the company has managed to produce one pound of fresh mushrooms using only about 6 liters of water, a fraction of what other foods require.

This achievement not only conserves precious water resources but also sets a new standard for efficient agricultural production.

Energy management is yet another facet of Highline’s sustainability efforts. By utilizing state of the art growing technology and modern construction materials, the company has significantly reduced its energy demand while maintaining high production levels.

This approach not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the company’s operational efficiency.

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of Highline’s operation is its small farm footprint. 

Through vertical farming techniques, the company can produce over 5 pounds of fresh mushrooms per square foot, making it possible to grow millions of kilograms of mushrooms on just one acre of land.

Thanks to their vertical farming techniques the company produces over 5 pounds of fresh mushrooms per square foot | Images: Courtesy of Highline Mushrooms

This efficient use of space sets Highline apart in an industry where land use is often a significant concern.

As Highline Mushrooms looks to the future, it continues to innovate and adapt. The recent introduction of clear PET tills for packaging demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and consumer satisfaction.

These 100% recyclable containers not only reduce the carbon footprint but also allow customers to see the quality of the mushrooms they’re purchasing.

The company’s latest rebranding effort, set to be unveiled at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show, marks a bold new chapter in Highline’s story.

With vibrant packaging and a dynamic new look, Highline aims to attract a new generation of mushroom enthusiasts while staying true to its core values of quality and sustainability.

In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices, Highline Mushrooms stands out as a company that not only meets but exceeds expectations, proving that sustainability and success can indeed go hand in hand.

TIP OF THE DAY

Use Email Segmentation to Deliver More Targeted Marketing Messages

Have you considered using email segmentation to deliver more targeted marketing messages to your customers?

By segmenting your email list based on factors like purchase history, location, or preferences, you can send tailored content that resonates with different customer groups.

For example, offer exclusive discounts on local produce to nearby customers or share seasonal produce tips with health-conscious buyers.

Highlight these segmented offers in your newsletters, ensuring that each group feels like the content is personalized just for them.

This increases engagement and the likelihood of conversion, as customers are more likely to respond to messages that cater to their specific interests or needs.

Email segmentation allows you to speak directly to your audience, making your marketing more efficient and driving higher sales with more relevant content.

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