Produce Show Daily at PMA • October 29, 2021

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Oser Communications Group

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH PMA

New Products from The Little Potato Company

New Orleans Friday, October 29, 2021

Chile Roasters from Arizona Chile Roasters By Daphne McBroom, Arizona Chile Roasters

An interview with Angela Santiago, CEO and Co-founder, The Little Potato Company. PSD: Is The Little Potato Company debuting anything new this year?

AS: This fall, we’re excited to be introducing a new potato varietal to the category, Purely Purple, which is a Little Potato with a naturally bright purple skin and flesh that holds its color even after cooking. We are also expanding our line of Microwave Ready Kits to include two new flavors: Smoked Salt and Roasted Garlic, Rosemary and Thyme.

PSD: What inspired the launch of these new products?

AS: Our new products address trends that we’re seeing emerge as a result of Continued on Page 17

Faster, Fresher, Cooler – Produce Logistics With Americold

Where in the world are you importing from or exporting to? South America? Europe? Australia or New Zealand? Probably all of those and more. How many service providers are involved with the picking, packing, shipping, repacking, storing, and delivery of your products? So your supply chain is already complicated. And the demands of your customers won’t stop. They want produce fresher, faster, and more frequently. Cost pressures are likely restricting you from adding to your team, so what can you do? It’s a lot. Americold understands, and is here to assist. With a vertically integrated supply chain model and industry experts who’ve been in your shoes, Americold has the infrastructure, the knowhow, and the port-adjacent locations with a full suite of value-added services that can alleviate the stress you and your supply chain are under. Importing from Spain? Americold has locations throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Continued on Page 17

We are manufacturers of steel constructed chile roasters for commercial or home use. Our commercial chile roasters are made in four different barrel sizes to suit your business needs and/or customer base. They are wheel mounted, piped for propane, and are offered with regular or stainless steel barrels. Our tabletop chile roasters are for those customers who want to roast a smaller amount per batch, or as a way to draw customers by using them as displays, awards, or raffles. Handmade in the USA, and the manufacturer selected to represent the state of Arizona at the third Annual Made in America Product Showcase at the White House in July of 2019. For more information, call 520.825.8717, email mcbroom@arizonachileroasters.com or go to www.arizonachileroasters.com.

Misinformation Plagues Healthy Consumption of Fruits, Vegetables

With a mere 1 in 10 Americans eating enough fruits and vegetables each day for a healthy diet, despite decades of research proving a produce-rich diet prevents disease, improves immunity and lengthens lives, groups including the Organic Produce Network and the Alliance for Food and Farming are teaming up to combat misinformation and promote increasing produce consumption. As the OPN says, as more people move away from where food is grown and how food is grown, misinformation comes into play. According to a recent study conducted by AFF, registered dietitians worry that misinformation affects their ability to improve diets of clients and consumers. Those surveyed unanimously agreed Americans should eat more fruits and vegetables (organic or conventionally grown) with confidence for safety. A whopping 95 percent of registered dietitians said it’s vital consumers know conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are safe to eat, since many consumers believe they can’t afford organic produce. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program, 99 percent of foods tested had residue levels well below EPA safety standards or no residues Continued on Page 17



Oser Communications Group

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH PMA

New Products from The Little Potato Company

New Orleans Friday, October 29, 2021

Chile Roasters from Arizona Chile Roasters By Daphne McBroom, Arizona Chile Roasters

An interview with Angela Santiago, CEO and Co-founder, The Little Potato Company. PSD: Is The Little Potato Company debuting anything new this year?

AS: This fall, we’re excited to be introducing a new potato varietal to the category, Purely Purple, which is a Little Potato with a naturally bright purple skin and flesh that holds its color even after cooking. We are also expanding our line of Microwave Ready Kits to include two new flavors: Smoked Salt and Roasted Garlic, Rosemary and Thyme.

PSD: What inspired the launch of these new products?

AS: Our new products address trends that we’re seeing emerge as a result of Continued on Page 17

Faster, Fresher, Cooler – Produce Logistics With Americold

Where in the world are you importing from or exporting to? South America? Europe? Australia or New Zealand? Probably all of those and more. How many service providers are involved with the picking, packing, shipping, repacking, storing, and delivery of your products? So your supply chain is already complicated. And the demands of your customers won’t stop. They want produce fresher, faster, and more frequently. Cost pressures are likely restricting you from adding to your team, so what can you do? It’s a lot. Americold understands, and is here to assist. With a vertically integrated supply chain model and industry experts who’ve been in your shoes, Americold has the infrastructure, the knowhow, and the port-adjacent locations with a full suite of value-added services that can alleviate the stress you and your supply chain are under. Importing from Spain? Americold has locations throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Continued on Page 17

We are manufacturers of steel constructed chile roasters for commercial or home use. Our commercial chile roasters are made in four different barrel sizes to suit your business needs and/or customer base. They are wheel mounted, piped for propane, and are offered with regular or stainless steel barrels. Our tabletop chile roasters are for those customers who want to roast a smaller amount per batch, or as a way to draw customers by using them as displays, awards, or raffles. Handmade in the USA, and the manufacturer selected to represent the state of Arizona at the third Annual Made in America Product Showcase at the White House in July of 2019. For more information, call 520.825.8717, email mcbroom@arizonachileroasters.com or go to www.arizonachileroasters.com.

Misinformation Plagues Healthy Consumption of Fruits, Vegetables

With a mere 1 in 10 Americans eating enough fruits and vegetables each day for a healthy diet, despite decades of research proving a produce-rich diet prevents disease, improves immunity and lengthens lives, groups including the Organic Produce Network and the Alliance for Food and Farming are teaming up to combat misinformation and promote increasing produce consumption. As the OPN says, as more people move away from where food is grown and how food is grown, misinformation comes into play. According to a recent study conducted by AFF, registered dietitians worry that misinformation affects their ability to improve diets of clients and consumers. Those surveyed unanimously agreed Americans should eat more fruits and vegetables (organic or conventionally grown) with confidence for safety. A whopping 95 percent of registered dietitians said it’s vital consumers know conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are safe to eat, since many consumers believe they can’t afford organic produce. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program, 99 percent of foods tested had residue levels well below EPA safety standards or no residues Continued on Page 17




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Friday, October 29, 2021

Able Freight Services Utilizes Technology to Put Customer Needs First Able Freight’s focus on utilizing technology to deliver exceptional services for its customers ensures the company is strategically positioned for future growth. The key areas of focus include creating an innovative culture throughout the company, continuing to roll out its DataHub shipment tracking portal, implementing commodity-based shelflife formulas for its global clients and piloting a blockchain to DataHub, as related to Internet of Things (temperature trackers) and the remaining days of shelf life – in real time – along the way.

The company also leads the way with integration of electronic airway bills (eAWB) with airlines, having introduced new mobile Quality Check (QC) tools for better freshness grading and quality reports. Orlando Wong, Able Freight Services’ Executive Vice President, notes that Able Freight is committed to embracing new technology. “Able Freight adapts relevant technology for use in the perishable and pharmaceutical air shipping industry. The market demands more and more high perform-

Onions Supplies Without a Gap By Andrea Cutler, Partner, Michael Cutler Company

When Michael Cutler began to focus on marketing onions and left behind other commodities, he was ready to take on the missing link in the industry as a yearround onion provider. Onions are supplied from different regions across the nation throughout the year. Cutler understood early on that to be the top player in onion supply, he needed to offer a yearround program. This would support his dream of being relied on as a single company for onions without having to switch multiple times throughout the year in dif-

ferent growing regions. Cutler has always been focused on being the best, offering perfection in every product he delivers. Fulfilling this dream required a strong strategy, a long-term plan, and partnerships. Michael Cutler initiated his program by coordinating with growers across the nation, gaining his footing by investing with the grower to partner up in the risky business of tackling Mother Nature, and to show the farmer that he was serious about his intentions. Cutler got even more serious by developing his own labels to brand his product for consumer recognition and to provide a top-

Produce Show Daily ance and precision among its p l a y e r s , ” explained Wong. Able Freight is one of the first perishable freight forwarding companies to create a Technology and Innovation Department. “Able’s leadership in the transportation and logistics industry is because of our focus upon real-time data visibility, atomization and predictive systems,” Wong noted. He sees an even greater technological focus over the next five years. Such Continued on Page 17

quality product he and his team are proud of. All of this allowed Michael C u t l e r Company to offer a year-round yellow, red, and white program, as well as its premier OSO sweet onion label program with product from Vidalia; Peru, Texas; New Mexico; and California to offer sweet onions 12 months out of the year. Continued on Page 17

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH PMA Kimberly Oser Publisher Anthony Socci Vice President of Sales Yasmine Brown Production Manager/Art Director AJ Flick Senior Editor Jeanie Catron Associate Editor Susan Stein Customer Service Manager Marcos Morhaim Senior Account Manager Tara Neal Director of Operations Hannah Stefanovich Show Logistics & Distribution Enrico Cecchi European Sales Produce Show Daily is published by Oser Communications Group ©2021 All rights reserved. Executive and editorial offices at: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300/Fax: 520.721.6300 European offices located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 11, 50125 Florence, Italy www.osercommunicationsgroup.com

Lee M. Oser Founder





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Friday, October 29, 2021

Produce Show Daily

MAC Dietitian Adds Flavorful Nutrition With Michigan Apples The 2021 crop of Michigan-grown apples is now being harvested, and with that, many solutions for home cooks, families and others seeking nutritious foods. Throughout the pandemic, an increasing number of Americans cooked and ate at home on a regular basis and discovered that eating at home with family provided many benefits, including time together, affordability, and nourishing meals. Michigan Apple Committee and dietitian Shari Steinbach, MS, RDN, are resources for new meal and recipe inspiration that includes the healthy benefits of nutrient-rich ingredients. According to the 2021 Food & Health Survey from the International Food Information Council

(IFIC), participants were specifically looking for foods that would help them manage weight, provide energy, and promote digestive health. “There are endless possibilities for cooking with Michigan Apples and fall is the perfect time to try them in both sweet and savory dishes such as salads, soups, and sandwiches,” said Steinbach. “Michigan Apples can be added to meals and snacks in so many ways and they pump up the flavor while adding many nutritional benefits like complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber and phytonutrients that help promote both gut health and weight management.” Even if you don’t have time to cook,

Pandemic Pricing Tips for your Flower Business By Sharon McGukin, AIFD, AAF, PFCI; and Todd Bussey, AIFD

It’s hard to say which was the most surprising – the way a 2020 pandemic suddenly changed the basics of business, or the unexpected lessons we learned from the experience. Not only has business gone through a reorganizational period, consumer expectations have changed. Identifying the post-pandemic needs and wants of your customer is now crucial for future company growth. We’re all searching for tips on how to create success in this new space. Agile businesses work quickly to

adapt services to fit their customers’ revised needs. Learning while on task what works and what doesn’t. What are the first steps? “Decide to be successful and be disciplined about your numbers,” suggests Todd Bussey, AIFD, the owner of Bussey’s Florist & Gifts, with two locations in North Georgia. “When you decide to make a change in your business, be sure that you are really committed. That you are willing to put in the effort required.” Despite a substantial pandemic-driven loss of wedding and event work profits, Todd’s main store remained strong with a 30% increase in revenue and his

Florida Produce Is Always in Season Florida plays a critical part in supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to the United States, Canada and globally. Each season brings its own bounty to the table. With the advent of fall, growers begin harvesting the fruits and vegetables that we love. Winter is a major growing and harvest time in Florida, and the spring brings even more delicious products. In the summer, harvests slow down as farmers gear up for another start to the amazing cycle of Florida agriculture. When other growing regions are just beginning production, Florida fresh commodities are already in full swing.

Florida’s early and long growing seasons give growers and shippers a distinct advantage in the market. Florida’s geographical location also opens the doors for international trade through its ports.

Fresh From Florida Retail Program The Fresh From Florida brand is used to promote Florida-grown products locally, regionally, and internationally. Working with many of the largest and most respected retailers, Fresh From Florida promotes the purchase of Florida commodities through retail promotions, social media and traditional media chan-

Stonewall Kitchen Carolina Reaper Salsa The specialty food makers at Stonewall Kitchen know a thing or two about big, bold taste – and they’ve put their expertise to good use with their new Carolina Reaper Salsa, a devilish dip that delivers eye-watering heat with every bite. The Carolina reaper is a brightly colored pepper packing such a punch that Guinness World Records currently has it listed as the hottest pepper in the world. Measuring in at over 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (your average jalapeño is only around 5,000), it takes spice to a whole new level and is consid-

ered the ultimate test for hot-food lovers everywhere. This sensational salsa takes the fiery yet fruity flavor of the Carolina reaper and combines it with green chile peppers, jalapeños, cilantro, garlic and more for serious heat that’s sure to tingle the taste buds. Customers will love pairing it with salty tortilla chips, but be warned: one bite will have them begging for both mercy and milk.

For more information, www.stonewallkitchen.com.

go

to

Michigan Apple Committee Official Dietitian Steinbach said you can find new and tasty ways to snack with Michigan Apples. She suggested: • Mix up a quick fruit salad with one chopped Michigan Apple, a small can of drained mandarin oranges, and a sliced banana, then top with toasted coconut. • Cut a Michigan Apple in half, core, and fill with peanut butter. • Add a finely chopped Michigan Apple to a jar of prepared salsa. Serve with whole-grain tortilla chips. • Dip Michigan Apple slices in vanilla Greek yogurt and sprinkle with granola. • Top whole-grain crackers with 2% sharp Cheddar cheese and Michigan satellite shop expanded from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet. Todd believes his recovery began by working within the fundamentals of business.

Commit to Change Most really important changes require more time, effort, and trial-and-error experience than we expect. Be tenacious, dare to try new things, set a recognizable path for your company, and know your numbers and the direction they will lead you. Be disciplined about your numbers. It’s a lot of work, but rewarding. For example, trying to keep key numbers under percentages such as these: • Cost of flowers – 30% • Cost of labor – 25% nels. From Florida to Canada to Malaysia, Florida produce can be found. When the COVID19 pandemic came on the scene, both retailers and Fresh From Florida had to adapt to the changing shopping habits of consumers. Old tried-and-true methods quickly had to be adapted to reach people in their homes and offer ease of shopping. Social media advertising, influencer campaigns, and online grocery platforms quickly evolved – along with promotions! Fresh From Florida promotions continue to adapt, taking the best of what “was” and combining that

Apple slices.

“Shari brings great solutions for busy people who want to provide their families with great tasting, healthy foods,” said Diane Smith, executive director of Michigan Apple Committee. “She is a great partner for us, with her blog on our website that shares recipes, health tips, meal plans, and more.” Shari’s Healthy Living blog can be found at www.michiganapples.com/ healthy-living/healthy-living-blog. In her latest post, Shari includes ways to cook with apples on the grill, in the oven, on the stove, and even in the microwave! For more information, go to www .michiganapples.com • Cost of facility – 10% • Cost of payroll – 23%

Successful flower businesses continue to meet challenge with change. Demand continues to increase; supply lags behind. This is a good time to train your customers to rely on your expertise. Encourage them to trust your ability to make the best choices for them based on availability. Todd’s best advice? “Everyone in the flower business works hard and needs to be rewarded for it. Knowing your numbers and being profitable is the key to making this happen.” For more information, go to www .oasisfloralproducts.com. with new programs. Fresh From Florida retailers love to showcase Florida commodities due to their great reputation and the promotional

support. Get involved with circular advertisements with the Fresh From Florida logo, in-store displays and shelf talkers, Fresh From Florida product packaging, in-store demos, digital marketing, and online grocery shopping. For more information, go to www.follow freshfromflorida.com, call 850.617.7330 or email exporting@FDACS.gov.

MarDona Bulk Olive Oil & Balsamic Programs MarDona has expanded its line to include the new Bulk Food Service program, which will offer all of its olive oil products: pure olive oil, extra virgin olive oil and infused olive oils in 1-gallon jugs and 5-gallon pails. Additionally, due to overwhelming popular demand, it will include the truffleinfused black and white olive oils from MarDona, Wild Forest and La Truffe. MarDona also makes available the highly desired aged Balsamic Condimenti product line into 1-gallon jugs and 5-gallon pails.

Included will be the famous aged Traditional Imported Balsamic and all of the infused fruit flavored Balsamics, including Fig, Blood Orange, Strawberry, Raspberry, etc. Added to the bulk program is the Fusti container program, dispensing in style to the end-user. The Fusti containers are available in 5- and 15-liter units.

For more information, call 855.645.7772, email info@mardonaspecialtyfoods.com or go to www.mardonaspecialtyfoods.com.





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Friday, October 29, 2021

Companies in $4.2M Plant-Based Food Market Working to Meet Demand

The global pandemic has clearly put health at the forefront of consumers’ minds, and in turn, product offerings in supermarkets have continued to grow. A recent study by top researchers at Harvard Medical School and King’s College London found that eating a plant-based diet rich in whole foods can help protect against COVID-19. Results from nearly 600,000 respondents indicate those on a “high-quality” healthy vegan diet were not only less likely to catch the virus, but less likely to be hospitalized from it. This rising demand for healthy plant-based alternatives has also set the bar higher for companies within the space in the $4.2 million plant-based food market, according to MicroSmallCap analysts. Else Nutrition Holdings, Inc. continues to grow and expand into new markets as its revenues steadily climb. The company has announced a partnership with Rouses Markets, a locally sourced supermarket company in the Southeast that

promotes local farmers and healthy whole foods. “In addition to our mutual commitment to support a healthier, more sustainable planet, this partnership significantly bolsters our presence in a region in which we’ve seen demand from parents seeking cleaner, whole food nutrition for their children,” said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO and co-founder of Else Nutrition. Else’s Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers is listed in more than 900 retail outlets and in more than 600 retail outlets such as Sprouts Farmers Market, Big-Y, Raley’s, Natural Grocers, AFS, Haggen, Mother’s Markets and PCC. Else Nutrition’s products can also be found online on Amazon, iHerb, Thrive Market and the company’s e-commerce store. According to a recent corporate update, Else Nutrition is in discussions with additional retailers that represent more than 5,000 outlets, as well as with other popular online shopping platforms. The company plans to launch a series of

North Coast Organic Apple Cider The 2021 apple harvest has officially begun, and that means that the holidays are just around the corner. Now more than ever, consumers are looking to fulfill those feelings of comfort and

tradition, and what easier way to accomplish that than with a cup of hot apple cider? Celebrating 100 years of expertise in the apple industry, North Coast Organic

Produce Show Daily plant-based complementary nutrition products for babies 6 months and older in several flavors and liquid ready-to-drink versions of its Complete Nutrition for Kids products in early 2022. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. has been expanding and branching out into new locations in Phoenix, Arizona, and Orlando, Florida. These new stores represent an overall progress as one of the fastest-growing supermarket chains in America. Many consumers are turning to health food alternatives and seeking more environmentally friendly products to fill their pantries. Sprouts and other stores are filling this need while providing distribution for emerging plant-based alternative food producers. The consumer base for this industry has expanded to every region, and there is still a lot of room for these retailers and health food producers to capture larger market shares, according to the study. Beyond Meat, Inc. is bolstering its meatless offering with the launch of its plant-based chicken tenders. According to the company, consumer research is showing that the demand for chicken is growing so rapidly that the market has

seen a chicken shortage. As restaurants struggle to secure more chicken, Beyond Chicken Tenders are available in nearly 400 restaurants across the United States. Another plant-based food alternative company, Tattooed Chef, has expanded into Kroger supermarkets with a line of nutritionally and environmentally friendly alternatives to popular frozen meals. The company offers frozen pizzas, burrito bowls, salad bowls, mac and cheese, noodles and other popular frozen food offerings without any animal products. This expansion represents the ability of these new companies to adapt to large mainstream grocery stores and capture a national market share. The Very Good Food Company has announced that its wholesale channel has reached 100 retailers throughout the American retail distribution network, marking a 112 percent increase in its total distribution points in North America since March 2021. The company’s retail distribution network expansion includes Colorado-based natural food and beverage brokerage Green Spoon Sales, KeHE Distributors and United Natural Foods (UNFI).

knows what it takes to produce apple ciders unlike any other. Using only USA grown, certified organic apples, all North Coast products are made with whole apples, which means never from concentrate, and without any added sugars or preservatives, so you can really taste the difference.

Available in Regular Apple Cider, Spiced Apple Cider and Honeycrisp Apple Cider.

For more information, call 707.329.6304, email northcoast sales@manzanaproductsco.com or go to www.northcoast.organic.






Friday, October 29, 2021

Produce Show Daily

Les vergers Boiron Fruit Purées Les vergers Boiron, global leader in frozen fruit purées, has launched 100 percent readyto-use fruit purées of the ambient range. The purées have been praised for being easy and quick to use, saving valuable time for restaurant owners and bartenders without compromising quality; and for easy storage. The six flavors of the ambient range – strawberry, raspberry, mango, blackberry, passion fruit and yellow peach – are guaranteed with no added sugar. The Little Potato Company (Cont’d. from p. 1)

COVID-19. Two-thirds of Americans are buying the same number of grocery items each week as they did during the height of the pandemic. However, 40% admit that planning different meals every day is a challenge, so our new Microwave Ready Kit flavors help solve this pain point by providing an easy meal solution. The new flavors also deliver creative twists on classic flavors. Our Smoked Salt has a savory salt flavor with a subtle hint of mesquite wood smoke and roasted garlic, and Rosemary and Thyme combines three fragrant herbs into one delicious blend. Americold (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Growers in South America? Americold’s partners are there, too. Importing through the East Coast, West Coast, or Gulf Coast of the USA? Americold has produce-specific operations at the ports of Philadelphia, Misinformation (Cont’d. from p. 1)

at all, according to the AFF. This high level of compliance is consistent over the years, the USDA reported. Toxicologists at the University of California’s Personal Chemical Exposure Program of conventional and organic produce found a child could eat hundreds to thousands of servings of a fruit or vegetable in a day and still not have any health effects from residues because residues are low or absent. Yet a peer-reviewed study published in Nutrition Today found that exposure to fear-based messaging led to low-income consumers saying they were less likely to buy any produce, organic or conventional. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University’s Center for a Livable Future interviewed 30 adults from a low-income Able Freight (Cont’d. from p. 4)

focus has created a culture of innovation within the company and gives all employees a sense of community for its new technology vision. One of Able’s recent projects from its technology department is its new customer portal called DataHub®. A web and mobile-based system that provides real time data pertaining to any shipment a customer has going through Able Freight Onions (Cont’d. from p. 4)

Cutler makes sure that the grocery shelf contains a strong supply of mild sweet onions that the consumer prefers

Packed into 1-liter cartons that can be easily stored, they are perfect for “à la minute” dish preparations: starters, main courses, desserts and cocktails. In line with the long-term trend for more naturalness and healthier and less processed products, Les vergers Boiron is gradually switching to no added sugar products. The entire range will be available in a 100 percent fruit version with no added sugar by 2022, giving professionPeople are also continuing to spend more time in the kitchen as a result of COVID-19, and incorporating more healthy options. Purely Purple is an appealing option for those who are looking for a new twist on something familiar – the vibrant color inside and out is a bright addition to any plate, and they taste delicious! They are as versatile to cook with as our other bagged potatoes and can be prepared quickly in the oven, skillet, grill, or microwave. PSD: What sets Little Potatoes apart in the field of potatoes?

AS: First, Little Potatoes come ready to

Savannah, Houston, and Los Angeles, and other facilities close to eight other ports, too. Americold offers an extensive portfolio of services to apply to your products while they transit from the ports and into Americold’s care: cold treatment, fumigation, regulatory inspection support,

neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, for a study on consumers’ definition of healthy food published in the journal Culture, Agriculture, Food, and Environment. “The issue of organic can swamp or compete with other messages about nutrition, as evidenced by the data presented here. Perceiving that there is an overwhelming amount of sometimes contradictory information about healthy eating could make some consumers defeatist about trying to eat healthily,” researchers wrote. “In order to empower consumers to make healthy choices, we need to create dietary advice that is culturally sensitive, based on economically accessible foods, and takes into account the many competing messages about diet and health that bombard consumers on a regular basis,” Services, DataHub provides one-stop, realtime visibility of all the related documents of the customer’s shipments and allows for proactive resolutions and communications. Another application of technology involves Able’s Freshport® initiative, piloting a cutting-edge blockchain enhancement to its DataHub for temperature measurements deploying commodity-based shelf-life formulas for its global clients. The company also leads the way for electronic airway bill (eAWB) integration

to reach for. To be able to offer this, Cutler has a dedicated team consisting of grower relation specialists, quality monitors, food safety specialists, marketing experts, logistics service

17

als more creative freedom. Launched in early 2021, the premium frozen purée range made with PGIcertified fruit (Protected Geographical Indication) highlights excellent fruits from renowned regions, which give them organoleptic characteristics. With no added sugar, the PGI range currently includes three citrus fruit references: Corsican Clementine, Siracusa Lemon and Sicilian Blood orange. The fruit purées of the organic range, which are the result of four years of hard work in order to meet the standards Les

vergers Boiron is known for, are made by processing and blending organic fruits. Organic certified by Ecocert, they comply with very strict specifications, guaranteeing respect for the environment, traceability and labelling that complies with regulations. The six first organic references with no added sugar – strawberry, raspberry, mango, passion fruit, lemon, blackcurrant – are packed into 10-kg buckets and adapted for ice cream makers’ use.

use, with no washing or peeling required and they cook quickly in the microwave, skillet or grill. We also have a unique and exclusive varietal development process with our partner company, Tuberosum Technologies, which is the world’s largest dedicated potato breeding program. This means that all our varietals are proprietary to us.

23% in our 1.5 lb bagged potatoes, and we implement crop production practices to conserve water, improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions yearround. We were the first fresh potato company to join the Potato Sustainability Alliance and have been active members, working to improve the environmental, social and economic aspects of potato production. There will always be areas of improvement, and we’re committed to working with the entire industry to encourage sustainable potato production practices.

PSD: Is there anything else The Little Potato Company is working on?

AS: As part of our ongoing commitment to leave the Earth better than we found it, sustainability is something we’re prioritizing. We recently reduced plastic packaging by

visual grading and inspections, automated optical grading, ripening, repacking, labeling, reconditioning, or something more custom. Americold even has a national refrigerated LTL consolidation transportation program. Using Americold’s vertically inte-

they concluded. The OAF and AFF said these studies explain why those who advocate for organic produce and for all produce must commit to providing honest, sciencebased safety information to consumers. “We cannot exaggerate or manipulate facts and information to suit our own narrative because the most important narrative is one that supports consumers’ choices and allows those choices to thrive and expand as they hopefully are encouraged to include more fruits and vegetables on their shopping lists,” the groups announced. OPN reinforces the message that organic fresh produce is a safe, healthy and nutritious option for consumers, that organic fresh produce production is responding to consumer demand and offering consumers a choice to what type allowing optimized efficiencies, real-time status updates and paperless communications with airlines. In fact, Able was No. 1 at LAX for implementation eAWB’s for three consecutive years since 2018. Recently, Able Freight introduced a new mobile Quality Control tool that resulted in improved reporting of the product’s quality as received in real-time. Wong looks forward to the tremendous improvements that technology is affording the shipping industry. “If the

providers, and of course, strategic partners in growing. Cutler’s teams are out in the field, visiting the packing sheds and inspecting the onions, as part of his commitment to the customer and the

For more information, go to www .my-vb.com.

For more information, go to www .littlepotatoes.com, call 780.414.6075 or email sales@littlepotatoes.com.

grated services will simplify your supply chain and give you back valuable time to focus on your core business. For more information, go to www.ameri cold.com, call 888.808.4877 or email info@americold.com.

of fresh produce they can purchase and provides facts, definitions and statistics to the media and those in the organic produce industry to share with customers about organic produce starting with a definition and how organic differs from conventional produce. The AFF provides industry, media, nutrition communicators, registered dietitians and consumers with produce safety information so that facts can guide shopping choices. The information includes nutritional studies, research results about what messages reassure consumers about produce safety, peerreviewed studies on toxicology and risk assessment, government sampling data and safety standards to ensure safe use of pesticides on organic and conventional farms to protect consumers, farmworkers and the environment.

industry does not effectively adapt the opportunities in technology, then the risk of obsolescence becomes very real, very fast,” noted Wong. Able Freight Services is based in Los Angeles, California, and is a global expert in importing and exporting perishable commodities from the United States to destinations worldwide. For more information, go to www .ablefreight.com or call 310.568.8883. consumer.

For more information, go to www.michael cutlerco.com, call 800.258.6646 or email sales@michaelcutlerco.com.







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