Longo's Mimmo Franzone Talks Hatch Chile Pepper Event
VAUGHAN, ONTARIO - While September may bring cooler temperatures to North America, Longo’s is heating it up this month with a two-week-long Hatch Chile Festival. Bringing the wonderful world of Hatch Chile Peppers to consumers is no small feat, but the team at Longo’s is firing up the grill and the smoker to offer guests a taste of the popular category.
So, what inspired the company to debut this new festival? Mimmo Franzone, Director of Produce and Floral, shares the details.
“Over the past many years, we saw the excitement that Hatch has created in the U.S. and wanted to bring it north of the border,” Mimmo tells me. “At Longo’s, we're all about fresh, unique ideas and products, and a Hatch Festival fit the mold perfectly. Creating a theatre in our stores and engaging our teams and customers, is very important to us.”
These coveted green peppers are currently being harvested in New Mexico and are the perfect chili-loving balance of flavor and heat.
“The product is fantastic. Between flavor, appearance and the versatility of the pepper, you have an ideal vegetable to inspire dishes and appetites. Most importantly, we can have a lot of fun with Hatch Chiles,” Mimmo shares as he reflects on the category.
From now through the 17th of September, Longo’s will have roasts at 13 of its locations in the Greater Toronto area. It has also created two private label products that the company is sampling in all locations. In addition, the team is producing roasted peppers through Longo’s Central Kitchen and distributing them to all stores that will not be holding a roast, in an effort to reach all their customers.
Events and gatherings like this, within the community, are incredibly important to the Longo’s team.
“Just like when we procure produce, local is very important to us, as are the communities we serve,” Mimmo says. “We always have, and continue to, focus on them and try to keep them engaged by bringing fresh food ideas to the plate.”
It is going to be a spicy September for the Longo’s team and the Toronto community. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we bring you more initiatives from the retail industry, that inspire the evolution of fresh produce and engage consumers at large.
