ORLANDO, FL - This year’s PMA Fresh Summit challenged the industry to innovate and inspire, and as far as I could tell, industry members answered the call in spades. So many items, labels, and packages stood out, and here are a few I want to ensure everyone else gets a chance to see as well:

WestPak’s AvoMonsters

Messaging to children in a way that is cute but not alienating is a tough line to walk, and I think this newly-launched brand does the trick. Not only does it, in the purest form, put a face to the fruit, but once this hits the shelves I can imagine kids will be seeing monster eyes in the seeds of their avocados.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ New Celery and Blue Cheese Cups

I’m a football fan, so I couldn’t help being drawn to the goal post balloons at Duda’s booth. But while I might have come for the decorations, I stayed for the blue cheese. This latest flavor not only tickles the taste buds, but entices consumers with the the chance to win tickets to The Big Game, which returns to the Lone Star State and NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, on Feb. 5, 2017. Definitely a snack of choice for tailgaters!

Earthcycle™ Moulded Fibre Top Sealable Packaging

Sustainability and a Top Seal offering are both hot trends in the industry, and this particular pack comes with a rumored 20% boost in sales. Not only does it offer the quality and quantity, the graphics are colorful and fun, managing to message while still giving you a clear view of the product itself. What’s not to love?

Pure Flavor® Mini Munchies

So I seem to have a soft spot for packaging that may or may not be geared for the generation succeeding mine. But can you blame me when you look at this packaging? This not only draws the eye but the stomach as well, as you catch a glimpse of the crisp-looking cucumbers (conveniently in the mouth of hungry munching monster.)

Taylor Farms Chef Crafted Salads

There is just something about getting a chance to experience an item that you’ve only written about. This creative concept from the innovative kitchen of Taylor Farms, brings the culinary capabilities of a chef to the consumer’s kitchen. And as anyone who has glimpsed my previous picks knows, I’m a sucker for convenience. This item was right up my alley, and I’m sure many consumers will agree.

Suavva's Cacao Fruit Juice Line

New to my eyes and to my taste buds, this was an interesting twist on minimizing food waste while still getting a punch of nutrients. Before PMA Fresh Summit, I loved the cocoa bean for its contribution to my lifelong love of dark chocolate and its cute appearance in the most recent Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now, however, I have discovered a new love for the item in a juice that uses almost the entirety of the fruit. It saves on food waste, it’s low in calories, and has a pulpy texture I couldn’t get enough of. This is a juice I hope will soon crack into the California stores.

I can't imagine a more exciting way to close in on 2017, and I can't wait to see what our ever-innovating industry comes up with next in the months to come. See you in New Orleans!

West Pak Avocado Duda Farm Fresh Foods Pure Flavor Taylor Farms suavva

ORLANDO, FL - Over the weekend former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, Holly Holm, made an appearance at Potandon Produce's booth and attempted to bruise a sack of J.R. Simplot’s White Russet™ potatoes.

“Holly was the perfect person to prove the point that White Russet™ potatoes are hard to bruise, providing the best available russet potato quality for consumers and a major waste savings,” said Doug Cole, Director of Marketing and Communications at J.R. Simplot Company, according to a press release.

Unfortunately for Holm, the White Russet potato stays fresher-looking longer, with up to 44 percent less bruising and reduced black spots. The variety has been developed over the past 14 years, selecting for traits that will aid consumers, growers, and retailers in keeping the produce looking fresh.

Holm is a world-class athlete and mixed martial arts fighter who held numerous boxing titles prior to turning to mixed martial arts. She is considered by many to be one of the best female boxers of all time and is the only person to have won world championships in both boxing and MMA.

It was an exciting weekend at PMA Fresh Summit, stay tuned with AndNowUKnow to discover which other companies knocked it out of the park.

Potandon Produce

White Russet™ J.R. Simplot

MENLO PARK, CA- As if Facebook wasn’t already equipped with an incredibly expansive reach, the social media giant announced today that it is putting its toe in the water within the foodservice sector with the launch of its new food ordering service.

According to the company newsroom, “You can now order food from restaurants directly from their Facebook Pages. Simply click ‘Start Order’ on any restaurant’s Facebook Page that uses Delivery.com or Slice.”

Delivery.com allows orders to be made online from coveted local businesses while also helping diners discover new ones. These include restaurants, wine and spirits shops, grocery stores, and laundry and dry cleaning providers. Slice provides a tracking service.

In addition, Facebook is launching a Recommendations feature whether you are looking for a great place to eat or a local service or business. According to Facebook, when you write a post looking for advice on local places or services, you’ll have the opportunity to turn on Recommendations for that post. With that feature turned on, friends can comment on your post with suggestions, and members will see all of the responses mapped out and saved in one place. A Recommendations bookmark on Facebook also allows users to ask a new question or help friends.

These features are only a couple of many that Facebook is beginning to roll out in the U.S. today with more new features to be launched over the coming months as the company looks to “make it easier to get things done, make confident decisions and communicate directly with businesses on your time and terms.”

As the traditional foodservice and retail channels see an influx of new players and opportunities, it will be interesting to see how the consumer responds and what innovations and services rise to the top.

Facebook Recommendations

IRWINDALE, CA - Get ready White House politicians, Ready Pac Foods is coming for you in the name of healthier eating. The company is starting a new movement to petition the U.S. government to create a 28^th amendment—the Freedom to Eat Healthier. As part of Ready Pac’s mission to ensure all Americans have the freedom to choose healthier options, the company is donating up to $10,000 to support U.S. Regional Food Banks. 

“It gives me great joy to know that we as a company are making a difference in the lives of consumers by giving them the freedom to eat healthier. Providing fresh and healthy options that are accessible and affordable is what our company’s mission is all about, and is at the heart of everything we do,” explained Ready Pac’s CEO, Tony Sarsam. “Through the #FreedomToEatHealthier campaign, we hope to not just meet, but exceed our donation goal of $10,000 in support of the important work of our U.S. Regional Food Banks.”

According to a press release, for each petition signature or social media post with the hashtag #FreedomToEatHealthier, the company will donate 50 cents to help get healthier foods into the hands of those who need them. Achieving 100,000 signatures also ensures an official response from the White House on any given petition.

From now, until November 13, 2016, consumers who wish to participate can sign the petition online at http://bit.ly/28thAmmendment, and post a picture showing them enjoying their favorite Ready Pac Foods product using the hashtag #FreedomToEatHealthier.

For even more details on this unique campaign to promote healthy eating, please visit www.readypac.com/FreedomToEatHealthier.

Ready Pac Foods

ORLANDO, FL – At this point, we all know that PMA Fresh Summit is where the industry pulls out all the stops to show their best and brightest, and this year’s convention in Orlando, Florida, was no different.

From new product debuts, to trending packaging pushes and everything in between, here are some items that resonated with me even after the show floor madness died down. 

Ocean Mist’s Season & Steam Sweet Baby Broccoli

I LOVE baby broccoli. Whether with an Asian-style pork belly stir fry, with steak and mashed potatoes, or as an oddly satisfying late night snack, I can’t get enough of it. But if you know me, you probably are aware that I can be intimidated by the idea of a lot of prep when I cook. Enter Ocean Mist’s latest addition to its Season & Steam line, Sweet Baby Broccoli. With just three minutes of cook time, and the option to season in the microwaveable bag, I can now satisfy my baby broccoli cravings with ease.

Fresh Solutions Network’s Side Delights® Flavorables™ 

When curiosity-piquing flavors meet engaging packing, a magical product is made. With flavors like Chimichurri, Smokin’ Tomato, and Malaysian Curry, it's hard not to be drawn in by the potential mouth party that will ensue. Marry that with bright and high-graphic packaging, a microwave-ready cooking method, and 100 percent recyclable tray and package overwrap, and this girl is sold.

Frieda’s Watermelon Radishes

Is there anything quite as lovely as a freshly cut watermelon radish? Frieda’s is notoriously adept at finding ways to showcase hidden gems of the produce department in a way that reveals a veggie’s beauty, as well as educates consumers on how to approach intimidating products. The new 1 lb stand-up pouch answers confusion about the item for both retailers and consumers, all while extending shelf-life and moving radish sales.

Naturipe Farms’ “Selections” Cranberries

For the second year in a row, PMA Fresh Summit has gotten me pumped up for the holiday season, and one item in particular has definitely found its way on my produce shopping list—Naturipe Farms’ Selections” Cranberries. If you’re like me, you may have grown up in fear of those little rings around the canned cranberry sauce your Great Aunt plopped down on the table for your holiday meals. Now with this new 2 lb bag featuring holiday recipes on the back, that weird texture and less-than-fresh taste are no longer part of my seasonal nightmares.

Fox Solutions’ Stainless Steel Pouch Bagger

When you see Fox Solutions’ latest Stainless Steel Pouch Bagger in person, it’s not hard to see it as a work of art. When all the machine’s moving parts are in sync and working towards the most precise and efficient packing possible, it’s a dance that is deceptively simple to the eye. With a maintenance-free hollow shaft gear box, tool-free changeover for different bag sizes, a stand-alone heat sealer, and compatibility with all Newtec weighers, the complex process of bagging for produce items has never been more streamlined.

Hollandia Produce's Heartless Living Baby Romaine

Never has being heartless been such a desireable trait than with Hollandia's latest Living variety. The Baby Romaine comes in the absolute perfect size for people like me—essentially either two side salads or one entree salad. And of course, there's the living aspect, which keeps my lettuce from going bad when I inevitably forget in the refrigerator for several days. Another lifesaver for the lazy girl in me, thanks Hollandia!

And believe me, these weren't all the eye-catching items the ANUK team saw this year. Stay tuned for even more parts in our ANUK Picks series!

Ocean Mist Fresh Solutions Network Frieda's Naturipe Farms Fox Solutions Hollandia Produce

CHELAN, WA – Chelan Fresh is looking to bring fresh produce even further into the reach of consumers with its latest partnership. The company has announced that its mission will now be at the forefront of inspiring consumer food choices through the launch of Good Housekeeping’s new Nutritionist Approved Emblem program. 

Chelan Fresh has been spotlighted by in a video by Good Housekeeping’s (GH) Nutrition Director and Registered Dietitian Jackie London, who developed and is leading the program. In this exclusive video, Jackie discusses what makes Chelan Fresh a premiere partner for this national program, and one of the first food companies to receive the Emblem. 

“[Chelan Fresh] is transforming the food industry through their unique and focused produce innovations,” London says in the video. “Through sustainable and forward-thinking use of technology, Chelan has found simple strategies and solutions to navigate complex issues in today’s food climate.”

London describes Chelan's mission to up the intake of fresh fruit by means of accessibility as a seamless fit into its new partnership with GH and the Nutritionist Approved Emblem program. 

So, just what is the aforementioned program? GH has expanded on its Good Housekeeping Seal to formulate a new marker, the Nutritionist Approved Emblem, to help produce standout on store shelves as options which uphold healthy and lasting food choices.

“The Emblem is both health-conscious and lifestyle-aware, geared toward providing tangible solutions to the real-life barriers that prevent us from adopting healthier habits that are sustainable—particularly for Millennials. With this new platform, the Emblem and incubator synergizes scientific evidence in nutrition research with a sense of relatability and understanding of the needs of consumers,” stated London in a press release. 

The program will also allow GH to work directly with its partners on their overall brand messaging and product development with an innovative incubator specifically for food brands. The GH Food and Nutrition Brand Lab Incubator, housed in the GH Institute in Hearst Tower, NY, will evaluate current and developing products for Emblem consideration. Brands aligned with GH Nutritionist Approved core values of simplicity, transparency, and innovation will undergo the rigorous evaluation process for Emblem consideration. 

To view London’s exclusive and special message about Chelan Fresh’s involvement in the program, view the video above. 

To learn more about Chelan Fresh’s new participation, and the GH Nutritionist Approved Emblem, visit here. Or, see Chelan Fresh featured in the November issue of Good Housekeeping, available October 18.

Chelan Fresh 

BAHAMAS and U.S. – A swirling storm system currently brewing in the middle of the western Atlantic has officials pegging it as the next possibility for a tropical system this season. The system, if it does continue on its current track, would be named Tropical Storm Otto. 

"Should development occur, the system will approach the southeastern coast of the U.S. at late week," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Michael Doll, naming its current location near the southeastern Bahamas as a favored region for tropical storm development during this month.

Even if it does develop into Tropical Storm Otto, AccuWeather stated that the system should be swept from the coast before heavy rain or wind hit the Southeast U.S. Tropical moisture may move northward across New England over the weekend.

The storm system is currently a series of showers and thunderstorms, but changing environmental conditions have authorities stating the system could develop into Otto by the end of the week. Previously, the system was stopped from forming further in severity by strong winds high in the atmosphere. 

AccuWeather reported that the possible system would extend its weather effects across the southeastern Bahamas and into the east coast of the U.S. Although the system is not expected to land after development, effects will still be felt by the U.S. throughout the weekend. 

"The system will act to disturb the ocean surface and send out waves to impact the Southeastern Seaboard as early as Friday morning," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Chyna Glenn. 

The storm system is expected to introduce enhanced storms to the Bahamas on Wednesday before turning north and spreading towards Bermuda and the southeast U.S. Authorities stated that rough surf, and more frequent rip currents are expected at the end of the week from Florida to North Carolina by week's end.

Officials are urging shipping ventures to monitor the progress of the developing system as it could impact transportation. 

As the storm system develops further, or depletes, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you updated.

BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart is shining a light on its moves to bolster service by serving its employees, with CEO Doug McMillon at the forefront.

The company recently launched a new ad with McMillon as the face of the retail giant, showcasing trendy tech, a smiling face and, my personal favorite, a lot of fresh produce.

“The reason I share? I’m proud of the people work with. That’s why we’re investing $2.7 billion over two years in training, education, and higher wages,” the executive says, concluding with the message of being committed to “taking care of the people who take care of you.”

While it isn’t unique, it is rare, and Wall Street Journal noted that he’s the first leader of Walmart to use the strategy. The news source called the move “risky,” listing previous companies to have employed the tactic like Chrysler, Men’s Warehouse, and Sprint.

While there were critics of the message, WSJ reported that employees and policy leaders responded well to the ads.

Dan Bartlett, Walmart’s VP of Corporate Affairs and the one who worked with the team on the concept, said that leaders and workers liked that McMillon went on television to state that supporting workers is a priority. Bartlett added, however, that the company has no plans for the CEO to appear in future ads.

The Instagram and Facebook savvy were well displayed, and seemed to have connected the CEO to consumers more. The report noted that when the commercial aired searches for ‘Walmart CEO’ and ‘Doug McMillon’ spiked, and that he gained about 10,000 followers on his Instagram account.

You can watch the ad for yourself below.

AndNowUKnow will report on the latest as Walmart and other retailers continue to launch strategies and marketing tactics in the bustling buy-side. 

Walmart

FOWLER, CA - Bee Sweet’s domestic season is here, and consumers can start looking forward to seeing more citrus varieties available on the shelves of their local grocery stores. The focus for Bee Sweet as we reach towards the New Year? Specialty citrus varieties.

“The start of Bee Sweet’s domestic season is always exciting because that’s when we see more specialty varieties,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Manager Joe Berberian. “While we’re able to provide mandarins, oranges, and lemons to our consumers year-round, our domestic season gives us the opportunity to push more exotic varieties such as grapefruit, Cara Caras, Pummelos, Blood Oranges, and Meyer Lemons.”

According to the company, specialty citrus refers to those specific varieties that are not readily available year-round. Cara Caras, Blood Oranges, Pummelos, Melo Golds, Grapefruit, Page Mandarins, Minneolas, and Meyer Lemons are just some of the varieties that Bee Sweet named in its press release, and will be providing to its consumers. In addition the parades of flavor provided by these unique varieties, specialty citrus also offers a wide array of health benefits.

“Specialty citrus is a growing phenomenon in the food industry because we’re constantly learning of its unique characteristics and the ways it can be incorporated into meals,” added Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. “Meyer Lemons are the perfect cooking lemon, Cara Caras make for an exceptionally sweet snack, and Blood Oranges are great as salad toppings. The list goes on and on.”

As the company continues to grow its focus on consumer health and wellness, Bee Sweet’s marketing team has targeted unique characteristics of specialty varietals to encourage consumers to be more creative with citrus in the kitchen. Branded recipes, a variety of specific health tips, and a plethora of information can all be found on Bee Sweet’s website and social media platforms.

November through April is the prime season for specialty varietals, so check out the company’s complete list of citrus and availability at http://www.beesweetcitrus.com/variety-availability/.

Bee Sweet Citrus