ATLANTA, GA — The International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show boasted about 3,000 buyers and attendees from more than 70 countries, one one of the largest expo floors in a decade.
Making it from one end to the other on the wishbone-shaped floor was a feat. I spent two days perusing primarily fresh produce booths while my colleague stuck to technology and business solutions.
When you’re walking a show floor of this magnitude, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything that’s on display.
I like to cover these events with an eye to what got me to stop, take a second look, or…even better…ask questions. I feel like that’s a great way to think about it when we’re all wondering what attracts a buyer’s eyes.
So, here are a dozen (or so) booths that got me to stop at GPFS 2024:
Bolthouse’s BB #:111358 new juices are a branding experience. Mangonada – mango juice with Tajin – initially caught my eye, but right there next to it something even more intriguing: Sumo Citrus juice. I want both of these, immediately.
Bonduelle’s BB #:114498 Ready Pac Bistro Bowls have been a staple in the Riemenschneider house for some time. They’re a healthful, inexpensive lunch box foundation. Ready Pac has been owned by Bonduelle for some time, but it’s a relatively unknown name in the U.S. That’s going to change when the Ready Pac lineup switches brands to Bonduelle. The company also is launching a version of the Bistro Bowls with more of the toppings and less lettuce.
Caputo & Guest BB #:341410had a gorgeous setup for its exotic mushrooms, but what caught my eye was the names for the blends. We’re not just talking pizza blend here. It’s Wood Fired Pizza Blend and Exotic Oven-Roast Mix, with accompanying shelf-danglers promoting chef inspired recipes. That’s a nice way to take it up a notch.
Speaking of blends, I liked the idea of a wellness blend of herbs and ginger like I saw at the Soli Organics BB #:187801 booth. The company also had a herbed lemonade blend sampling, and it was a different take on something familiar. Maybe tarragon lemonade would be good, too?
Penn Rose Farms’ BB #:297408 booth wasn’t as much about the produce as it was about the merch. The company designed some throwback graphics – think vintage produce crates – and put them on some high quality t-shirts and hoodies. As cold as it was on the show floor, those could have sold for a pretty penny. People were flocking to get their hands on them.
Mastronardi Produce BB #:115453 already had some fancy berries. The Wow Utopia packaging puts it on the same level as some of the super-premium options out there. I didn’t get a chance to try them, though. Maybe next show?
Crunch Pak BB #:171819 is out here making fancy new products, too. The company known for its character-themed lunch snacks and sliced apples now offers a Charfruterie Fall Fun tasting board, with apples, grapes, pretzels, cheddar, meat sticks, and caramels. I could totally see my bougie kids taking this in their lunch, but I’m sure it’s more of a picnic option.
Hawaiian Crown wowed me with the vibrant branding for its Hawaii-grown sweet potatoes and kept me there with its Naked Packaging concept, which puts the information on the inside of the clamshell, leaving it fully recyclable with no stickers or residue. I like this idea – a NOW solution for the recyclability problem with clamshells.
Ippolito International’s BB #:168911 new Brussels Bites Kit has four flavors: Asian Chili, Barbeque Cheddar, Mediterranean Feta, and Garlic Parmesan. They’re made to saute in about 10 minutes. Besides the flavors, they also feature an interesting take on cut, which includes large pieces, and loose leaves, so there’s a bit of variety in the texture mix.
Ocean Mist BB #:111742 also is innovating brussels sprouts, with a new trio of Roastables ready-to-roast kits in Sweet Sesame, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Bacon Caesar flavors. Toss the halved sprouts in oil and seasoning and roast, and then top with a crispy seasoning. Super easy.
Cabello Fresh Produce BB #:397441 floated the idea of ready-to-eat fresh jackfruit last year, and the retail pack is here. The top-seal package is about 4 ounces and is under the Tati’s by Cabello brand.
Spice World BB #:119687displayed some new pouch bags of diced garlic, a fresh alternative to the jarred version, along with a new peeled ginger pouch bags. Peeled ginger is a new one for me.
Spice World (for the baker’s dozen) also had a new packaging concept for individual bulbs of garlic. The shrink plastic band includes a UPC code, and makes it easy to ensure ring-through for organic garlic.
