Issue link: http://osercommunicationsgroup.uberflip.com/i/264049
P r o d u c e S h o w D a i l y S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 4 6 JT: Bejo Seeds is a family-owned veg- etable seed breeding and production com- pany from Holland. I manage sales and marketing for North America. We sell seed to professional commercial growers, but also manage downstream marketing programs based on Bejo proprietary prod- ucts such as Tasti-Lee ® Premium Vine- Ripe Tomatoes. PSD: What was the most significant event or series of events affecting your company in the past year? JT: Over the past year we have seen sig- nificant additional acceptance of the Tasti- Lee program by many major retailers across the country, and 2014 looks to be a year of tremendous growth. Tasti-Lee is simply a better tomato. It delivers more health, flavor and freshness to consumers, with beautiful color and texture, plus it has great "legs," staying firm and fresh for extended periods on your kitchen counter. We have experienced strong acceptance of Bejo as a company that can impact the retail produce market with a variety of proprietary product concepts based on Bejo Seeds vegetable varieties. PSD: Describe your company's current marketing strategy. JT: Our strategy is to leverage down- stream marketing programs such as Tasti- Lee to bring unique, value-added veg- etable products to retail produce. We believe it is possible to build category sales volume and increase profits for retailers while providing a sustainable business platform for our partner grow- ers. In doing so, we also hope to provide consumers with outstanding new prod- ucts that perform better and as a result, the incentive to enjoy healthy vegetables more often in their daily diets. PSD: Are you introducing any new prod- ucts? JT: We plan to initiate a couple of new con- cepts this year such as Sweetheart Bejo Seeds (Cont'd. from p. 1) Lettage™, a new leafy green based on a unique type of cabbage which eats more like lettuce, while delivering the substantial- ly higher health attributes of cabbage. In addition, we will begin testing a new veggie snack stick product called Kool Robbi™ which we have showcased to school lunch administrators with extremely favorable feedback. So it looks like we will be busy. PSD: What distinguishes your products from the competition? JT: For seed companies, downstream product branding and program manage- ment is new to our industry. Unlike most other large commercial seed companies, however, Bejo is quick to learn and accept unconventional new approaches. We have been open to attracting talented people from outside our industry who bring excel- lent skills with them and help with new ventures such as downstream marketing of the produce made from our seed products. PSD: Tell our readers about your trade show objectives, plans, products, promo- tions, etc. JT: This year at PMA Fresh Summit we are featuring a tailgating theme in our booth, and we are privileged to have Joe Theismann, one of the greatest NFL quar- terbacks, joining us on Saturday from 1 – 3pm. Joe will be meeting and greeting our booth guests, plus signing souvenir pictures. PSD: What is your outlook in general for this product line? JT: We hope that Tasti-Lee can become the new standard in vine-ripe tomatoes, and by virtue of its excellent qualities, increase consumer usage of a very healthy product. I really believe Tasti-Lee will become a household name, a highly recognized brand with tomato consumers. Visit Bejo Seeds at booth 1129 during Fresh Summit. For more information, visit www.bejoseeds.com or www.tasti- lee.com, call 805-473-2199 or email j.trickett@bejoseeds.com. GG: We have three new items that we are introducing. A more technically advanced vented box liner, our new bubble pads impregnated with minerals, and a new sealed pallet cover that will allow product to be shipped longer dis- tances using proper refrigeration. Our new box liner can be either applied in the field or packing house. They will have the ability to withstand variances in temperature during transportation, and maintain freshness without com- promise. This new liner has advanced natural mineral properties and an improved anti-fogging ingredient. They will allow refrigerated product to heat up and cool back down through a spe- cialized vent–hole pattern during trans- portation and distribution. Only a few commodities tested incurred small amounts of fog for short periods of time during heating, and only adhered to the plastic and not the produce. Also, our new PEAKfresh bubble pads will allow delicate produce to be shipped without bruising, while extending shelf life. PSD: What would you say makes your company unique? GG: Because PEAKfreshUSA is located in the U.S., it's easy for us to supply our customers throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. All our products are certi- fied for organic use. The most important part about PEAKfresh is that it allows produce to maintain high levels of humidity and keep it from dehydrating and losing its weight. Our "iceless box liner" products are also great for replac- PEAKfresh (Cont'd. from p. 1) ing the heavy loads of ice that create safety hazards at cooling facilities, and allows packers to ship full loads of goods. PSD: What are your objectives for this trade show? GG: We are focused on creating benefits by promoting extra shelf life for produce. When our customer's reputation is based on providing the best produce possible, we feel that they can't afford not to pro- tect their goods during long shipping periods. Using PEAKfresh allows them to pay a small price to ensure their prod- uct arrives in the same condition in which it left. PSD: How do you assess the marketplace as it relates to your product? GG: The economic uncertainty of the past few years has certainly affected the produce and packaging industry. More retailers are requiring longer shelf life for the produce they purchase, and now more than ever it is imperative that suppliers deliver quality produce at competitive prices. Using MAP products like PEAKfresh, and because of the lower costs comparisons, it allows shippers to supply their customers with longer last- ing product at a low cost and added value. It's a win-win for both because they ensure PEAK freshness, PEAK fla- vor and PEAK appearance from farm to table. For more information, visit booth 4220 at Fresh Summit. After the show, visit www.peakfreshusa.com, call 877-537- 3748 or email sales@peakfreshusa.com. might be used for and how they can suc- cessfully prepare it at home," said Rich Thoma, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Yerecic Label. "Consumers today want to make informed purchases, and our labeling solutions help fulfill that need. With crisp and clean photography of a plated dish or recipe, we give the consumer a reason to pick up the product, learn more about it and provide cooking inspiration that is easy and affordable to bring to life." For more than 40 years, Yerecic Label has been producing labels specifi- cally for companies in the perishables industry. As the leader and incumbent label and marketing partner for packers of fresh meat, poultry and pork, Yerecic Label knows what it takes to lift sales and decrease shrink at the retail level. With a glowing reputation for pro- viding excellence in customer service, Yerecic Label comes to the fresh produce industry on a mission to sell more fresh fruits and vegetables with effective and affordable on-pack marketing solutions that inspire, connect and motivate sales at the point of purchase. Over the last two years, Yerecic Label has worked to better understand the consumer's labeling preferences on perishable items by investing in research Yerecic Label (Cont'd. from p. 1) and focus groups. "Consumers have absolutely shaped the label products that we offer fresh pro- duce companies today," said Thoma. "Through our research, we have success- fully identified the consumer's pain points and have addressed their needs with our labeling solutions available to fresh produce companies." Through its research, Yerecic Label has learned a few key things about con- sumers. The produce department is more alien to consumers than expected. Fifty three percent of shoppers get information about fresh produce on the package or in the produce department. Consumers want new and unexpected ideas for produce they are familiar with and buy all the time. Seventy two percent of shoppers tested are attracted to the recipe in order to get meal ideas. Holographic effect is most notice- able and would definitely catch respon- dents' attention when walking through the store. Respondents like a "nutrifacts" for- mat on the front of a label to see what micronutrients the produce offers. Yerecic Label is offering exhibiting com- panies and attendees of Fresh Summit a free on-pack marketing consultation in booth 4518. Visit Yerecic Label to explore the opportunities and schedule a meeting to transform your packaging strategy in 2014. time, thanks to Crunchies' convenient resealable pouches. "The tasty new additions to Crunchies' best-selling Grab-n-go lines represent an integral facet of the compa- ny's 2013 product expansion," says Jim Lacey, President and CEO of Crunchies Food Company. Having enjoyed a tripling of sales nationwide over the past year, Crunchies is in the midst of its greatest period of growth to date in terms of new product launches, expanded distribution, new strategic alliances and widespread event Crunchies (Cont'd. from p. 4) sponsorships. About Crunchies Food Company, LLC Founded in 2006, Crunchies Food Company, LLC has created a nationally distributed line of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables that are redefining healthy snacking for the 21st century. Free of additives, chemicals, preservatives or unhealthy ingredients, Crunchies are truly "Nature's Ultimate Snack Food." For more information, visit www.crunchiesfood.com or call 888-997- 1866. During Fresh Summit, visit Crunchies in booth 4423. Snackers across America are rejoicing as a new healthier snacking option is hitting store shelves, Harvest Snaps. Formerly known as Snapea Crisps, it is now part of the Harvest Snaps family. The brand has launched new flavors under the Snapea and Lentil varieties that will appeal to all snack fans! From the signature crunch to big flavor and snacking fun, Harvest Snaps offers a healthier snacking option without sacrificing taste. It's also ideal for school lunch boxes and after school snacks. NEW SNAPEA CRISP FLAVORS