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P r o d u c e S h o w D a i l y 3 5 S u n d a y, O c t o b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 3 SWEET POTATO SALES INCREASING FOR MARKET FRESH PRODUCE An interview with Mike Kemp, Sr. Director of Business Development, Market Fresh Produce. PSD: Are you introducing any new prod- ucts? MK: While we do not have any "new" products this year, we are keeping busy with requests for our new line of special- ty potato bags and microwaveable red and gold creamers that we introduced last year. Customers love the size and con- venience of these items. PSD: What products do you see as being hottest this year? MK: Our new three pound bagged sweet potato sales continue to grow at an aston- ishing rate. Given the forecast for this year's sweet potato crop size, the next year is perfect for promoting bagged sweet potatoes. As you know, the overall sweet potato category has been growing by double digits for several years now, and retailers are beginning to embrace the consumers' interest by promoting sweet potatoes more than just the three holidays as in the past. PSD: What is your outlook in general for this product line? MK: I am very excited for the special- ty potato line, since it offers a true value for the consumer as well as the retailers and food service clients. Packaging size and cartons were designed with economies of scale and to increase turnover, which ultimately reduces shrink. As for the bagged sweet potato and the sweet potato category, if it continues to show growth in the future as it has for us these past several years, it could soon be our number one category in terms of volume, and that says a lot considering the number of cases of tomatoes we sell annually. PSD: How do you handle sales? MK: Sales are a focus of everyone at Market Fresh Produce, so contact us at 866-885-7751 or sales@marketfreshpro- duce.net. We'll be in touch with you within 24 hours of your call or email. PSD: How can our readers find out more about your company? MK: Contact one of our talent- ed business development team members directly. You can con- tact Steve Ford by emailing sford@marketfreshproduce.net or calling 417-576-6957; Hannah Harris by emailing hharris@marketfreshproduce.net or calling 417-413-8045; or Katie Wallace by emailing kwallace@marketfreshpro- duce.net or calling 417-839-2544. In addi- tion, you can find us on social media at www.linkedin.com/company/market- fresh-produce, www.pinterest.com/market freshMFP, www.instagram.com/market- freshproduce, www.twitter.com/Market FreshMFP, and www.facebook.com/pages/ M a r k e t - F r e s h - P r o d u c e - L L C / 376401985793949. For more information, visit www.market- freshproduce.net, call 866-885-7751 or email sales@marketfreshproduce.net. POTATO PIONEER LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY NEW PRODUCTS Somewhere between ordinary table pota- toes and high-profile boxed and frozen sides a new niche has been created: wholesome, fresh, quick-cooking cream- er potatoes that are simple for consumers to prepare and quicker to cook. The pioneer behind these innovative products is The Little Potato Company (LPC). Since 1996, it has expanded the potato breeding and product portfolio to include several proprietary varieties of creamer potatoes as well as a series of new and innovative creamer potato kits. From the first one-acre Little Potato Company test plot all the way through to two packing and distribution facilities and its distribution across North America, everything done by LPC has been from the ground up. Indeed, "from scratch" could arguably be the unofficial company motto. First came the challenge of find- ing North American growers to take on a new crop of creamer potatoes to ensure year-round supply of fresh potatoes. Then came the trial-and-error process of developing customized harvesting, wash- ing and packaging equipment capable of handling small, delicate creamer pota- toes. And in between there have been countless varieties of potatoes tested and grown, with only the best making it into consumer's hands. Through this innovation, hard work and relation- ship building, LPC has addressed consumer needs to bring the market to a whole new level. LPC has expanded its product offering to give consumers more convenient mealtime solutions: innovative microwave-ready kits packaged in a steam tray with sea- soning packs. These have been a home run with consumers in Canada and throughout the United States, and stores have a hard time keeping them on the shelves. Ready in five minutes, they are available in three flavor profiles to pro- vide the perfect solution to busy lifestyles for families: Garlic and Parsley, Zesty Italian and Savory Herb. LPC is set to launch a sister product to its popular microwave-ready kits in the United States: a roasting/grilling kit. Roasting and grilling brings out a differ- ent taste experience in almost any vegetable, and creamer potatoes are no exception. These roasting/grilling kits will be sold pre-packaged in oven/grill-proof pans with per- fectly proportioned seasoning packs. Again, LPC has created a pre-sea- soned product that's consumer-friendly with hardly any prep time. Ready to serve in about 30 minutes, the roasting/grilling kits are available in three flavors: Onion Medley, Garlic and Herb and Barbecue Blend. For more information, visit www .littlepotatoes.com or stop by booth 3923 during Fresh Summit. OLD WORLD SEASONAL DELICACY AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND Fresh garbanzo is a specialty produce item that exceeds consumer expectations. It is rare to find such an old-world pro- duce delicacy that fits the modern con- sumers' desire for taste, convenience and nutrition. The fresh green garbanzo, also known as the chickpea, is traditionally available only near growing regions for short periods of time when in season. Califresh of California LLC now packs and ships fresh garbanzos year round. Fresh garbanzos are tender green seeds, nestled in paper thin pods, picked at the precise time when sugars start to convert to carbohydrates, and flavor and nutrition are at their peak. The pods are pale green and just visibly fuzzy, the peas within tender and crisp. They can be eaten straight out of the shell, or quickly steamed or roasted for a simple, nutri- tious and tasty treat. They are fantastic with just a touch of salt. Garbanzos are the most consumed legume in the world; a staple of healthy, flavor-rich diets from Spain to India to the eastern Mediterranean. For thou- sands of years, these cultures have embraced the simplicity and versatility of this delicious food source, and now the rest of the world is beginning to dis- cover the secret of fresh garbanzos, picked at the perfect time when fresh- ness and flavor unite. The versatile fresh garbanzo is as healthful as it is flavorful, rich in soluble fiber and nutrients. Because fresh gar- banzos are high in potas- sium and low in sodium, they offer the added health benefit of lower- ing blood pressure and fighting obesity. Fresh garbanzos are ideal for vegetarians and health-conscious consumers. Fresh garbanzos will be a star in the produce section, catching the attention of mainstream American consumers looking for that unique, new and easily prepared fresh legume item, appealing to all ages. Consistent quality from Califresh increases consumer demand and sales. Proven introduction strategies are avail- able from packing to retail, and Califresh provides retailer assistance for success. Adherence to guidelines specified by Califresh will make fresh garbanzos the new star on the block. Califresh has now improved how consumers can enjoy this fresh legume with Garbanzole Fresh Green Chickpea Dips and Spread. A proprietary process combines the rich flavor and wholesomeness of the fresh green chickpea into three spreads, fla- vored with fresh and natural ingredients for a delicious healthy appetizer or snack. There is no comparison. This dip tastes nothing like hummus, and although it is green, its flavor far surpasses guacamole with less fat and fewer calories. Garbanzole is available from Califresh in three flavors: Cilantro and Jalapeno, Rosemary with Roasted Garlic and Basil with Sun Dried Tomato. For assistance initiating a fresh garban- zo or Garbanzole program, please call Morgan Murray or TJ Risco at 559-875- 1602, email at sales@califresh.net, or visit booth 5452. LINDSAY FARMS TAKES GREAT PRODUCE TO MAKE GOURMET FRUIT SALSAS Lindsay Farms Specialties, the largest gourmet salsa producer in Mathews, Ala., has expanded its fruit salsa line to include Wild Maine Blueberry Salsa. The new Blueberry Salsa is a unique blend of Maine blueberries, California jalapeos, and locally grown tomatoes to form a tart but also sweet blend of flavor delights. In addition to the new Wild Maine Blueberry Salsa, Lindsay Farms offers a variety of gour- met salsas, including Georgia Peach, Spicy Alabama Peach, Mango Lime, Strawberry, Raspberry Chipotle, Mountain Apple, Mandarin Orange, Tropical Pineapple, and Blackeye Pea. All of Lindsay Farms salsas are delightfully ver- satile served over cream cheese with crackers, served over omelets or fish, or simply served with tor- tilla chips. Lindsay Farms products are avail- able in specialty gift and food stores nationwide, and at www.lindsayfarms.com, or by phone at 800-243-4608.