Issue link: http://osercommunicationsgroup.uberflip.com/i/586335
P r o d u c e S h o w D a i l y 7 3 F r i d a y, O c t o b e r 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 Fresh's role in the fresh produce industry. JL: Robinson Fresh is so broadly inte- grated that some might say the supply chain starts and ends with Robinson Fresh. It starts with grower teams who conduct seed trials, create innovation in the field, plant, plan and grow. It continues with our temperature con- trolled transportation experts who move the product from the field to its destination through land, air and ocean services. Robinson Fresh then provides consolidation and packaging services that meet customer needs through its comprehensive global network of dis- tribution centers. Then we see it through its last mile with on-time delivery that brings the final product to the end consumer at the highest quali- ty, fully equipped with integrated mar- keting strategies and brand programs designed to promote products and grow sales. As one of the largest pro- duce companies in the world, Robinson Fresh serves a variety of customers in retail, wholesale and foodservice. Robinson Fresh goes beyond just supplying fresh product by offering customers tailored and unique solutions that blend consumer research, customer insights, marketing support, category management and grower development programs. Robinson Fresh is committed to help- ing customers drive the success of their fresh produce business through innovative programs, scale and capa- bilities and brand offerings. In addi- tion, our service is strengthened by the company's strong logistics capabili- ties, including just-in-time delivery, temperature controlled transportation expertise and strategic cross-dock facilities that help get product to mar- ket, fresher and faster. PSD: What are the next big trends on the Robinson Fresh (Cont'd. from p. 1) horizon? JL: It's no secret that customer demand for fresh, quality produce continues to grow as their purchasing habits have steadily shifted from processed foods to fresh foods. In addition, consumers continue to display a heightened aware- ness towards the health benefits of eat- ing fresh produce, and have a better understanding of where and how their food is grown and made available to them. This growing demand for fresh produce coupled with more informed customers, social media channels and the availability of product- and brand- specific data are elevating the sophisti- cation of product marketing. Success in this environment requires technology, strategy and flexibility to innovate and execute as trends and patterns continue to change faster than ever. This com- plex, growing market is a perfect fit for Robinson Fresh, as we can plan and execute in ways that make our cus- tomers more responsive, capable and profitable in today's market. PSD: What's ahead for Robinson Fresh? JL: Robinson Fresh will continue to drive growth and accelerate customer success through key areas of advan- tage, including price and value, quality, service, availability and innovation. These opportunities allow Robinson Fresh to utilize the division's unique capabilities to creatively solve cus- tomer problems and provide innovative solutions. In addition, Robinson Fresh will continue to increase global out- reach and expansion in Europe, Latin America and Asia in order to provide customers around the world with fresh food solutions. For more information, visit booth #2035, go to www.robinsonfresh.com, call 855.350.0014 or email solutions@ robinsonfresh.com. department operation. A bag or wire tie that's not constantly selling your fruits, vegetables and brand is a missed oppor- tunity for increased sales. That's why Package Containers bags and ties are designed to demand attention, speak to customers, promote your brand and increase sales in bunches. PCI's purpose is to help turn your produce department into a powerful mer- chandising display. The rest of your store is heavily merchandised; its time for your produce department to stand out with bags and ties that ring. Start with a Grab&Go ® bag with PCI's single strap handle that can hold up to 25 pounds, or choose from hundreds of bags and ties in all sizes and shapes, colors and graphics. If you want to create your own look, upload your own artwork, or have PCI's team of merchandising design experts create a custom look for you. Most bags feature side-seam construction with a seamless "wrap-around" graphic effect. Handles also can be custom printed. It's the only place where the customer has to look, and PCI is the only one that can print on the handle. Produce Bags (Cont'd. from p. 1) If you're a grower, Package Containers can help you get branded from field to table. You're proud of your harvest, why not promote it? PCI ties are designed to be customized with your brand and message. Promote your brand and advertise your farming certifications such as Organic and Non-GMO with ties from PCI. The company's ties are avail- able in different sizes and up to four- color printing. For those in the prepared foods mar- ket, PCI can deliver fresh, hot designs served up daily. Bakeries, delis and even meat departments can build customer awareness and loyalty with branded bags from PCI. All foodservice products are FDA/USGA certified. With PCI's new release of the PCI Collection, you can merchandise your fresh produce year-round with 12 months of colorful bags that hold up to 25 pounds. These "family size" bags pro- mote bulk buying and feature custom art- work and recipes along with your brand logo and messaging. With PCI, your pro- duce department is always in season. For more information, visit booth #2838 or go to www.packagecontainers.com. market a wholesome snacking line under the Welch's brand. The initial line will include freeze-dried fruits, trail mixes and premium dried fruits. HFB is one of the leading marketers of licensed and branded confections and snacks. From its New York headquarters, HFB develops, licenses and produces confections and snacks for its own labels, for private labels and for dozens of major brands. Headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, Welch's is the world's leading marketer of Concord grape-based products. As a family-farmer owned business, Welch's has been delivering the goodness of the grape to adults and chil- dren alike for generations. Welch's is an iconic brand with a rich heritage and a portfolio of family favorites. Welch's licensed snacks are avail- able at major national retailers beginning in 2015. Healthy Food Brands will be releasing additional better-for-you prod- ucts in the following months. Headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, Welch's is the processing Healthy Food Brands (Cont'd. from p. 1) and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Welch's is owned by about 1,000 family farmers across America and in Ontario, Canada, who make up this cooperative and who grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grapes used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products. Welch's is committed to research and develop- ment that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers' health and nutrition needs. Welch's prod- ucts are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 40 countries around the globe. Welch's is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Healthy Food Brands is one of the leading marketers of licensed and brand- ed confections and snacks. From its New York headquarters, HFB develops, licenses and produces confections and snacks for its own labels, for private labels and for dozens of major brands. For more information, visit booth #5461, go to www.hfbusa.com/welchs or email info@hfbusa.com. For more information on Welch's, visit www.welchs.com. PSD: Tell our readers about your compa- ny. KT: Fresh Solutions Network is a group of family-owned growers and shippers who choose to work together to make the potato and onion industry better for everyone. There's no one between the buyer and your supplier. FSN is not a broker, a co-op or a sales group. Our members per- sonally own the land, work the soil and pack the product. One or more FSN part- ners coordinate sourcing and supplying each customer's total custom assortment via the FSN network, with full trans- parency towards geographic sourcing. PSD: What would you say makes your company unique? KT: Our bundle of offerings to our cus- tomers is unique. We deliver competi- tive insights, innovation and cus- tomized assortment, in addition to fresh potatoes and onions. We work with our customers to bring excitement to these categories by collaborating on the development of innovative packaging and products specifically designed to add value for potato shoppers and dif- ferentiate our customers from their competition. We also believe the benefits of doing business with Fresh Solutions Network are unique. We believe that if you know more, you'll grow more. With FSN, not only will you always know exactly what you're buying and who you're buying it from, but you will also know why it makes sense to make those buys based on the competitive landscape. Lastly, in addition to our complete supply transparency between our part- ners and with our customers, Fresh Solutions Network is also a "weather Fresh Solutions Network (Cont'd. from p. 1) resistant" organization. With our newest member, Mack Farms, located in Lake Wales, Florida, we have the ability to offer fresh dig potatoes in the winter months in addition to the highest level of supply availability across the best growing regions in the country. PSD: Are you introducing any new prod- ucts? If so, what distinguishes this new product from others already on the mar- ket? KT: We inspire shoppers to make their home-cooked meals better with potatoes that fit their needs. Convenience-oriented potatoes satisfy shoppers that need din- ner in a hurry. Roastables are the newest way to crave potatoes. Roastables are perfect, petite sized and quick cooking potatoes seasoned with delicious Montana Mex Chile and Picante season- ing salts. PSD: Where is your current product emphasis? KT: We focus our efforts on production and marketing of ready-to-cook/conve- nience potato offerings. PSD: What products do you see as being hottest this year? KT: Potato products that can be cooked quickly and easily, without prep work or clean up. Also, products that contain added spices, seasonings or sauces are looking hot. Consumers are looking for new, exciting, global flavors to try. When the right flavors and the right cooking approach collide, you get a successful product. For more information, visit booth #3147, go to www.freshsolutionsnet.com, call 209.627.6800 or email ktriou@ freshsolutionsnet.com.