Issue link: http://osercommunicationsgroup.uberflip.com/i/586344
P r o d u c e S h o w D a i l y S u n d a y, O c t o b e r 2 5 , 2 0 1 5 7 0 PSD: What do you see as the importance of the Committee's presence at the PMA Fresh Summit? GK: IEO has always had a very visible presence at the PMA Fresh Summit and our intent is to continue to do so. The PMA has done a wonderful job of bring- ing many viable customers and ship- pers/suppliers together; I believe it is the best and most economical method of see- ing many existing customers as well as meeting potential new ones. PSD: How is the demand looking for IEO onions this year? GK: The demand and acceptance of IEO this late summer has been tremendous. The transition from the California and New Mexico growing areas was perfect: those southern onion regions finished a bit early, and IEO was about 10 days ear- lier than normal. According to USDA Market News Service, IEO is over 1,000 loads ahead of last year as of August 31. Our shipment volume is 245 percent of the prior year. PSD: What changes has the Committee made to better assist its members with their marketing and promotion efforts? GK: The Onion Committee has reduced its assessment rate to allow IEO shippers to utilize their resources in more aggres- sive individual direct promotion and marketing. PSD: Do you see anything new or differ- ent that retailers are doing to increase their onion sales? GK: Most major retailers are concerned with food safety; IEO is a the leader in food safety with a majority of its grow- ers and shippers participating in Certified Onions, Inc., a non-profit organization that uses third party testing for chemical residuals, and a large Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion (Cont'd. from p. 1) majority of our growers and shippers participate in third party audits for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on the farms and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) at the packing facili- ties. PSD: How do you think the Farm-to- Fork movement has impacted shippers from your region and do you think that it is important for your members to encour- age retailers to tell your story? GK: Many retailers have expressed that they would like to purchase their produce as directly as possible. Retailers appreci- ate knowing where and how fruits and vegetables are grown. I believe this is an excellent opportunity for producers to share their American family farm lega- cies and to assure the end users that the U.S. growers can provide excellent qual- ity and food-safe produce. PSD: Have you seen any shift in retail sales of reds versus yellows and whites? GK: The mix of yellow, red and white onions in the retail sector has been fairly steady for many years, although we have recently noticed an increase in the red volume. PSD: How important is it that retailers develop point-of-sale materials to explain onion varieties and use? GK: Retailers and shippers should pro- vide POS materials whenever possible. Any time we can educate our end users about the best methods of onion prepara- tion and best use for our different vari- eties, we should do so. Education will help our customers enjoy and appreciate our onions and hopefully increase con- sumption. POS materials are also a great avenue to encourage consumers to buy American! For more information, visit booth #1239, visit www.USAONIONS.com or call the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee at 208.722.5111. DC: Albert Bartlett is a third-generation family potato business, based in Airdrie, Scotland. We represent around 25 percent of the U.K. fresh potato market and grow a wide variety of specialty potatoes. We are passionate about growing and packing the best-tasting, highest-quality potatoes. In 2012, we began growing and packing our brand in the U.S. and Canada, alongside our North American growing partners. PSD: What are Rooster Potatoes? DC: Rooster potatoes are an Irish vari- ety that we have developed and market- ed into Europe's first and fastest grow- ing potato brand. The potatoes are grown first and most importantly for their great flavor. They are also consis- tent in quality and incredibly versatile – they bake, roast, mash and fry. The Rooster starts pink, but bakes golden brown, with a light yellow fluffy flesh. Their flavor and versatility have made them 70 percent of all the table potatoes sold in Ireland. PSD: Why are they different? DC: Quite simply, because they taste good! Unlike some other potato vari- Albert Bartlett (Cont'd. from p. 1) eties, they do not need to be loaded with other products like cheese and sour cream. Our Rooster potatoes are great as a main feature or side dish in any meal. Our packaging is very distinctive and signals consumers to a bank of recipes, as well as allowing them to visit our website and see where the products are grown. PSD: How are you marketing them? DC: We have recently run a full media campaign, with TV and radio advertising, along with press and in-store promotions to drive brand awareness and consumer trial. Being based in Denver, we also run the culinary stage at Taste of Colorado and sponsor the Denver Broncos. We have recently been featured in Rachael Ray magazine and are in Oprah's trend list for the top five 'must try' produce products. PSD: How can readers find out more? DC: Either visit our website at www.albertbartlett.com, or contact me directly – david.cross@albertbartlett.com. For more information, visit booth #5255, go to www.albertbartlett.com or email david.cross@bartlett.com. Sunsweet's Green Mango is packed with delicious tanginess that will leave you craving your next bite, and the Thai Coconut has a satisfying crunch com- bined with creamy vanilla notes. Both are sourced from unique microclimates and deliver an amazing taste of the tropics. These items, plus Sunsweet's current delicious Philippine Mango and Philippine Pineapple, are sure to satisfy growing multicultural demand for new tropical items. The launch of the new Pacific Tropicals is an example of Sunsweet's Sunsweet (Cont'd. from p. 1) efforts to bring new consumers to the dried fruit aisle with a full range of delicious products, including Amaz!n Prunes. Sunsweet Growers Inc., estab- lished in 1917, has a heritage in pro- ducing the highest quality dried fruits. The 300 grower/member cooperative, based in Yuba City, California, is the worldwide leader in prunes and healthy snacks that fit today's need for wholesome and convenient food choices. For more information, visit booth #2265, go to www.sunsweet.com, or call 800.417.2253.