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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 8 BELLA SUN LUCI AWARD-WINNING OLIVE OIL IN NEW DISPLAY RACK Mooney Farms has designed and created a new metal floor rack to display its award-winning Bella Sun Luci Arbequina Olive Oil. The rack was creat- ed to offer current Bella Sun Luci cus- tomers an olive oil from a brand they already know and trust. As an accompa- niment to its existing sun-dried tomato products, the Bella Sun Luci olive oil will be marketed as a start to the perfect salad and will be displayed front and cen- ter on the new rack with full-color graph- ic headers. Produce managers will be able to create an extra virgin olive oil and sun- dried tomato destination with the new rack provided by Mooney. They will have options as to which Bella Sun Luci sun dried tomato products will accompa- ny the olive oil, along with choices from Mooney Farms' other Bella Sun Luci products, including pasta sauce, risotto and sun dried tomato snack bags. This rack is just one of Mooney Farms' many promotional tools to create the most visi- ble and eye-catching display of its prod- ucts. The free rack is available to all stores now. Grown on the Mooney Family Estate in the Feather River Valley, Bella Sun Luci California Olive Oil is an award-winning product with silver medals from the 2014 and 2015 Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, the 2015 California State Fair and many other competitions this year in the northern California region. Bella Sun Luci olives are a Spanish varietal and are harvested at the peak of their ripeness, then cold pressed immediately to ensure the fresh- est tasting oil. The delicate taste profile of Bella Sun Luci Arbequina Olive Oil is a unique balance featuring aromatic, rich full-bodied flavor with a hint of cherry. Bella Sun Luci flavorful Arbequina olive oil can be enjoyed drizzled over salads, on vegetables, on bread, or as an ingredi- ent for marinades and dressings. Bella Sun Luci is a line of pre- mium Mediterranean-inspired products created from authentic family recipes. The line includes a variety of deliciously sweet sun- dried tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes in olive oil, pasta sauces, bruschet- ta spreads, estate-grown olive oil, risotto and marinades. Bella Sun Luci is produced by Mooney Farms, a third- generation, family-owned company based in Chico, California, whose values are rooted in quality, integrity and family. Mooney Farms is the premier producer of sun-dried tomatoes in the United States. To learn more about Bella Sun Luci, visit booth #2814, call 530.899.2661 or go to www.MooneyFarms.com. CONSUMER PREFERENCE: MICHIGAN APPLES A Michigan apple is like no other apple. They are crisp, refreshing, delicious and preferred by consumers. With more than 36,000 acres of apple trees, experienced and dedicated growers, along with an ideal climate, it is clear why Michigan apples are preferred. To put these apples to the test, researchers examined which states' apple varieties are preferred by consumers. More than a dozen focus groups in Michigan and Illinois, spanning fall 2008 to fall 2013, performed flavor preference tests on apples from different states, with several variety options. Participants were not informed which apple came from which state, nor the variety of the apple. With the apples purchased locally on the day of the focus group, each option was allowed a fair chance to be chosen. Focus group participants considered themselves the primary shopper in their household. In 12 out of 13 focus groups, Michigan Honeycrisp was the preferred apple, even when compared head-to-head in blind tastings with Honeycrisp grown else- where. Michigan Fuji and Jonagold trailed closely behind Michigan Honeycrisp and were consistent- ly highly ranked. Participants preferred the appearance of Michigan Honeycrisp and Michigan Fuji Apples. Participants said Michigan apples are the freshest and like that they are locally grown. The most recent focus group was performed in Canton, Michigan, in November 2013 and consisted of 12 participants with an average age of 37.4. The participants ranked Michigan Honeycrisp, Michigan Jonagold and Michigan Fuji as their top three choices in both taste and appear- ance. Some members partaking in the study even had this to say about Michigan apples: "A+ my favorite," "Freshest" and "Crunchy, juicy. Love it." The research also showed consumers generally prefer pick- ing out individual apples based on size and appearance. At the same time, they like the conven- ience and pricing of bagged apples. To meet consumer demand, more Michigan apples are being sold as tray pack. Michigan apple producers are dedi- cated to staying up to date on research and technological advances in order to continue to produce the highest-quality, best-tasting apples. Visit Michigan Apples in booth #3347 at the PMA Fresh Summit. MICRO SIZE, MACRO FLAVOR & NUTRITION FROM SHENANDOAH Shenandoah Growers continues to push the envelope with its new line of micro organics for retail grocery. Grown organ- ically using cutting-edge LED light tech- nology, these organic microgreens maxi- mize flavor and nutrition of every bite. Relatively new to the culinary world, microgreens began appearing as a gar- nish or special addition to restaurant dishes a few years ago. With vibrant col- ors and textures, these greens are able to bring a wow factor to the presentation of any plate. Microgreens are the same in seed form as fully mature greens. The dis- tinction comes from the stage of growth when each plant is harvested. Traditional greens are typically harvest- ed to maximize the yield of the entire crop. Microgreens are harvested after the development of their first true leaf to maximize the flavor and nutrition of each seed. The use of LED lighting and a carefully controlled environment allow master growers to capture the full nutritional and flavor potential of each seed. During the earliest stage of devel- opment, greens require only water, air and sun- light to develop. It is not necessary to add nutrients because the seed cavity itself houses the nutrients necessary for development of the first true leaf. When greens are harvested at that stage, the nutrition levels are at their highest den- sity. Certain nutrition levels (vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene in particu- lar) have been shown to be four to six times higher per gram than greens har- vested at the baby or mature stages of growth. Shenandoah Growers takes every measure to ensure that every step of the growing process meets stringent food safety standards. Before harvest and pack, every input is carefully moni- tored, tested and certi- fied to safeguard against any potential risks. Micro organics will take any sandwich or salad to the next level with vibrant colors, unique flavors and an intense flavor kick. They can transform an average meal into a chef- inspired masterpiece, or can be enjoyed on their own for a uniquely flavorful and nutritious snack. For more information, visit booth #3932, go to www.freshherbs.com or call 540.896.6939. NON-GMO VERIFICATION FOR ENTIRE ORCHARD VALLEY HARVEST PRODUCT LINE Orchard Valley Harvest has announced that the latest additions to its grab and go product line, Cherries Covered in Dark Chocolate and Blueberries Covered in Dark Chocolate, are both free of artificial ingredients, making the entire product line Non-GMO Project verified. A brand dedicated to offering prod- ucts with great quality and taste, Orchard Valley Harvest is committed to providing consumers with healthier alternatives to impulse purchases like candy or chips. The expansive product line including both grab and go and multipacks (eight 1-ounce pouches) can be found in the produce section of retailers nationwide. Designed with convenience in mind, Orchard Valley Harvest's Cranberry Almond Cashew Trail Mix, Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, Dry Roasted and Salted Almonds, Cashew Halves and Pieces and Chocolate Raisin Nut Trail Mix are available in multi- packs of eight 1-ounce bags. The new 1-ounce bags are perfectly portioned to include in a healthy lunch or as a single-serving snack in between activities. The newest additions to the Orchard Valley Harvest Product line, Cherries Covered in Dark Chocolate and Blueberries Covered in Dark Chocolate, are available in convenient grab and go packages and contain dried and sweetened fruit coated in dark chocolate. With the rich dark chocolate complementing the tartness of fruit, the new Orchard Valley Harvest products are a delicious option for consumers looking to satisfy their cravings for something sweet. About John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., (NASDAQ: JBSS), founded in 1922, is a leading processor, marketer and distributor of bak- ing nuts, snack nuts and nut- based products that are sold in multiple distribution channels. Its products can be found under the Fisher Nuts, Orchard Valley Harvest and Sunshine Country brand names and a variety of private brands. For additional information, visit booth #1169, call 732.741.3365 or visit www.orchardvalleyharvest.com.