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P r o d u ce S h o w D a i l y W e d n e s d a y, Ju n e 2 2 , 2 0 1 6 6 15 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AVOCADOS By Sergio Cordon, Avocado Commodity Manager, Robinson Fresh Growing up in Guatemala, my parents had a ranch where they grew tropical commodities, including avocados. Being exposed to avocados my entire life, I've known about their many health benefits and versatility in everyday cuisine. It's no wonder this superfood has grown in global popularity, but here are 15 things about avocados you might not have known. 1. Avocados are a superfood. While many know that avocados contain naturally good fats, few know that avocados con- tribute nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, potassium and eight percent of your daily value of fiber. 2. The Hass avocado tree was creat- ed by grafting the Patron avocado plant (the branches) with the Criollo avocado plant (the roots). 3. An avocado tree will start bearing fruit for commercial purposes in the third or fourth year after it has been planted, depending on its geography. 4. Avocados are a fruit which are grown on a tree and can be picked between seven to eight months after flo- ration. 5. An avocado tree can bloom up to four times a year in Mexico. 6. While there is great debate whether you can eat the avocado seed or not, food processors use the oils from the seed in things such as shampoo. 7. Avocados don't ripen until they have been picked or have fallen off the tree. 8. Avocados produce natural ethyl- ene gas which triggers the ripening process. The higher the oil content in the avocado, the more ethylene it produces, causing it to ripen faster. On the other hand, the more oil an avocado has, the richer the flavor. 9. Avocados, when ready for harvest can stay on the tree for up to four months, depending on temper- ature and elevation, before falling off. 10. According to a Robinson Fresh tropical produce consumer insights panel, 49 percent of avocados are eaten between 5 and 8 p.m. 11. More than 95 percent of avoca- dos consumed by Americans come from Hass avocado trees. 12. The Hass avocado tree produces a fruit that is rich in flavor covered by a skin that is semi-hard, which allows it to be more resistant to weather conditions and reduces bruising. 13. An avocado prohibition existed from 1914 to 1993 where Mexico was not allowed to import avocados into the United States. Imports were first allowed into Alaska in 1993 and restrictions to all 50 states were removed in 2007. 14. In 2004, Mexico shipped 76 million pounds of Hass avocados to the United States, or 11 percent of the total Hass avocado shipments. In 2015, shipments jumped to 1.78 bil- lion pounds, or 81 percent of the total Hass avocado shipments. 15. Avocados have become a global fruit with consumption in Asia jumping 127 fold from 2011 to 2014. Demand in Europe has grown by almost 20 percent in the last year. If 15 things isn't enough for you, here's one more. Avocados are one of the fastest growing retail commodities. According to IRI Freshlook, avocados generate 48 percent of the tropical cate- gory sales. Awareness, knowledge and exposure to avocados has helped the tropical category expand, with avocados responsible for 80 percent year-over-year growth in the category. For more information, visit booth #2038. MATRIX SHOWCASES MORPHEUS VERTICAL FORM FILL SEAL MACHINE Matrix Packaging Machinery, powered by Pro Mach, is showcasing the Morpheus high speed vertical form fill seal machine with new sanitary features specifically designed for the produce industry – stainless steel construction for long service life in harsh wash-down environments. This machine can easily function as a fresh produce machine or an IQF – frozen machine as both environ- ments can be equally harsh. The Morpheus continuous motion form fill seal machine is rated at up to 180 bags per minute and features new automatic setup capabilities that reduce changeover time and lead to higher pro- ductivity. The Morpheus offers a small footprint to conserve floor space, PC- based architecture with the latest servo motion control for exacting operation, and ProTech by Pro Mach™, the low cost remote tech support and overall equip- ment effectiveness (OEE) monitoring service. About Matrix Matrix Packaging Machinery is an indus- try-leading manufacturer known for ver- tical form fill seal, pre-made pouch, hor- izontal rollstock pouch, and stickpack and sachet packaging machines. Since 1988, Matrix has built a solid reputation for delivering rugged, well-engi- neered, cost competitive and easy-to-use packaging systems backed by outstanding customer support. Matrix solutions are in operation throughout the world, handling a wide range of products in very diverse conditions. About Pro Mach Pro Mach is a leading provider of inte- grated packaging and processing prod- ucts and solutions for food, beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical and other diverse companies. Through its brands, Pro Mach provides product packaging and processing equipment, PMMI certified training, installation, parts and service in bottling and cap- ping, primary packaging, flexible pack- aging, material handling, identification and tracking and end of line packaging. Pro Mach has a diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 com- panies to smaller, pri- vately held businesses worldwide, which depend on reliable, flexi- ble, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solu- tion sets. Pro Mach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information about Pro Mach, visit www.promachinc.com. Visit Matrix at booth #2408. For more information, call 262.268.8300 or visit www.matrixpm.com. ORCHARD VALLEY HARVEST TO LAUNCH NEW GRAB & GO OFFERING Orchard Valley Harvest has announced the addition of two new products to its expansive product line. Launching in early 2016, Grab & Go sized packages of Cherries Covered in Dark Chocolate and Blueberries Covered in Dark Chocolate will be available in the produce section of retailers nationwide. Both products contain no artificial ingredients and have passed rigorous non-GMO testing, earning non-GMO Project Verification seal. With the rich dark chocolate complementing the tart- ness of fruit, the new Orchard Valley Harvest products are a delicious option for consumers looking to satisfy their cravings for something sweet. "With over 80 percent of health con- scious consumers seeking products with- out GMOs, we are committed to offering products made with the very best ingredients available," said Howard Brandeisky, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing and Customer Solutions at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., the manu- facturer and distributor of Orchard Valley Harvest products. "With so many choices available, we're proud to offer our consumers a delicious selection of wholesome and nutritious snacks." A brand dedicated to offering prod- ucts with great quality and taste, Orchard Valley Harvest starts with ingredients that are pure and simple. The fruits used are picked at their peak and have no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Orchard Valley Harvest nuts, dried fruits and trail mixes can be found in the produce section of retail stores among fruits, vegetables and other prod- ucts that help promote a healthier lifestyle. For additional information, call 732.741.3365 or visit www.orchardvalley harvest.com. SUN PACIFIC CAPTURES SIGNIFICANT KIWI MARKET SHARE Since Mighties Kiwis were introduced to retailers in fall of 2014, they have con- tributed significantly to helping increase kiwi's overall category growth. Last year, the brand comprised 40 percent of all U.S. kiwi sales and contributed to the 13.4 percent growth of overall kiwi sales in the United States. Sun Pacific's proprietary ripening process ensures that the fruit arrives at grocery stores "ripe and ready" and takes the guesswork out of having to gauge when the fruit is ready to eat. Helping consumers understand how to eat the fruit and providing it at the perfect ripeness is part of Sun Pacific's commitment to edu- cating consumers so that even more peo- ple will enjoy this super nutritious fruit. "Mighties provide a superior and consistent experience," said Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, Vice President of Marketing for Sun Pacific. "When con- sumers buy Mighties, they know they are getting fruit that is ready to simply cut, scoop out with a spoon and eat. It's simple, it tastes great and it's packed with nutrients, making Mighties mighty appealing to con- sumers." Mighties are available in one-, two-, three- and four-pound clamshell pack- ages, and are verified non-GMO by The Non-GMO Project, an increasingly sought-after trait for consumers. Founded in 1969, Sun Pacific is a leading grower, packer and shipper of fruit with more than 70 mil- lion boxes of fresh fruit sold each year. Sun Pacific is the owner of America's most pre- ferred brand of mandarins, Cuties. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, Sun Pacific is the largest kiwi fruit and navel orange grower/shipper in North America, the second largest pro- ducer of tomatoes in California and renowned for its exceptional quality Air Chief label table grapes. For more information, go to www.sun pacific.com.