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Produce Show Daily Tuesday, June 13, 2017 1 6 UNITED FRESHMKT INTRODUCES THE ORGANIC SHOWCASE In response to consumer and industry trends, the 2017 United FreshMKT Expo will boast more than 40 innovative organ- ic products in the newest show floor des- tination area, the Organic Showcase. According to United FreshFacts ® on Retail, organics have seen continued strong growth over the years, accounting for 30 percent of all produce growth. In 2016, organic produce had a total of $4.46 billion in sales (a 13.2 percent increase over 2015); organic sales are expected to continue to rise. "The industry is seeing a significant increase in organic produce sales," said United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel. "With new organic products going to market on an ongoing basis, the Organic Showcase provides attendees a unique opportunity to find the latest organic offerings – all in one place." The Organic Showcase is located in the center of the United FreshMKT show floor, providing a single destination for organic buyers to find new products. The unique space offers foodservice, whole- sale and retail industry executives an added value to the show floor by allow- ing them to specifically focus on organics and produce marketers gain extra visibil- ity for their products while driving traffic to their booth as part of the new Organic Trail. COLORADO POTATOES: DISCOVER THE FRESH ALPINE VALLEY TASTE Colorado leads the nation in discovering and growing new varieties of potatoes, giving consumers new and tasty choices for the dependable spud. The San Luis Valley, home to more than 90 percent of Colorado's potato production, hosts Colorado State University's world-class research facility, a leader in developing more than 250 varieties. Since 1875, Colorado farmers in the San Luis Valley have benefited from Colorado's ideal combination of location, climate and soil. The majestic snow-covered peaks of Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Mountains surround the fertile plateau of the San Luis Valley. At 7,600 feet, in the highest and largest commercial agricultural val- ley in the world, the potato flourishes. It's all about the altitude, the perfect growing climate and rich volcanic soils of the valley. The altitude, combined with cool weather, contributes to the smooth- ness of the potato skin, while the Valley's isolation helps eliminate pests and dis- eases. Colorado potatoes are not fed by water that has traveled hundreds of miles along irrigation canals, but fresh and pure snow melt water, straight from the moun- tains. Colorado is centrally located and close to major U.S. and export markets. That means faster, time-sensitive trans- portation and greater savings on freight costs. Russets make up most of the Colorado crop, and are characterized by an even oval shape and russet brown color. They have a delicate earthy fla- vor, a light and fluffy texture, and a hearty skin that is chewy when cooked. Russets are ideal for mashed potatoes. They also fry up crisp and golden brown, and are the potato of choice for baking. Yellow potatoes are marble to large size; round or oblong shape; have light tan to golden skin and yellow to golden flesh. They have a slightly waxy, velvety and moist texture. Yellows are subtly sweet; rich and but- tery, with a medium sugar content making them great for grilling, roasting, mashing and sal- ads. Fingerling potatoes are two to four inches long; finger-shaped; red, orange, purple or white skin; red orange, pur- ple, yellow or white flesh, sometimes streaked with veins of color. They have a waxy firm texture, and can be used for pan frying, roasting or in salads. Flavor is nutty, buttery and earthy. With rosy skin and white flesh, red-skinned potatoes have a firm, smooth, moist and creamy texture. The flavor is subtly sweet and well suited for salads, soups and stews because slices and chunks maintain their shape during cooking and mixing. They are also excellent baking potatoes. The San Luis Valley grows many other potato varieties, including special- ty varieties like All-Blue, Purple Majesty, Mountain Rose and Kennebec. Purple/Blue Potatoes are small to medium-size; oblong to fingerling; deep purple, blue or slightly red skin; blue, purple lavender, pink or white flesh. They have a moist texture and a firm flesh. They have an earthy, nutty flavor and are great for roasting, grilling, salads or baking. For more information, go to www .coloradopotato.org. ABLE FREIGHT SERVICES, INC. PUTS CUSTOMER SERVICE FIRST Able Freight Services, the West Coast's largest premier perishable freight for- warder, cites its core focus on customer service as the reason for its strong growth and market presence. Founded in 1992, Los Angeles, California-based Able Freight Services' approach to customer service starts with a solid understanding of a client's specif- ic business needs and the resources avail- able to achieve the client's goals. The company then designs a logistics solution specific to the individual company. "Many companies tout that they have the 'best customer service' in their respective industries, but what does this truly mean?" asks Orlando Wong, Able Freight Services' Vice President. "At Able Freight Services, we look at our clients, our partners and the industry as a whole – and work together with these important pieces to ensure a quality and stress-free process for transporting per- ishables throughout the world." Wong notes Able Freight Services – whose multi-lingual staff speaks 12 lan- guages – has invested a great deal of energy to develop strong working rela- tionships with airline partners, since a large measure of Able Freight Services' success is predicated upon the airlines' performance. To that end, innovation plays a very prominent role in Able Freight Services' core activities. The company was one of the first to establish a 24/7 customer service center and was an early adopter of data loggers. The 24/7 availability means that if problems should arise, shippers' needs can be addressed around the clock, underscoring the firm's slogan: "Always Fresh, Always Able." Able Freight Services shines brightly as its customer- centric philosophy has pro- pelled the company to experi- ence double-digit growth rates for the past 23 years. In terms of raw tonnage, Able Freight Services is now the largest air freight for- warder on the West Coast, with state-of- the-art cold chain facilities in Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Guadalajara (GDL) and throughout the Hawaiian islands. "Able Freight Services operates in one of the largest agriculture production regions in the world," explains Wong. "We have become the extension and part- ner of many key growers, exporters, importers and retailers – both sides of the cold chain." About Able Freight Services Based in Los Angeles, California, Able Freight Services, Inc. is a global expert in importing and exporting perishable com- modities from the United States to destinations world- wide. The company creates competitive advantages for customers by offering innovative solu- tions and access to proprietary technolo- gy. Many of the world's most recognized brands trust Able Freight with their ship- ments. Able Freight Services' 24 years in the business and hundreds of years of collective employee experience means clients benefit from industry-leading knowledge and responsiveness. For more information, go to www.able freight.com. VEGGIE BITES FROM ZIPPY'S According to the Nutrition Business Journal, the natural and organic food seg- ment of the U.S. nutrition market will grow from $42B in 2011 to $104B in 2021. In the past two years alone, global sales of products with "natural" and "organic" claims have grown 24 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Zippy's Veggie Bites ® blend good taste with good health. Zippy's Veggie Bites are crunchy clusters made with whole vegetables, fruits and nuts packed into convenient, crunchy, bite-sized pieces. Each flavor offers a high source of fiber, zero cholesterol and no trans fats and are non-GMO, vegan-, gluten- and dairy-free with no artificial ingredients or flavors. Zippy's great tasting Veggie Bites combine convenience and health in mouthwatering flavors: California Ranch and Spinach Cranberry. Lemon Caesar and Tomato Ranch are two additional Zippy's flavors in development which are rich in flavor inspired from your favorite salads. Drawing from his extensive entre- preneurial back- ground, Keith Mullin founded Zippy's as a way to help others do the things they love with a healthy, tasty snack. As the health food industry grows and consumers across the U.S. are shift- ing toward more nutritious selections, Zippy's offers a delicious veggie snack with a satisfying crunch and flavor. Here are some consumer quotes: "OMG – so delicious and just a tiny bit sweet! I always have a bag of these Veggie Bites in my office desk drawer." – Linx L., Young Professional "It's great to have such a healthy snack that's easy to take on-the-go. The Spinach Cranberry bites are so yummy and I can enjoy the whole bag without any guilt!" – Olivia D., Professional Dancer For more information, visit www .gozippys.com.