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Produce Show Daily Thursday, October 19, 2017 5 4 Growers Do it All: Grow, Pack and Ship Fresh Produce Growers Are Us (GAU) is a grower/pack- er/shipper business founded in 2011 and based out of Miami, Florida. With more than 30 years of experience in the indus- try, the GAU team thrives more every year, by delivering creative solutions to the categories in which it serves. Currently, the company focuses on three important segments: the bulk business to serve local and national customers; pri- vate label programs enabling big brands to expand their product portfolio with the best turnkey solutions; and the company's own brands, which are Veg and FruitDelicous. Because GAU has direct growing relationships with key growers and packers, it is able to deliver cus- tomized packaging to customers. The farms and the pack houses are located in Guatemala, Colombia and Peru. The company's expertise is in providing value-added products. It serves customers in the United States by coordinating the growing, packing and purchasing of fresh produce in several countries in Latin America. GAU has the freshest product with the most rigorous sanitary precau- tions available. Food safety is its highest priority. The facilities are certified to fit GAU's customer demands, whether in Europe or in the United States. Providing value-added products is the company's expertise. Customers can use GAU's label or use the option of their own private labels, bags and specified sizing. GAU farms are cultivated year- round and strive for the highest customer satisfac- tion. To ensure that satisfac- tion, the company has been certified with HACCP, BRC and Primus labs since the inception of the business. As Dan Wahl, GAU's President notes, "Our strength is our flexibility in developing innovative value-added branded and private label produce products that are convenient and healthy and also offer consumer value." The company is launching "Grab- and-Go" VegDelicious 2.0-ounce and 2.5-ounce displays of sugar peas, snow peas, broccoli, celery sticks and carrots. Packages range from 20 to 47 calories of wholesome, fresh, natural veggies. The new line for VegDelicious is a snack "you can eat on the go." They emphasize "no cutting, no washing, no mess to clean up; just open up a bag and enjoy the deliciousness." The company's main customers are supermarkets, convenience stores, foodser- vice organizations and wholesale distributors. Because the company grows and has its grower relation- ships, it is able to be very competitive while sustain- ing the best quality for its customers. GAU has also developed numerous food- service and school program packs for its customers. GAU's goal for PMA is to make the company more broadly known, as well as to extend the visibility of its label. GAU is especially proud of its loyalty, cus- tomer satisfaction and excellent quality. For more information, go to www. growersareus.com. Michigan Apples Belong in Almost Any Recipe The unique climate, geography and nutri- ent-rich soil combined with the dedicated growers in Michigan give Michigan Apples a flavor unlike any other and show why the state is where apples love to grow. With 16 different varieties available, each with their own unique flavor, Michigan Apples are a great ingredient in any dish for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack. Foodies rave about the taste and ver- satility of Michigan Apples. Of course, there's the classic apple pie and fruit salad that come to mind when using apples in recipes, but there are so many other dishes that can be prepared using Michigan Apples. Sandwiches, smooth- ies and even chips and salsa are just a few of the unique recipes that can be pre- pared. Michigan Apples are also a go-to snack for parents looking for a healthy treat for their children. With 16 varieties commercially avail- able, each with their own unique taste and flavor, there's a Michigan Apple that can be used in just about any recipe. Apples are delicious in desserts but also provide unique flavor to savory dishes. Their versatility makes them a foodie favorite. The Michigan Apple Committee's website provides an abundance of recipes, health information and flavor profiles of all the Michigan Apple varieties that home chefs can use when creating their favorite dishes. Michigan Apple lovers can share their recipes and discover new ones, as well as connect with one another and discuss their love of Michigan Apples on social media, too. To find recipes and other information, as well as the links to social media pages, visit www.michi- ganapples.com. The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower- funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activi- ties to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, stop by booth #1409 or go to www.michiganapples.com. 2017 Produce Trends By Scott McDulin, Vice President of Marketing/Retail Sales, H.C. Schmieding Produce, LLC In 2017, the produce industry continued to show strong sales growth. Once again, growth was led by convenience packag- ing, fresh cut, local programs, organics and new varietals. With this growth came new challenges for the suppliers and retailers attempting to keep up with the ever changing environment. These chal- lenges included category management, shelf space, in store merchandising, man- aging production and deliveries. Strap on your chinstrap – all indications show this growth will continue in 2018 and beyond. Recognizing these trends are impor- tant to maintain and accelerate growth, Schmieding Produce is well positioned to capitalize and provide solutions for the major produce trends of 2017. From top to bottom Schmieding has developed solutions for each consumer trend, mak- ing it much easier on the retailer to react and execute. These turnkey solutions are as follows: Produce Trend 1: Local and Seasonal Consumers continue to want to know where their produce is grown. Schmieding Solution: Schmieding Produce offers a "Meet the Grower" on pack program which features one of our growers and their story. Produce Trend 2: Variety Consumers are increasingly interested in trying unique and exotic varietals. Schmieding Solution: Schmieding Produce cur- rently offers a wide variety of specialty potatoes, onions, pumpkins and watermelons and are always growing our items. Produce Trend 3: Organics Organics continue to grow and outpace conventional produce in percent growth, although it still represents a smaller piece of the overall pie. Schmieding Solution: Schmieding Produce offers organic potatoes, onions, and will continue to offer more items as demand grows. Produce Trend 4: Convenience Studies show today's families allocate less time to meal prepara- tion. As a result, they are willing to pay more for pre- washed, precut and presea- soned. They are also looking for smaller packs in some items. Schmieding Solution: We offer microwavable sin- gles and multi packs, value added packaging, smaller sizes and inno- vative items designed for today's con- sumers. Stop by our booth #5647 to learn how Schmieding Produce can assist you in maximizing your sales and line up with the hottest produce trends. For more information, go to www.schmieding.com or stop by booth #5647. Merchandise Your Produce Department Most produce bags and ties are designed to be invisible. They are plain, boring, unassuming and contribute little to the success of a produce department opera- tion. A bag or wire tie that's not constant- ly selling your fruits, vegetables and brand is a missed opportunity 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 pro- duce department into a powerful merchan- dising display. The rest of your store is heavily merchandised; it's 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 18 pounds, or choose from hundreds of bags and ties in all sizes and shapes, col- ors and graphics. With the new release of the PCI Collection, you can merchandise your fresh produce year-round with 12 months of unique, colorful bags. These "family size" bags promote bulk buying and feature custom artwork and recipes along with your brand logo and messag- ing. Most bags feature side- seam construction with a seam- less "wrap-around" graphic effect. Handles also can be cus- tom printed. The handle is the only place where the customer has to look, and PCI is the only one that can make the handle part of your merchandising. If you're a grower, we 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. The ties are available in different sizes and up to four-color printing. For those in the pre- pared foods market, 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. For more information, visit booth #2723 or go to www.packagecontainers.com.