NEW YORK — From fresh flavors to new packaging to promotable product, the fresh fruit and vegetable industry hit the New York Produce Show, Dec. 5-7 at the Javits Center, ready to put its best produce foot forward."
Avocados From Peru occupied some prime real estate with a food truck near the entrance to the show floor, where Peruvian Avocado Commission President and CEO Xavier Equihua and the "Peruvian Brothers" Giuseppe and Mario Lanzone, brand ambassadors for Avocados From Peru, welcomed attendees.
"This is the first food truck on the show floor in the history of the New York Produce Show," said Equihua. The Peruvian Brothers — caterers, chefs, restaurateurs and brand ambassadors — served up a vegan ceviche, avocado and quinoa salad, avocado empanadas, and avocado toast.
"This is not just a booth," Equihua said. "It's a park."
Highline Mushrooms' Sabrina Pokomandy showcased the company's clear mushroom packaging, which she says is one of a kind in the mushroom category. The company's entire product line is clear all around and on the bottom of the packaging to allow for maximum mushroom viewing.
Potato volumes are up, prices are down and Idaho potato grower-shippers and their customers are happy with the quality of the Idaho potato crop thus far, according to the Idaho Potato Commission's Ross Johnson, who says the NYPS is an opportunity to connect with independent grocers. 'There's a lot of product this year, especially compared to last year," said Johnson, who added that today's "consumer is facing inflationary pricing and they see value in potatoes."
Related: Outlook strong for potato promotion opportunities at holidays and beyond
At the Molly's Grape & Citrus Co. booth, the company's trademark colorful style and produce panache were in full swing.
“We're looking to break the mold and disrupt how we wake up taste buds,” said John Cymbal. The company, which says it's always looking for what's next, served up a delicious juice mix of valencia, mandarin and navel oranges at NYPS. Its 3-pound conventional and 2-pound organic mandarins for the season are headed to market now.
Shown from left are Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic Farms' Lisa McNeece and Jen Verdelli Hurter.
"Customers are looking for more paper as they transition out of plastic," said Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic Farms' Jen Verdelli Hurter as she held the company's paper bag for potatoes. "Recyclable and compostable are also trending," she added. Verdelli Hurter says the company is looking at more sustainable packaging options with carrots as well "to progress the category forward."
"It was a successful show with a lot of networking and customer connection," said Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market's Mark Smith. The booth was as popular for its lunchtime hoagie giveaway as it was its photo op with mascot "Chilly Philly."
"One of the things people love about the booth is 'Chilly Philly,' who sends a message that the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market is a newer wholesale market that is able to hold produce at a consistent temperature," said Christine Hofmann.
Related: Seen and heard at NYPS — Part 1