The new package for shishito peppers from Mastronardi strikes a "Batman-esque" tone, said director of sales Dean Taylor. (Photo by Ashley Nickle)
MONTEREY, Calif. — Mastronardi Produce has added shishito peppers to its product offering, with the retail option a bright yellow package with the catchphrase “Shazam!”
The peppers are also available for foodservice. At retail, they will be sold as part of the Gourmet Chef Inspired line.
“(They’re) a very on-trend item at the moment, and we’re able to do them in the greenhouse 365 days a year, so it’s something that we can take the volatility out of the market and deliver a consistent product all year long,” said director of sales Dean Taylor. “It’s a fun product, too. We’re saying, ‘Embrace the unexpected,’ because one in 10 is hot, and we think we’ve got a very Batman-esque take on the brand name.
“They’ve been received really, really well, and just something else to widen our selection for our customers outside the traditional tomato, pepper and cuke,” Taylor said.
Mastronardi, which markets under the Sunset brand, works with corporate chef Roger Mooking to develop products for the Gourmet Chef Inspired line.
The company sees Shishito peppers as an ideal fit for that group of products, which focuses on high-flavor items with foodie appeal.
“Before we would never see this, (see) somebody take this home, and yet it’s on every menu everywhere, so now with a very simple recipe on the back, we’re able to take this home and in a matter of minutes have a restaurant-quality appetizer to elevate (our) dinner,” Taylor said.
He noted the shishito pepper package made numerous positive impressions at the tradeshow.
“Everybody loves them – lots of requests for samples,” Taylor said. “Very, very good reception.”