PHOTO GALLERY: Innovation on show at IFPA'S Global Produce & Floral Show
Fresh thinking was on display at the Anaheim Convention Center in California last week as it played host to the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) annual Global Produce and Floral Show.
The event kicked off with a keynote address from IFPA CEO Cathy Burns who spoke of the challenges facing the global fresh produce and floral industry – from geopolitical tensions to extreme weather events, disruptive technologies (such as A.I.) and evolving consumer behaviours.
“We must look at the how the state of things are, envision what we want the state of things to become, and most importantly, act to make it happen,” said Burns. “The good news is this industry knows how to invent from within and tap into innovation from outside our community.”
That action includes advocacy for the fresh produce and floral industry at all levels – global, domestic and local – and driving consumption. “We are here to get more people to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and buy floral more often. Period. And we will act on that through a three-pronged approach of government relations, public relations, and consumer relations.”
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, the engineer who helped transform the computing industry, was also at the show to tell stories from his impressive career and to share his perspectives on innovation and technology. When asked how companies can be more innovative, Wozniak advised hiring a "chief disruptive officer." And when it comes to disruptive technologies such as A.I., Wozniak said companies are going full-steam ahead developing it without always thinking about the problems that may arise. There is a responsibility for it to be regulated, he said. "What's regulation? It doesn't stop you from doing business, it means you won't do certain bad things – you can still do all the good."
On the trade show floor about 1000 exhibitors showcased their products and services to some 20,000 attendees from around the world. From apples to state-of-the-art tech solutions, there was lots to see at the show – in the gallery below are a few items that caught our attention.
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Pom Wonderful was offering a peek at its new Jalapeño Lime pistachios, coming in early 2024 -
One pouch of Bare Beans equals one can of beans but with no liquid to drain, no added salt and they're ready to snack on or use in a recipe -
The Elefante Green Gold pineapple from Melissa's boasts an edible core and soft, white flesh that's sweet and with very low acidity -
Picadeli's "reimagined" salad bar is powered by state-of-the-art tech that makes managing a salad bar easy and efficient - from ensuring food safety to planning assortment and ordering -
Juicernet's Piñabar is a self-serve pineapple peeling, coring and speering machine- grocers can use it to process fruit in the back then roll it out to the store to engage customers with a bit of theatre -
Creative merchandising on the showfloor at the Melissa's booth -
Conscious Foods' salad greens pair CRISPR tech with "tried-and-true" farming practices to grow new varieties with better flavour -
Crunch Pak's Apple Crisp Kit offers pre-measured ingredients (consumers just need to add butter) with simple instructions for an easy dessert -
New salad toppers from Quebec-based naturSource -
Bolthouse Farms' organic carrots packed in a 100% compostable bag -
Poshi veggie packs are ready-to-eat (they've been peeled, steamed and lightly marinated) and can be used as an ingredient in a recipe, can top a salad or pizza -
Avorigen Foods was debuting its frozen avocados that are 'perfectly fresh and ripe' after defrosting. Avorigen says its frozen avocados can help prevent food waste -
Denmark's Northern Green Foods' line of Organic Liquid Herbs offers a new way to spice up food, with a long shelf life and less waste. The company chops herbs and gently mix them with vinegar and sea salt - just a few teaspoons delivers a hit of flavour -
From Bard Valley Natural Delights comes new Medjool Date Strips snacks with Chili Lime seasoning -
BeanVivo's new organic Salad Protein Boosters feature fully cooked lentils and quinoa and cooked edamame and quinoa that are ready-to-use right out of the pouch -
Green Giant Fresh Minute Mashers target convenience-seeking consumers who need only microwave these potatoes, smash the bag, tear open the bag and add the ready-to-pour gravy included with the kit -
Eco Paper Packs from Windset Farms offer a sustainable packaging option for tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers