What Is Innovation?

Disrupting consumer behavior to move the needle in fresh produce consumption one commodity at a time.

In early October, our editors evaluated more than 45 new innovative products, following a 10-point-scale criteria grid with a concentration on three Ps for innovation: Product (intrinsic properties of the fruit or vegetable itself), Packaging (unique attributes that not only improve shelf-life but add to the marketability of the item) and Processing (added value by making the product more convenient or augmenting with more components to complete a flavor profile or meal). Will the item make customers switch from one product to another, or would consumers be willing to pay a premium for the item? Does the packaging keep the integrity of produce intact and enhance shelf-life? Does it provide a better marketing vehicle or make it easier to handle? Does the product take the prep time out of consumers’ hands and/or does it incorporate protein and other add-ons to provide more of a meal solution? Produce Business celebrates these disrupters as they inspire and empower innovative thinking and creativity, bringing a slate of new offerings to market. We are excited about these products and look forward to what the industry has in the pipeline for next year.

Babé Farms

CaliCabbage
Santa Maria, CA

Grown by Babé Farms, CaliCabbage by Home Plate! is the first of a new line of veg-centric meal kits designed for at-home chefs of all skill levels. The kit contains one Babé Farms Honey Cone Cabbage, croutons, Danish Bleu cheese dressing and Susie Q’s brand garlic seasoning. Grill it, sear it, roast it or wrap it.

Gold Coast Packing

Caulifornia Riced Vegetable Sides
Santa Maria, CA

Jumping on the cauliflower craze, Gold Coast Packing’s Caulifornia Riced Vegetable Sides allows consumers to eat healthy without giving up on fresh flavor. The company’s new Caulifornia line contains 100 percent riced vegetables accompanied by a flavorful sauce, allowing it to be paired with any protein. The line includes Garlic Herb, Spanish Rice and Ginger Garlic.

Green Giant Fresh/Growers Express

Peeled and Cut Spaghetti Squash
Salinas, CA

Green Giant Fresh brings the ultimate in nutritious convenience with new peeled and chopped Spaghetti Squash. This unique and versatile product significantly reduces prep and cook time, offering healthy pasta swap options. The squash chunks can be microwaved right in their resealable pouch, then crushed by hand in the package or poured out and shredded. The squash texture — similar to angel hair pasta — offers a healthy, low-carb base to pair with favorite toppings.

Love Beets

Marinated Beet Products
Rochester, NY

Love Beets makes ready-to-eat, all-natural beets that are no mess and no fuss. The Love Beets brand was cultivated when the Shropshire farming family, known for growing vegetables in England, wanted to find a way to attract the young generation to beets, while captivating the existing beet lovers with something new. The Shropshires experimented with unique marinated beet recipes, and today the line offers Sweet Chili, Honey & Ginger, White Wine & Balsamic and Mild Vinegar Beets, as well as cooked beets — conventional and organic — beet salsa and beet powder.

Mann Packing Co.

Nourish Bowls
Salinas, CA

This award-winning line of single-serve, warm meals with fresh vegetables, grains and sauce was developed by an expert panel of chefs. The newest addition to the line is Spicy Thai Veggie Noodle. It is the first product to feature fresh kohlrabi noodles — one of the world’s oldest vegetables — fresh kale and carrots, a spicy Thai sauce and toasted, sweetened coconut flakes for topping.

Mastronardi Produce

Sunset Sweet Bites
Kingsville, Ontario, Canada

Sunset Sweet Bites is a unique pail filled with sweet, little tomatoes that are ideal for anytime snacking. Each pail contains a bonus Sunset Snack Pack, the perfect tomato carrier for lunches, adventures and on the go.

Naturipe Farms

Naturipe Snacks
Naples, FL

Naturipe has simplified snacking with its new Naturipe Snacks, pairing fresh-picked strawberries, blueberries and grapes with specialty cheese and seasoned whole nuts in one portable package. Packed with protein, fiber, calcium and vitamin C, Naturipe Snacks are available in six combinations: Rich & Savory, Sweet & Crunchy, Smooth & Smokey, Sweet & Zesty, Classic & Sharp and Bold & Spicy.

Tanimura & Antle

Artisan Dew Drop Cabbage
Salinas, CA

With a unique teardrop-shape and a sweeter, more tender flavor profile, Artisan Dew Drop Cabbage is a refreshing shake-up to the cabbage category. In addition to a high yield per head, the petite size and unique shape of each Artisan Dew Drop Cabbage head allows for quick and easy preparation, as well as flexibility in size and cuts, while decreasing waste. It’s perfect for foodservice and home use.

Veggie Noodle Co.

Veggiccine
Austin, TX

Veggie Noodle Co. believes in simple nutrition. The company’s award-winning Veggiccine is a fresh take on fettuccine that can be eaten raw or sautéed as an alternative to pasta. From Pad Thai to stroganoff, and virtually any Italian dish, Veggiccine means endless versatility with a heaping helping of nutrition.

Village Farms

Lorabella Blossom Tomato
Heathrow, FL

With a non-traditional tomato flavor reminiscent of Old World sensibilities, the Lorabella Blossom orange tomato blooms with a unique citrus floral essence. This snacking tomato is versatile, making it ideal for grilling, roasting and sautéing.