Fresh Cut Magazine

Pride of San Juan Partners with Emeril to Enter Retail Market

Pride of San Juan hasn’t always been in the retail business. In fact, only 20 percent of the company’s business takes place in the aisles of the nation’s grocery stores. Foodservice is where it all began. Stephen Wyrick started the company in 1996 to bring chefs and other foodservice users quality spring mixes. And one chef, Emeril Lagasse, has since partnered with the company to bring high-quality, unique fresh-cut lettuce and greens to retail consumers. “Our advantage of being able to work with Chef Emeril brings a lot of excitement into branding produce,” Wyrick said. “It speaks of flavor and fun and quality.” Douglas Wyrick, Stephen’s brother, joined Pride of San Juan two years ago to handle marketing for the company’s emerging retail line. “I think what we’ve tried to do is to really create synergies between the two (Chef Emeril and Pride of San Juan),”…  » Read more

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Consumers Looking for Fresh-Cut Ideas

Consumers are going to be looking for something extra special when they head to the stores to buy fresh-cut produce. Though the industry continues to grow and introduce new product, Mona Doyle, with The Consumer Network, said she expects consumers to be looking for something even newer and more useful. “From our stream of consumer input, I sense that the fresh-cut industry is maturing,” she said. “Instead of generating excitement and offering new experiences, fresh-cut products are beginning to be taken for granted by more people.” More people are using them in their home. They are beginning to rely on fresh-cut salads and other products. Instead of being surprised at new offerings, consumers are expecting to find these items. “They (fresh-cut products) are no longer the great new thing that allows us to eat healthfully without work,” Doyle said. This change from “new kid on the block”…  » Read more

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Partnering to Compete

I’ve always felt that two heads are better than one – at home and at work. Nothing makes a job go more smoothly than sharing your ideas with someone else and getting their feedback. And in most cases, teams make for more creative, innovative ideas that can speak to a wider audience. After finishing my interviews for two stories this month, I’ve learned that the same can be true for the fresh-cut industry as well. By partnering and cross-merchandising, fresh-cut processors and retailers can improve their sales and keep customers coming back for more. Take, for instance, Pride of San Juan. This company has partnered with Chef Emeril Lagasse to bring innovative products and exciting new mixes to the fresh-cut displays in grocery stores. With Emeril’s involvement, Pride of San Juan is able to pair fresh-cut produce with tasty new recipes – fresh from Emeril’s kitchen.…  » Read more

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Showcase: PMA Exhibitors

AirOcare AirOcare provides air purification systems for the produce industry. AirOcare's purification systems reduce product loss, and extend shelf life for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The systems can fit any space, and are installed in more than 5,000 locations worldwide. For more information on AirOcare, visit http://www.AirOcare.com. Packaging Direct PDI is a manufacturer of quality and innovative packaging for the produce and fresh fruit markets. Our product line includes a wide range of clamshells, deli cups and platters for cut fruit and veggies as well as packages for nearly every type of produce, including berries, herbs, tomatoes and potatoes. For more information, visit http://www.packagingdirect.com or call (989) 426-1000. Sakata Seed America At the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit, Sakata Seed America will exhibit vegetable products including broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, melons and Sakata's newest product, Sweet Hearts grape tomatoes. Grape tomatoes have quickly become the tomato of choice as consumers look…  » Read more

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Prices Driving Higher for Transporting Fresh-Cut

Like many industries, the produce and fresh-cut business has been hit hard lately by rising transportation costs and truck and driver shortages. Industry insiders weren’t clear about the impact higher costs and fewer trucks would have on the future, but they were sure of one thing: Rising prices will eventually be passed on to the consumer. “Everything gets passed on to the consumer,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of produce for Schnuck Markets, a retail chain based in St. Louis. “That’s just how economics works. No company can absorb higher costs.” Transportation rates have been rising for the last couple of years, due mainly to escalating fuel prices and tighter government regulations. Hurricane Katrina’s recent onslaught only made things worse. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the retail on-highway diesel price on Sept. 5 was $2.89 per gallon, 30 cents more than the previous week and about…  » Read more

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