Fresh Cut Magazine

Seed companies look to the future to stay ahead of fresh-cut processors

The fresh-cut produce industry has experienced years of outstanding growth, and processors are looking to seed companies to develop new varieties that will set them apart from competitors. “They want to differentiate themselves and have something that the next guy down the road doesn’t have,” said Meir Peretz, marketing manager for Zeraim Gedera Seed Co. Peretz said his company followed the trends in leafy green vegetables, then looked at applying them to fruit. Zeraim introduced the Super Crisp melon, a seedless watermelon that has potential for fresh-cut processors. He said the Super Crisp line was developed to be crispier, firmer and have a darker red interior with a bright rind color that keeps longer. “We knew it was only a matter of time before watermelons were next,” Peretz said. “Now the demand is really growing.” The fresh-cut segment has grown so much that seed distributors are focusing on specific…  » Read more

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New Beginnings

Welcome to the first issue of Fresh Cut for 2007. This is our annual Industry Outlook issue, and inside we address issues the industry is facing – and look at them through your eyes. In addition, the new year represents a new beginning for Fresh Cut. And we certainly have some exciting changes in store for you. It is a bittersweet feeling to write my column this month, as it will be my last one as the editor of Fresh Cut. While I’m not leaving the company, I am stepping back from my role as the face of the magazine into more of a behind-the-scenes position. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to learn this exciting industry, and I’m definitely going to miss working with all of you. Rest assured, I’ll still be actively involved in this magazine – and will still keep up to date with what’s…  » Read more

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Potato supplier is invaluable to retail giant

As Tesco prepares to invade California with convenience stores, the company’s leading supplier of potato products is developing new strategies to grow with the retailer. The U.K.-based retailer has taken over the British Isles and much of Europe with its innovative approaches and by offering convenience to its customers. Tesco controls about 30 percent of the retail market in the United Kingdom and about 40 percent of households buy from the supermarket chain. More than 12 million customers have a Tesco Clubcard, which is used in more than 80 percent of purchases. Suppliers to the retail giant take active involvement in marketing their products and developing new products that are in line with Tesco’s goals. One of those companies, Branston, has made the transition from being a packer and shipper to a processor and the leading potato distributor for Tesco. British Potatoes The U.K. potato market is…  » Read more

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Top Trends for 2007

Another year, another E. coli scare? I certainly hope not, but would anyone be surprised if we face new food safety outbreaks? While our industry tries to do everything possible to prevent food safety contamination, outbreaks seem to be on the rise with better health department reports and investigations at the state level. Perhaps we can corral science to our side in 2007 to find sources of contamination that can be addressed. The beginning of a year is a great time of optimism. What will 2007 bring? No one knows, so I thought I would take this month’s column and focus on the top produce industry trends as I view them. Some are no-brainers, but all are very important for our industry. • Food safety scrutiny - Because of the latest outbreaks, there will be an increase of efforts to identify, implement and enforce food safety standards…  » Read more

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