Unique flavor profiles are driving consumers wild with authentic eating experiences worldwide. While the choices are endless at retail, greenhouse vegetable growers and seed companies are strengthening their partnerships to develop varieties that continue to raise the bar in quality and flavor. Pure Flavor vegetable seed partner Enza Zaden recently won the prestigious International Taste Institute Award for the company’s Tribelli seed, which produces Pure Flavor’s Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers.
“After years of research & development with Enza Zaden, the Tribelli seed has proven to be a key item for our mini pepper program," said Jamie Moracci, president. "Packed under Pure Flavor’s Aurora Mini Sweet Peppers brand, Tribelli comes in a variety of colors, has an exceptional taste profile, very low seed count, and comes from a plant that produces a consistent flavor, size, and quality, regardless of the season.
“Our partnership with Enza Zaden on this variety is an important one, we have worked very hard on building this brand of mini sweet peppers to meet the needs of retailers expanding their snacking category of items. As a vertically integrated grower, it is a true honor for Enza Zaden to receive the International Taste Institute Award for the Tribelli variety of mini sweet peppers," said Moracci.
At the International Taste Institute, all products are analyzed, judged, and scored following a strict and objective methodology through a blind tasting panel. While not knowing the origin of the products they are tasting, the experts also give comments and suggestions to the producers to guide them for future product improvements or new item launches. Depending on the results of the sensory analysis, certified products are awarded the Superior Taste Award with one, two or three stars, somewhat similar to Michelin stars. The Tribelli variety was awarded the Superior Taste Award with two stars.
“Tribelli has earned praise from the most sophisticated palates, proving that it is more than just a pepper. Tribelli is the concentration of an intense flavor, where taste is always what makes the difference in customers’ experience,” said Jean-Francois Thomin, marketing manager for Enza Zaden North America.
Grown in a variety of very distinct colors, Enza Zaden partners with Pure Flavor to develop the product in high-tech greenhouses all throughout North America. Pure Flavor has grown the Tribelli seed that produces the multiple colors of Aurora Sweet Mini Sweet Peppers for the last five years. “I believe Enza Zaden is cracking the code to more vegetable consumption worldwide by developing seed varieties that are flavor forward and building a portfolio of cutting-edge innovations like Tribelli," said Thomin.
“As a brand, we take great pride in marketing the exceptional characteristics of the strategic varieties that we grow. Consumers let us know all the time how much they enjoy the product and how easy it is use, no matter the application,” said Matt Mastronardi, executive vice president. "Pure Flavor has developed an extensive variety of recipe ideas for consumers to create their own dishes from. The flavor strategy for all of Pure Flavor’s recipes is to ensure exceptional eating experiences where the consumer can fully enjoy the key characteristics of the ingredients in the dish."
The Tribelli variety plays an important role in Pure Flavor’s product offering not only as the Aurora Mini Sweet Peppers brand but also as a key ingredient in the Pure Flavor’s Mini Munchies Snack Sized Veggie Program. The Mini Munchies pack contains Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers, Juno Bites Red Grape Tomatoes, and Poco Bites Cocktail Cucumbers in a convenient four-ounce pack.
Grown in high tech greenhouses, Pure Flavor’s Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers are available year-round in pre-packaged to bulk formats for both retail and foodservice customers.
