The second annual Viva Fresh Innovation Showcase announced the 22 finalists that will feature a broad range of innovative products at the expo on April 27. Industry members were encouraged to submit any and all new advances from field to fork. Innovations were not limited and could include advances in new seed varieties, products, packaging, advances in production, machinery, packing facilities and greenhouses, technology or application software, food safety, traceability and sustainability efforts.
“We’re excited about the large number of entries we received this year! It is a powerful reflection on this region; an area that built its reputation on timeless innovations such as the Rio Star Red Grapefruit and the Texas 1015 sweet onion,” said Dante Galeazzi, president and chief executive officer of TIPA. “Our vision for this showcase has been to recognize excellence and celebrate the creative, unique and industry-changing technologies that are both shaping and improving every aspect of the fresh produce supply chain.”
A panel of judges comprising retail, foodservice and produce industry veterans chose the following finalists based on a strict set of strict criteria.
- Allen Lund Co.: Alchemy TMS - Spot Bid tool
- Apeel Sciences: Apeel: plant-derived shelf life extension technology
- Coast Tropical: Organic Wrap Around Mango
- Del Monte Fresh Produce: Del Monte Honeyglow Pineapple
- Del Monte Fresh Produce/Mann Packing: Caulilini Baby Cauliflower
- Fox Packaging: Fox Stand-Up Combo Bag
- Frontera Produce/Sostena: Golden Crush Cantaloupe/ Ground Site/ Produce Plan
- GoodFarms and Equitable Food Initiative: Andrew & Williamson's EFI Continuous Improvement Teams
- IFCO Systems: MyIFCO Recollect App
- International Paper: International Paper - Stakor
- Ippolito International: Royal Brussels Sprouts
- Kingdom Fresh Farms: Solar Panel System
- Magic Sun Farms: CEICKOR University
- Mastronardi Produce: ALOHA peppers
- Mr. Lucky: Mr. Lucky Garlic Blister Pack
- Mucci Farms: CuteCumber Poppers
- National Mango Board: In-store Mango Display
- Pure Flavor: Mini Munchies Tomato Snack Pack
- SunFed: SunFed Sweet Melon Machine
- Triple H Produce: Triple H Grower's App
- Ventura Foods/Marie's Refrigerated Salad Dressing: Marie's Market Reserve Refrigerated Dressings
- Village Farms: Village Farms Texas Grown
The finalists will be displayed before and during the Expo on Saturday, April 27. All expo attendees will be encouraged to vote live from the show floor via mobile device for their favorite innovation. The innovation with the most votes will receive the Best of Show Award, along with the second and third runners up. The award winners will be announced during the expo.
