Gourmet News • July 2023

GOURMET NEWS

Fast-Gro wing Dress It Up Looks to Change Ho w Consumers See Salad Dressing

BY A.J. FLICK

Salads have evolved drastically over the years, from an obligatory side dish of iceberg lettuce with dollops of salad dressing to give it taste to prime-time leafy greens, fresh vegetables and just enough of the right dressing to compliment the ingredients

As the popularity of salads grew, the dressing sector of grocer y stores grew accordingly, from a few shelves to entire aisles

But when it came time for Sophia Maroon to choose a commercial salad dressing for her children that tasted as good as the vinaigrette her mother made,

one that didn’t have preservatives and unrecognizable ingredients, the dizzying array of salad dressings came down to none

That’s when Maroon realized that the way we think about salad dressing needed to evolve

“The old salad dressing just masked the flavor of what we were eating,” said Maroon, founder and CEO of Dress It Up Dressing “We were really just

Grocer y Shoppers Redefine Meaning Of ‘Good Value’

eating Thousand Island dressing or Ranch dressing

“But salad dressings should be bringing out the amazing flavors of our salads today,” she said “They shouldn’t mask them It’s just the dress, not the person ”

Climate-Smart Agricultural Solutions Addressed at AIM for Climate Summit

BY A J FLICK

The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit, a special gathering held in Washington, D C , in May, concluded with a call for partnering in climate-smart agriculture solutions

“Innovation is not only key to continuing to feed the world in a changing climate, but also to creating even more modern, resilient and prosperous food systems,” said U S Special Presidential

Envoy for Climate John Kerr y “Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate is leading the way on climate-smart agriculture innovation that delivers on our mitigation, adaptation and agricultural productivity priorities ”

AIM for Climate partners have raised more than the $10 billion investment commitment goal set last year at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Kerr y said The collaborations that took place at the AIM for

r ’ s

Continued on PAGE 15

The latest sur vey of grocer y shoppers by FMI – The Food Industr y Association for its U S Grocer y Shopping Trends 2023 series, reveals that the meaning of “good value” is becoming more complex as consumers navigate grocery aisles

Climate Summit will help catalyze an even greater impact leading to November’s 28th Climate Change Conference in Dubai, he said

During the May summit, AIM for Climate partners announced actions and investments to propel the initiative toward COP28 in November Nobel Laureate and University of Chicago Professor Michael Kremer announced the

Continued on PAGE 18

The analysis revealed several common considerations for how shoppers think about value, both for the food and beverages they buy and the stores and channels they choose to shop, as inflation, while slowly edging downward in April, persists Emerging dimensions of value regarding quality, relevance, experience and convenience are bucking the longheld definition of value being measured by a simple equation of higher quantity at a lower price “ U n d e r s t a n d i n g h o w d r a m a ti c a l l y g ro c e r y s h o p p e r s a re e xp a n d i n g t h e i r d e f i n i t i o n o f v a l u e i s i m p e r a t i v e f o r t h e f o o d i n d u s t r y a s c o n s u m e r s a d j u s t t h e i r p u rc h a s i n g p a t t e r n s a n d h a b i t s a m i d c o n t i n u e d e c on o m i c u n c e rt a i n t y, ” s a i d L e s l i e G S a r a s i n , p re s i d e n t a n d C E O o f F M I “ T h i s re p o rt h i g h l i g h t s t h a t p r i c e i s n o t n e c e s s a r i l y t h e b e - a l l - e n d - a l l w h e n i t c o m e s t o s h o p p e r p e rc e p t i o n s o f v a l u e ,

Continued on PAGE 18

Julius Meinl Encourages Customers to Be Thankful

When was the last time you heard “thank you ” at work? If you ’ re like two-thirds of the people who responded to a global sur vey by the premium coffee roaster Julius Meinl, you’d say you don’t hear it nearly enough

Since the average week sees most of us spending more time interacting at work with colleagues (even if remotely) than with family and friends, the

folks at Julius Meinl set out to find out how common kindness and gratitude were at the workplace

In the study of 4,000 adults across Europe, 2 in 3 respondents said they didn’t hear “thank you ” as much as they would like to at work More than half said bosses expect a good job to be done all the time while 40 percent blamed “time pressures ” as one of the

reasons “thanks” get skipped Bosses would be wise to remember that building a culture of gratitude at work benefits both those expressing thanks and those receiving it, according to the sur vey Eighty-one percent said hearing “thank you ” from a higher-up had a positive impact on their day while three-fifths said it made them feel appreciated Nearly half said it motivated them to work harder

“Our research highlights how seemingly small gestures such as

Continued on

18

FROM THE EDITOR

Salads Salads used to be the section of the allyou-can-eat buffet that I never considered I mean, all the good stuff was not there I remember the first time I went to a Sweet Tomatoes restaurant My brother, sister and I were having a mini college reunion with a bunch of our friends One of them suggested we go to Sweet Tomatoes, which had just opened in our town We didn’t know what to expect, but we didn’t expect to see just meatless salad ingredients Not anywhere near the variety that the chain would eventually have Just a long, rather boring s a l a d b a r N o b o d y w a s i m p re s s e d “ T h i s w i l l n e v e r l a s t , ” w e thought

Fast forward a few years and Sweet Tomatoes became one of my favorite places to go for lunch Even when it added soups, pastas and more, I didn’t skip the salads Oh, my favorite was the Wanton Salad So good And Joan’s Broccoli Madness Yum I always put a scoop of those on my plate before digging into the leafy greens and other ingredients

I was sad when Sweet Tomatoes became a casualty of the pandemic, but now they’re coming back, which makes me happy I never thought I would consider a salad restaurant among my favorites The salad section is no longer the place I skip at buffets

(well, when they come back) And when I get a dinner with a side salad, I eat the whole thing I usually order the dressing on the side, so I dip my fork into it as I go, unless it’s a tossed salad We have a restaurant here in Tucson called Chopped and they toss the salads so well that I get them tossed

When I worked in an office before the pandemic, I often took salad ingredients to work and stashed a bottle of dressing in the shared kitchen Now that I work from home, it’s easier to fix a salad for lunch

I’ve become more discerning about what I put in my salad and what I put on it I love trying new dressings and I read labels to see what’s in them It was interesting talking to Sophia Maroon for our lead article on her Dress It Up Dressings line It made me think about the evolution of salads and the way we think about them Her dressings are delicious, too!

This month, we’ll be at the Summer Fancy Food Show, where we’ll be grazing on samples all day Often at the end of those days, I crave a salad Me Crave a salad Whoda thought? See you at the show!

Until then, stay safe GN

AJ Flick • Senior Editor aj f@oser com

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Colombia’s Luker Chocolate Achieves Certification as a B Corporation

Colombian B4B (business-for-business)

chocolate manufacturer Luker Chocolate has been certified as a B Corporation, highlighting its dedication to using business as a force for good and driving transformational change in the cocoa industry

CasaLuker, Luker Chocolate’s parent organization, received 92 8 points from nonprofit organization B Lab, which accredits companies with B Corp certification after they meet or exceed the rigorous Impact Assessment criteria

To demonstrate how it balances social and ethical standards alongside profit, B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’s operations and covers five key impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers

Luker scored most highly for Governance – which assesses a company ’ s overall mission, social and environmental engagement, ethics, transparency and ability to formally consider all stakeholders in decision-making

Since its founding in 1906, Luker Chocolate has aimed to meaningfully contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities in Colombia – transforming the cocoa value chain from its origin For Luker, the accreditation represents another step in a journey towards continuous improvement to help cocoa-growing communities towards a more prosperous future and follows significant business

strides that accelerate progress toward its 2027 goals

In 2020, it aligned all business operations with its “triple-impact approach,” which seeks to raise farmer income, promote social well-being in cocoa-producing areas, and nurture the environment Luker Chocolate also works to create shared value at origin, thus keeping more capital within Colombia and investing profits directly back into local communities

“We’re taking proactive, measurable steps toward meaningful change, and our goals align with our mission to make a difference in the world,” said Julia Ocampo, sustainability director at Luker Chocolate “As a company, we vehemently uphold the values of transparency, fairness and sustainability in our operations and throughout our value chain

“This certification recognizes the work we ’ re already doing and the responsible sourcing practices we have in place We’re excited to continue raising the standards for our industry and aligning people and the planet with profit ”

Luker Chocolate’s commitment to transparency extends beyond measuring itself against the rigorous B Corp standards The company has also released its Sustainability Progress Report, showcasing the company ’ s strides in farmer empowerment, environmental stewardship and responsible sourcing

Luker Chocolate’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified through its visionary initiative, The Chocolate Dream, launched in 2018 with a mission to transform the cocoa farming industr y in Colombia by 2030 The Chocolate Dream seeks to create a more significant, sustainable and positive future for cocoa farming communities and the wider chocolate industry

“We’re thrilled to join the B Corp community and be recognized for the work we ’ ve done to underpin our social purpose and values,” said CEO Camilo Romero “As a result of our work through The Chocolate Dream, we ’ re bettering the cocoa farming industry in Colombia and delivering a product that aligns with the high standards and ethics of our customers ”

Luker Chocolate’s 2022 Sustainability Progress Report highlights key impact areas and achievements that contributed to the manufacturer’s B Corp certification, including:

• Increased Farmer Income: Luker has successfully increased the income of 829 farmers by 20 percent, well on its way to achieving the goal of empowering 1,500 farmers Luker directly supports farmers with productivity, quality and sustainability programs Through these initiatives, farmers can increase yields, gain access to premiums for producing high-quality

cocoa and receive incentives for implementing sustainable practices

• Improved Social Well-being: The Chocolate Dream has already enhanced the standard of living for over 3,000 families, surpassing the halfway mark of its 2027 target of 5,000 families Education programs, schools, entrepreneurship initiatives and more have uplifted cocoa farming communities and empowered families

● Enhanced Ecological Conser vation: Luker Chocolate’s efforts have safeguarded more than 2,600 hectares of farmland, making a substantial contribution toward their goal of protecting 5,000 hectares Efforts include empowering farmers and communities to become environmental guardians through the protection of forests and water sources, promoting regenerative practices and decarbonizing their own operations

● Traceability: To ensure no deforestation and no child labor in its supply chain, Luker aims to achieve 100 percent traceability to the farmer level by 2030

“B Corp certification reinforces Luker Chocolate’s commitment to being a transformational force for good in the world,” Romero said “By joining the B Corp movement, Luker Chocolate is proud to be part of a community of like-minded companies dedicated to using business as a force for good ” GN

Performance Food Group Company Pilots

All-Electric Refrigeration

Performance Food Group Company, Navistar, Great Dane and Carrier Transicold have collaborated to launch a commercial evaluation program using all-electric refrigeration technology on a batter yelectric truck for sustainable, direct-emissions-free distribution of refrigerated and frozen food

The technology was featured at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in May PFG’s solution features Carrier Transicold’s ground-breaking

Supra eCool electric truck refrigeration unit, an International eMV Series batter y-electric truck with a factor y-installed ePower electrical system and a 22foot Alpine S-Series insulated body by Great Dane

The truck will ser ve PFG operations in California, supporting the foodservice distributor’s sustainability initiatives while marking an important step toward compliance with new regulations requiring adoption of zero-direct

Technology

emission truck refrigeration technologies in the

state

“Mitigating our carbon footprint

refrigeration technologies by these industr y-leading collaborators offers tremendous potential in helping us to achieve key sustainability goals and metrics ”

This collaboration will help PFG realize the potential of transformative batter y-electric technologies

through use of advanced technologies helps us to be responsible stewards of the environment,” said Jeff Williamson, senior vice president, operations, PFG “The use of direct-emissions-free transportation and

“With its optimized performance, our energy-efficient, engineless Supra eCool electric refrigeration unit seamlessly draws power from the International eMV Series’ ePower electrical system to support PFG’s daily deliveries,” said Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager, Truck Trailer Americas and Digital Solutions, Carrier Control interface commonalities between the Supra eCool unit and the traditional Supra diesel units used by PFG will help its drivers transition to all-electric refrigeration

“International believes in a future of emobility, and we are proud to support PFG in its electric vehicle journey,” said Debbie Shust, vice president, Medium Duty International Truck Business, Navistar “The collaboration among International, Great Dane and Carrier Transicold demonstrates successful teamwork and technology integration to meet the performance and sustainability needs of PFG ”

“Great Dane has been privileged to partner with PFG for several years to develop a truck body equipped with new technology to support its current applications,” said Tim Miller, director of truck bodies for Great Dane “In support of PFG’s battery electric vehicle program, we reduced truck body weight and increased thermal efficiency while minimizing changes to the overall body design ”

“ T h e b e n e f i t s o f e l e c t r i c t r a n s p o rt ref r i g e r a t i o n t e c h n o l o g i e s g o b e y o n d s u st a i n a b i l i t y, a s t h e y c a n a l s o p ro v i d e l i f e - c y c l e c o s t b e n e f i t s f o r p ro g re s s i v e f l e e t s , s u c h a s P F G ’ s , ” s a i d D e B i a s i o

“ T h i s c o l l a b o r a t i o n m a r k s a s i g n i f i c a n t milestone in the industry’s transformation f ro m t r a d i t i o n a l a p p ro a c h e s t o c l e a n e r, quiet, direct-emissions-free solutions ” GN

Canadian Basketball League Names GURU Official Energy Drink for the 2023 Season

GURU Organic Energy Corp , Canada’s leading organic energy drink brand, will become the Official Energy Drink Partner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League and the CEBL Championship Weekend for the 2023 season

GURU’s sponsorship includes a comprehensive media plan that includes inarena branding, media and broadcast brand advertising and fun-filled activation opportunities at CEBL arenas in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgar y, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Niagara, Brampton, Ottawa and Montreal

GURU will also become the official presenting partner of the CEBL ’ s Target Score ending The CEBL is the only FIBA league globally utilizing this rule, ensuring every game ends with the excitement of a made basket

“We are thrilled to have entered into this exclusive partnership with the CEBL,

which represents a great opportunity to showcase the GURU brand across Canada, through the game that is most played or watched by our core target consumers, ” said Carl Goyette, president and CEO of

sons for this sponsorship, the CEBL shares our values of community involvement, diversity, well-being and respect for the environment, making this partnership a perfect fit all round ”

GURU “Our experience last year as a sponsor of the 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend was so overwhelmingly positive that we couldn’t pass up the chance to partner with the CEBL for the entire season

“In addition to the obvious strategic rea-

“As proudly Canadian brands that share similar values in health, lifestyle, community and inclusion, we are thrilled to be bringing GURU to all our markets across Canada this CEBL season, ” said Mike Morreale, commissioner and co-founder of the CEBL “What started as a very successful 2022 Championship Weekend partnership has now become a yearlong celebration of all the great things that basketball brings to our shared communities across the country

highest percentage of Canadian players of a n y p ro l e a g u e i n t h e c o u n t r y w i t h 7 1 p e rc e n t o f i t s 2 0 2 2 ro s t e r s b e i n g C a n ad i a n P l a y e r s b r i n g e x p e r i e n c e f ro m t h e N B A , N B A G L e a g u e , t o p i n t e r n a t i o n a l p ro l e a g u e s , t h e C a n a d i a n N a t i o n a l t e a m program and top NCAA programs as well a s U S P O RT S

All GURU energy drinks are plantbased, high in natural caffeine and free of artificial sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors, and have no preservatives In addition, all drinks are organic, vegan and gluten-free – and the best thing is their amazing taste

GURU Organic Energy Corp pioneered the world’s first natural, plant-based energy drink Thecompany markets organic energy drinks in Canada and the United States through an estimated distribution network of over 25,000 points of sale and online

GURU has built an inspiring brand with a clean list of organic plant-based ingredients Its drinks offer consumers good energy that never comes at the expense of their health The company is committed to achieving its mission of cleaning the energy drink industr y in Canada and the United States GN

Study: NutriLeads’ BeniCaros Carrot Fiber Strengthens Healthy Gut Microbiota

An ex vivo study has demonstrated that BeniCaros, an upcycled soluble carrot fiber from NutriLeads BV, has the right level of structural complexity to produce consistent, significant and beneficial effects on the gut microbiota despite differences in individual microbiota composition

This precision prebiotic robustly stimulated growth of common beneficial gut bacteria, significantly increased metabolite production and ultimately created a more consistent gut microbiota composition among healthy subjects

The results were recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients “ I t i s re m a r k a b l e t h a t a s m a l l s e r v i n g o f o n l y 3 0 0 m i l l i g r a m s o f B e n i C a ro s c a n d i s p l a y s u c h c o n s i s t e n t p re b i o t i c e ff e c t s d e s p i t e t h e f a c t t h a t c o m p o s i t i o n o f g u t m i c ro b i o t a i s u n i q u e t o e v e r y i n d i v i du a l , ” s a i d A n n i c k M e rc e n i e r, P h D , N ut r i L e a d s c o - f o u n d e r a n d s e n i o r d i re c t o r R & D “ Va r i a b i l i t y i n t h e g u t m i c ro b i a l c o m m u n i t i e s i n i n d i v i d u a l s re n d e r s i t c h a l l e n g i n g t o d e m o n s t r a t e e f f i c a c y o f f u n c t i o n a l i n g re d i e n t s T h e h i g h c o n s i st e n c y e f f e c t o f B e n i C a ro s o n m i c ro b i a l c o m p o s i t i o n a n d m e t a b o l i t e p ro d u c t i o n c o u l d s u p p o r t m o re p re d i c t a b l e h e a l t h b e n e f i t s ” T h i s n e w s t u d y c o m p a r e d t h e p r e b io t i c e f f e c t s o f t h re e d i e t a r y f i b e r s o f v a ri o u s s p e c i f i c i t y ( i e , s t r u c t u r a l c o m p l e x i t y ) o n t h e i n t e s t i n a l m i c ro b i o t a

o f 2 4 h e a l t h y a d u l t s F e c a l s a m p l e s o f e a c h s u b j e c t w e r e i n c u b a t e d f o r 4 8 h o u r s w i t h 0 3 g r a m s a n d 1 5 g r a m s d o s e s o f B e n i C a r o s , a c a r r o t - d e r i v e d rh a m n o g a l a c t u r o n a n I o r c R G - I ( m e d i u m - h i g h s p e c i f i c i t y ) , 1 5 g r a m s o f i n u l i n ( l o w s p e c i f i c i t y ) a n d 1 5 g r a m s o f x a n t h a n ( h i g h s p e c i f i c i t y )

H i g h - t h ro u g h p u t e x v i v o S I F R t e c hnology from Cr yptobiotix SA, a validated gut digestion and fermentation simulator t h a t g e n e r a t e s p re d i c t i v e i n s i g h t s f o r c l i n i c a l f i n d i n g s , w a s u s e d t o m e a s u re c h a n g e s i n g u t m i c ro b i o t a c o m p o s i t i o n a n d f u n c t i o n T h i s i n n o v a t i v e t e c h n o lo g y e n a b l e d a n a l y s i s o f 2 4 i n d i v i d u a l s c o m p a re d w i t h c o n v e n t i o n a l m i c ro b i o t a s t u d y m e t h o d o l o g i e s t h a t i n v o l v e f e w s u b j e c t s

“The number of subjects in this study is unprecedented,” Mercenier said

The results illustrated how the specificity or complexity of dietary fiber structures determine which bacterial communities can ferment and benefit from a dietary intervention Precision targeting of select beneficial bacteria common in the core human microbiome can help ensure consistent prebiotic health benefits across diverse populations

cRG-I selectively stimulated taxa or species of bacteria that were consistently present among human adults, resulting in significantly lower microbiota composi-

tion differences between subjects The homogenizing effect of cRG-I on the gut microbiota was dose-dependent In contrast, both inulin and xanthan increased interpersonal differences

BeniCaros significantly increased a broad spectrum of 30 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to Bifidobacteriaceae (2), Bacteroidaceae (4),Acidaminococcaceae (1), unclassified Clostridiales (1), Lachnospiraceae (18), Ruminococcaceae (3) and Veillonellaceae (1), including OTUs of health-related species such as Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Anaerobutyricum hallii and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii

“ T h e g o l d i l o c k s p r i n c i p l e a p p l i e s t o BeniCaros,” said Ruud Albers, Ph D , Nut r i L e a d s c o - f o u n d e r a n d c h i e f s c i e n t i f i c officer “Its structure is not so simple that it can be fermented by multiple bacterial s t r a i n s i n t h e g u t , n o r i s i t s o c o m p l e x that it can only be used by few microbial c o m m u n i t i e s R G - I ’ s s p e c i f i c i t y i s j u s t right ”

All three test compounds significantly increased production of short chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) that play an important role in host-microbiome “ cross talk” and that modulate many human bodily functions, including the immune system However, BeniCaros led to higher and more inter-individual

consistent levels of SCFA than the other fibers

Importantly, BeniCaros also demonstrated notably lower gas production than the two other studied fibers A common limitation of prebiotics when large daily serving sizes (10 to 20 grams) are recommended is that they may cause bloating, gas and gut discomfort in sensitive people

“Our research clearly demonstrates the game-changing potential of BeniCaros,” said Joana Carneiro, Ph D , NutriLeads chief executive officer ”Its superior ability to consistently and beneficially modulate the gut microbiota enables product differentiation and BeniCaros’ very small serving size opens the door to innovation in functional foods, beverages and supplements ”

NutriLeads is a private company developing natural, plant-derived ingredients that are scientifically and clinically proven to strengthen human health The company ’ s proprietary technology platform is based on naturally bioactive fibers known as RG-I (Rhamnogalacturonan-I) found in select crops

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a r o s , h a s w o n s e v e r a l a w a r d s f o r r es e a rc h a n d i n n o v a t i o n N u t r i L e a d s i s d e v e l o p i n g o t h e r p ro d u c t s t o p ro t e c t t h e g u t b a r r i e r a n d i m p r o v e m e t a b o l i c h e a l t h t h ro u g h g u t m i c ro b i o m e m o d u l a -

Dometic, Galler y Carts Team to Distribute DeliBox

Gallery Carts is the U S sales representative and distribution partner for Dometic’s premium delivery solution Dometic DeliBox

With over 40 years of experience, Gallery Carts is a trusted partner to clients who use carts and kiosks to deliver food, beverages and retail to crowds of people ever y day Galler y Carts CEO and cofounder Dan Galler y, was particularly drawn to the safety benefits of the Dometic DeliBox

With zones for active heating and active cooling, DeliBox ensures that food or other perishables are kept at optimal temperatures throughout the delivery journey Its innovative design and engineering offer retail, restaurant, hospitality and other industries responsible for transporting food to guests and patrons a valuable differentiator

DeliBox is a temperature-controlled food deliver y box designed to enhance the consumer experience Easily customizable or wrapped with brand logos, it can be mounted on e-bikes, mopeds and motorcycles or placed in cars

F e a t u r i n g a n a i r p u r i f i c a t i o n s y s t e m with cold plasma Ion technology, the box a s s u re s a c l e a n i n t e r i o r a t m o s p h e re d ev o i d o f l i n g e r i n g o d o r s o f p re v i o u s d e l i v -

e r i e s T h ro u g h t h e s e u n i q u e f e a t u re s , D e l i B o x c re a t e s a n e n v i ro n m e n t t h a t e ns u re s a s a f e , e f f i c i e n t b r i d g e f ro m t h e f o o d p ro v i d e r t o t h e c u s t o m e r, b u i l d i n g trust and loyalty with each successful del i v e r y

“Temperature control and risk management are critical issues for food transport,”

self to food, beverage, retail and hospitality, I can also see applications in the pharmaceutical industry for transporting temperature-controlled medicine to patients,” he said “Dometic is committed to developing products that solve problems and enhance lives,” said Eva Karlsson, head of sub-segment other global verticals for Dometic “We have found the perfect sales partner in Gallery Carts We share a long history of developing and delivering quality products that provide innovative solutions ”

Galler y Carts, along with the Paradigm rep group, is selling the DeliBox and expects to deliver the first orders nation-wide in Q2, 2023

technology, proven toughness for outdoor use, and award-winning design capability Available in three models (550, 300 and 50), it caters to all needs of storing, cooling, preparing, presenting and enjoying beverages

Dometic is a global market leader in the mobile living industry Millions of people around the world use Dometic products in outdoor, residential and professional applications

D o m e t i c e m p l o y s a p p ro x i m a t e l y 8 , 5 0 0 p e o p l e w o r l d w i d e , h a d n e t s a l e s o f S E K 2 9 8 b i l l i o n ( U S D 3 0 b i l l i o n ) i n 2 0 2 2 a n d i s h e a d q u a rt e re d i n S t o c k h o l m , S w ed e n

Gallery said “As the FDA and other governmental agencies are working to tighten regulations to ensure proper food safety, we see Dometic DeliBox as a total game changer for our clients

“This versatile product not only lends it-

The group is also responsible for sales and distribution of Dometic MoBar, a versatile range of mobile beverage centers suitable for hospitality, restaurant, retail and residential settings MoBar was born by combining the company ’ s leading energy efficient refrigeration

For more than 40 years, Galler y has been the leading designer and manufacturer of custom and standard mobile carts, kiosks and portables Based in Denver, the family-run company has produced more than 30,000 carts for over 5,000 venues in 50 states and around the world GN

Animal-Free Eat Meati Mushroom Products Stocked on Shelves at 260 Meijer Stores

Animal-free, whole-food Eat Meati products made from mushroom root are now available across 260 Meijer stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin

The partnership represents Meati’s first mainstream grocer y availability and the next step in its goal of a national omnichannel footprint by the end of 2023

“Meijer and Meati share a desire to make it simpler for people to lead healthier lives

with quality, nutritious products that deliver on great value,” said Scott Tassani, president and COO of Meati Foods “As our previous partnerships and expansions have shown, people are ready for an animal-free meat that tastes great and is good for them

“We are excited to introduce Meijer customers to our products and incredible stores and expand Meati’s availability to mainstream grocery shoppers for the first time ”

Eat Meati’s whole-cut product line is

available for purchase in two-unit packages at all Meijer locations, including the Classic Cutlet, Crispy Cutlet and Carne Asada Steak, on the produce section’s refrigerated shelves

Meijer represents the second major retail milestone for Meati in 2023, after an expansion to all 380 Sprouts Farmers Market locations in March The company has also made significant strides in the foodservice space with its April launch at PLNT

Burger, a pilot program with sweetgreen and availability in Birdcall restaurants across Colorado, Texas and Arizona

Its Mega Ranch production facility, which is fueling the production of Meati products for distribution in Meijer stores, began operations in late 2022 In addition to its retail availability across 29 states between Meijer and Sprouts locations, consumers will continue to have opportunities to purchase Meati online GN

Ferraro Foods Expands Long Island Distribution Business Center

centrated local pizza market

Ferraro Foods, one of the country’s largest specialty distributors of food and foodservice supplies to Italian restaurants and pizzerias, announced a major expansion of its Long Island distribution business with the addition of a 230,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center located at 80 Wilshire Blvd in Edgewood, N Y , positioning the company to greatly increase its share of the world’s largest, most con-

Situated near several major highways at the geographical center of Long Island, which accounts for the largest sales volume of specialty Italian foods in the country, the versatile facility is five times larger than, and will replace, Ferraro’s current Melville, N Y , distribution center when occupied later this year The long-term lease establishes Ferraro as an anchor tenant with property owner Heartland Business Center and reaffirms Ferraro’s

economic and employment commitment to Long Island

“Long Island is a crucial market for Ferraro and our growth plans, representing thousands of current and potential customers,” said CEO Dan Hill “With exponentially more capacity, this move signals our long-term commitment to aggressively increase market share and our employment footprint in the most significant location for pizzerias on the planet ”

Earlier this year, Ferraro rolled out an

“With a clear growth trajectory and access to capital, Ferraro is on a mission to dominate the specialty Italian foods market, building on our reputation for customer service excellence and high quality, dependable product availability with ontime delivery,” Hill said GN

Affiliated Foods Inc. Takes Leading Position On FDA’s Food Traceability Rule FSMA 204

Affiliated Foods, Inc , a major wholesaler ser ving more than 800 member stores across the Southwest, has accelerated efforts to comply with the FDA’s new food traceability rule (FSMA 204) by adopting the ReposiTrak Traceability Network

The move enables Affiliated Foods’ suppliers to seamlessly exchange the complex Key Data Element information required by the FDA for every Critical Tracking Event in its supply chain The solution enables Affiliated Foods and its suppliers to comply ahead of the FDA’s January 2026 deadline with little disruption to operational procedures

“Historically, the industry was only re-

quired to track where product came from and directly where it was shipped That’s all changed with FSMA 204,” said Affiliated Foods COO Brian Piancino “Now ever yone from the grower in the field to the processor to the warehouse must have electronic data tracking in place and the ability to provide that data to the next person in line in the supply chain all the way to the backroom of the retail store ”

Complying with FSMA 204 is especially challenging for wholesalers, who are required to not only take in enormous amounts of data from suppliers, but also merge it with data from their own facilities, and then send it to retail partners with

every

shipment of Food Traceability List

foods

In addition, wholesalers have found that retail customers have an expectation that the traceability solution will work for the retail environment, too Therefore, the only viable solution is an agnostic one that works for any document type, and is compatible with both wholesale and direct store delivery supplier systems on the retail side

“This is a big ask, especially for the independent retailer,” Piancino said “To gather input and provide guidance on how to approach FSMA 204 compliance as seamlessly as possible throughout our operation, we ’ ve assembled a food safety-led steering committee at the warehouse made up of mem-

bers of our retail advisory council The decision to partner with ReposiTrak for traceability was an important next step ”

Affiliated Foods has been utilizing the ReposiTrak Compliance Management solution for nearly a decade to reduce risk and maintain regulatory and financial documentation for its more than 350 suppliers The ReposiTrak Traceability Network requires no additional hardware or software and the ReposiTrak team assists in making the connections needed under the new regulation Suppliers can connect to an unlimited number of trading partners and begin sharing data for a low, flat fee with no cost to retailers GN

eGrowcer y Enables Retailers, Supermarkets To Take Control of eCommerce Technology

eGrowcer y, developer of a leading retail food industry white-label eCommerce platform, is helping supermarket operators and other retailers take control of their digital future with its newest option In addition to providing a full SaaS platform, eGrowcery is offering BOLT (Build, Operate, Lease, Transfer) as a strategic option that gives retailers the opportunity to purchase their entire eCommerce ecosystem in the future, all while operating and growing their technology in the short-term

“We have heard from numerous retailers that they are making significant invest-

ments in their eCommerce technology over the next several years, ” said CEO Patrick Hughes “While many retailers still prefer traditional SaaS pricing models, others are interested in building or buying their own platform We have listened to the market and created a faster path for those retailers seeking to save time and money buying versus building their technology in house ”

With e-commerce activity still tracking much higher than pre-pandemic order volume, many retailers are rethinking their strategy for the next several years, accord-

ing to eGrowcer y Knowing there is still much more growth to come, the importance of owning their shopper data has moved to the top of the list for most retailers For some, owning their own technology is at the top of that list as well

“We work with retailers of all sizes and varying strategies,” said Mark Doiron, an industry consultant and former chief merchant with several leading supermarket operators “There is clear interest with many retailers to explore the possibility of owning their own ecommerce platform Not all will be able to leverage this oppor-

tunity but there is a growing trend of retailers wanting to fully control this growing part of the business ”

I n t h e e G ro w c e r y B O LT m o d e l , a retailer enters into a classic SaaS agreement that enables best-in-class personalization and scalability for a retailer today and for s o m e m u t u a l l y - a g re e d - t o p e r i o d A t t h e end of a mutually-defined period, the retailer has the option to migrate its ecomm e rc e p l a t f o r m o v e r t o i t s o w n s e r v e r s , where it can then control the product development and other initiatives going forward as it sees fit GN

ZOA Energy Drink Line Expands Into C-Stores Across Canada

ZOA Energy has expanded into brick-andmortar stores across Canada with its new visual identity and additional flavors The newly revealed product will be reaching more brand fans than ever in Canada with drinks available or coming soon in Circle K and Couche Tard, Federated Co-Op Gas Convenience & Grocery, Metro C Channel and Parkland gas stations, in addition to the current footprint online

ZOA and its new visual identity were both crafted to reflect the ethos and passion of its founders – Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, Dave Rienzi and John Shulman – each of whom is top in their field as world class business people and athletes A zero sugar energy drink, the delicious formula utilizes natural caffeine derived from green tea and green coffee, which helps support alertness

“Great to see ZOA Energy expand even further in Canada, a place that means a heck of a lot to me, as my time playing with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL, while brief, wound up becoming one of

the most critical and defining periods of my life,” Johnson said “Plus, Canada was my dad’s home country

“Since launching this past fall in Canada, our ZOA brand has seen tremendous growth and most importantly, lots of satisfied consumers We’re excited to bring new flavors and our new design to our Canadian ZOA Warriors ”

As the product begins to hit the shelves in gas stations and grocer y stores across the country, consumers will see a reinvigorated can design, alongside fresh new flavors, to help you through your day no matter where it takes you The new can identity, designed by R/GA, features vibrant colors and eye-catching design

“The ethos of ZOA is positivity, and our biggest goal as a brand is to reach new consumers and energize as many people as we can, ” said Garcia, co-founder and chief visionar y officer “With our expansion in Canada, we cannot wait to bring our new look and feel into the market – making the drinks readily available in grocer y stores

and gas stations in addition to our existing footprint ”

ZOA will be introducing two flavors in Canada – ZOA Strawberr y Watermelon and Cherr y Limeade – both debuting in the new packaging These flavors add to the growing lineup of existing ZOA fan-favorites, including Tropical Punch, White Peach and Wild Orange

“It is of utmost importance that our products enable our consumers to power all that is possible in their day,” said Rienzi, co-founder and chief health officer “We are excited to expand access across Canada to our functional and delicious beverages; with natural caffeine – and delivered with zero sugar ”

“We’re excited to make ZOA more readily available to our Canadian fans through more than 3,500 brick and mortar retailers,” said Shulman, co-founder and chief positivity officer “We’ve had incredible success in the market thus far with Costco and Amazon and are excited to expand into more retailer locations across the entire country ” GN

Seda Eco Fit Lid Impresses Judges at WorldStar 2023 Awards

Seda International Packaging Group’s Eco Fit Paper Lid has won its third prestigious award, being judged a WorldStar 2023 Winner in the Beverage category for its sustainability and innovative design The award was officially presented in a Ceremony hosted at Germany’s Interpack trade fair in Düsseldorf

The judges were above all impressed by how Eco Fit has been conceived to address a complete spectrum of concerns – from sustainability and circularity to consumer safety and convenience in a wide range of use scenarios, from in-store to on-the-go and delivery

The extensive features and options include being made entirely from PEFC certified fibers and offering recyclable and compostable versions

Customers who choose the Eco Fit Paper Lid save more than 400 tons of plastic per 100 million coffee lids compared with typical polystyrene solutions Moreover, while polystyrene isn’t recyclable, Eco Fit can be recycled along with the cup in the paper stream

The Eco Fit Paper Lid is also more sustainable than other fiber-based solutions, requiring significantly less water and elec-

tricity to manufacture than molded fiber lids, for example, which consume an additional 30 MWh and 14,000 liters of water per million lids

E q u a l l y i m p o rt a n t , t h e E c o F i t P a p e r Lid doesn’t just have outstanding environmental credentials, it delivers a fully positive customer experience through all five senses Touch with its leak- and spill-res i s t a n t d e s i g n H e a r i n g b e c a u s e i t c l o s e s tightly and securely with an audible snap Sight by being fully printable for branding and communications Smell and taste by conser ving the scent and flavor of drinks

unchanged

No wonder Eco Fit’s the favorite choice of top coffee brands worldwide, combining perfect aroma and taste with a great, safe drinking experience and enhanced brand image Seda is a leading food and foodser vice packaging group operating globally and manufacturing in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Portugal and North America Seda partners with leading food and foodservice companies worldwide, designing and manufacturing innovative paper packaging solutions that create a bond between brands and consumers GN

Food, Agriculture Sector Directly Supports

Nearly 23M Jobs, Economic Report Shows

T h e U S f o o d a n d a g r i c u l t u re s e c t o r d ir e c t l y s u p p o r t s n e a r l y 2 3 m i l l i o n j o b s , p r o v i d e s $ 9 2 7 b i l l i o n i n w a g e s a n d i s p a r t i c u l a r l y v i t a l t o r u r a l c o m m u n i t i e s a c r o s s A m e r i c a , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e s e ve n t h a n n u a l F e e d i n g t h e E c o n o m y r ep o r t w i t h n e w c o u n t y - l e v e l d a t a o n t h e f o o d a n d a g r i c u l t u r e i n d u s t r i e s ’ $ 8 6 t r i l l i o n c o n t r i b u t i o n t o t h e U S e c o no m y

Providing data on jobs, wages and economic output, this increased granularity offers more specific insights into the food and agriculture sector’s impact on local economic activity and output N o t a b l y, t h e 2 0 2 3 re p o r t re v e a l s t h a t t h e m a n u f a c t u r i n g o f a g r i c u l t u r a l p ro du c t s a c c o u n t s f o r n e a r l y o n e - f i f t h o f t o t a l m a n u f a c t u r i n g j o b s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s O v e r a l l , m o r e t h a n 4 6 m i l l i o n j o b s a re s u p p o r t e d a c ro s s t h e f o o d a n d a g r i c u l t u r e s u p p l y c h a i n , i n c r e a s i n g n e a r l y 2 p e rc e n t s i n c e t h e 2 0 1 9 r e p o r t

d e s p i t e t h e e c o n o m i c c h a l l e n g e s a n d d i s r u p t i o n s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e g l o b a l p a n d e m i c

At county levels of total food output, counties with more urban populations strongly outperformed other areas due to food sales in these areas of higher population density According to the data, the top five counties for total output in the food industr y include Los Angeles County ($266 33 billion); Cook County, Ill ($167 55 billion); Harris County, Texas ($144 57 billion); New York County, N Y ($114 19 billion); and Maricopa County, Ariz ($94 18 billion)

W h e n a n a l y z i n g t h e t o p c o u n t i e s f o r a g r i c u l t u r e e c o n o m i c m e t r i c s , r u r a l a r e a s t h r i v e d T h e d a t a s h o w s t h a t t h e t o p c o u n t i e s f o r t o t a l d i re c t a g r i c u l t u re o u t p u t w e r e L a w r e n c e C o u n t y, I l l

( $ 4 4 1 b i l l i o n ) ; K e r n C o u n t y, C a l i f

( $ 4 1 2 b i l l i o n ) ; M e rc e d C o u n t y, C a l i f ( $ 3 3 4 b i l l i o n ) ; B e r t i e C o u n t y, N C

Amcor to Acquire Moda

( $ 3 3 2 b i l l i o n ) ; a n d M o n t e r e y C o u n t y, C a l i f ( $ 3 0 9 b i l l i o n )

All 50 states displayed increased economic output in the 2023 report compared to the 2022 report, largely reflecting a rebound in national economic activity The largest gains in total output were from Hawaii (31 percent), North Dakota (26 percent), New York (23 percent), Nevada (22 percent) and Florida (21 percent)

Measured by total food and agriculture output, the top performing counties in each of the highest-growing states included:

• Hawaii: Honolulu County ($22 61 billion)

• North Dakota: Cass County ($10 06 billion)

• New York: New York County ($114 19 billion)

• Nevada: Clark County ($44 57 billion)

• Florida: Miami-Dade County ($64 56 billion)

Vacuum Packaging Systems

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moda Systems, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art, automated protein packaging machines

Based in New Zealand, privately held Moda Systems designs, assembles and supports innovative, high-performance modular vacuum packaging solutions for the meat, poultry and dairy industries The acquisition will complement Amcor’s existing strength in film, positioning the company to offer an end-to-end packaging solution that encompasses primary packaging, equipment, on-site technical service and parts

“This acquisition will enable Amcor to offer an exciting new option and choice in automated protein packaging, making us the only flexible packaging manufacturer to own a high-speed, rotary equipment solution for fresh meat,” said Amcor Flexibles North America President Fred Stephan “Combined with our best-in-class film portfolio, we see great strategic value in adding Moda’s automation technology, and technical expertise and services, for a range of customizable format solutions beyond a standard shrink bag This transaction will enable Amcor to further enhance our winning value proposition for our global protein processing customers ”

Moda’s rotary vacuum system improves

operational efficiencies for protein producers, enabling them to optimize labor, improve safety and reduce waste

The system is designed for ease of use in connecting, operating, maintaining and cleaning and improves throughput and quality Combined with Amcor’s portfolio of meat, poultry, seafood and cheese shrink packaging options, this new solution is expected to further enhance the value Amcor delivers to protein producers

“We’re delighted to join forces with Amcor, an industry leader that shares our commitment to innovation and customer

S p o n s o r i n g o rg a n i z a t i o n s i n c l u d e A m e r i c a n B a k e r s A s s o c i a t i o n , A m e r i c a n B e v e r a g e A s s o c i a t i o n , A m e r i c a n F a r m B u re a u F e d e r a t i o n , A m e r i c a n F ro z e n F o o d I n s t i t u t e , A m e r i c a n S o y b e a n A s s oc i a t i o n , A s s o c i a t i o n o f E q u i p m e n t M a nu f a c t u re r s , C o r n R e f i n e r s A s s o c i a t i o n , C ro p L i f e A m e r i c a , T h e F e r t i l i z e r I n s t it u t e , F M I – T h e F o o d I n d u s t r y A s s o c i at i o n , G l o b a l C o l d C h a i n A l l i a n c e , I n s t i t u t e o f S h o rt e n i n g a n d E d i b l e O i l s , I n t e r n a t i o n a l D a i r y F o o d s A s s o c i a t i o n , N a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n o f S t a t e D e p a r tments of Agriculture, National Grain and Feed Association, National Grocers Assoc i a t i o n , N a t i o n a l M i l k P ro d u c e r s F e d e ra t i o n , N a t i o n a l O i l s e e d P ro c e s s o r s A s s o c i a t i o n , N a t i o n a l P o r k P ro d u c e r s C o u n c i l , N o rt h A m e r i c a n M e a t I n s t i t u t e , P e a n u t a n d Tre e N u t P ro c e s s o r s A s s o c i at i o n , S N A C I n t e r n a t i o n a l , T h e S u g a r A ss o c i a t i o n , U S D a i r y E x p o rt C o u n c i l a n d U S G r a i n s C o u n c i l G N

ser vice and support,” said Moda Systems founder and CEO Richard Newcombe “Together, we will deliver innovative expertise at scale, with a mutual dedication to outperformance Our complementar y capabilities will accelerate Moda’s founding mission to offer the most advanced vacuum packaging solutions for our customers ”

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and was expected to be completed in the June 2023 quarter GN

M-DAN Oven Designed to Mass Produce Delicate Commercial Pastr y Products

MECATHERM has launched its M-DAN Oven, an evolution of the FDAN Oven

The M-DAN Oven is dedicated to the production of delicate products, prioritizing hygiene and food safety

With this new oven, MECATHERM used its baking expertise to evolve its product line by introducing an even more accessible oven that is easier to clean, both inside and outside This allows major players in the industr y to meet the strictest sanitar y standards in the delicate pastr y products market and food sector

More than ever, agri-food industry players face growing challenges They must be able to adapt to the increasing market demand for diverse products, comply with stringent sanitary standards and find solutions to maintain their industrial performance amidst an energy crisis and soaring prices

Delicate pastry products, dairy desserts, vegetables, plant-based protein products and other savory dishes such as meat and cheese-based pastries can complicate the baking process Food splatters and residue are likely to clog the oven, cause contamination and increase the risk of fire

Additionally, health risks related to meat-based products and those with egg or milk-based fillings require strict and specific cleaning operations enforced by regional and industrial hygiene standards

When developing this oven, the research and development teams worked around three major axes:

• Ease of cleaning the inside and outside of the oven, guaranteeing hygiene and food safety

• Baking precision, guaranteeing flexibility for baking a wide range of products

• Energy efficiency and yield, guaranteeing industrial performance

To meet hygiene requirements, MECATHERM developed an oven that fa-

cilitates cleaning operations that sometimes need to be carried out several times a week or even daily, depending on the products The M-DAN Oven cleans well with large amounts of water, thanks to a draining design both inside and outside Made of all stainless-steel materials, its interior design and waterproof body allow for the drainage of wastewater

Ergonomic side access doors and access hatches have been installed on both sides along the entire length of the oven to facilitate access to the baking chamber and conveyors, which are 100 percent stainless steel Operators have complete access to all areas of dirt buildup without having to disassemble elements, which simplifies and speeds up the cleaning process, even when there is little space to move around the oven

The oven is also equipped with automatic rotating brushes for cleaning belts and low drawers for easy recovery of solid residues after baking

With its precise temperature curve and three combinations of heat transfer modes, the M-DAN Oven offers the flexibility required to meet the demand for a variety of products, such as delicate pastr y items, dairy desserts, vegetables, plant-based protein products and other savory dishes such as meat and cheese-based pastries

The oven ’ s modular construction offers compact and independent heating zones so that the user can make precise adjustments to heat flows (by convection and/or radiation), heating intensity, and airspeed to achieve the desired baking results This baking precision is particularly essential for products with liquid fillings, such as pies, or savory dishes with different consistencies, such as gratins, where the textures and ingredients must be preser ved during baking

The M-DAN Oven offers a large baking

surface of up to 230m² to maximize efficiency Additionally, the oven ’ s high responsiveness quickly regulates temperature to optimize baking time, which enables the user to change recipes without delay for increased efficiency

The combination of radiation and convection and the real-time modulation of baking also significantly minimize product losses by avoiding the “flash heat” phenomenon during start-ups and production changes The energy input is smoothed over the first products baked in the oven

The M-DAN Oven has also been designed with sustainable development challenges in mind The low-temperature convection baking of the M-DAN reduces energy losses with optimized baking times and cooler smoke emissions

The oven also has fine moisture management via the assistance function for adjusting the opening of the damper This removes excess steam from the baking chamber and precisely manages air entry, avoiding any unnecessary heat loss

Designed to optimize energy consumption and thus reduce CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions, the M-DAN Oven works equally well with gas-fired thermal generators or electric resistance batteries This compatibility with electric thermal generators meets the market’s increasing demands for energy efficiency and sustainability since it eliminates CO2 emissions related to oven operation

The oven is also compatible with MECATHERM’s M-Care digital solution, a dedicated application for predictive maintenance that prevents failures, avoids costly breakdowns, optimizes installation availability rates, and improves production line performance

“With our new M-DAN Oven, we meet the needs of industrial users in search of a

reactive, precise, efficient, and high-performance oven for baking their delicate pastry items, dairy desserts, vegetables, plantbased protein products, and other savory dishes, such as meat and cheese-based pastries,” said Xavier Gotti, oven product manager “It meets the challenges of flexibility and energy efficiency while being particularly easy to operate and clean

“Its high level of cleanliness is undoubtedly a major asset, achieving compliance with the strictest sanitary standards without wasting time on tedious cleaning operations ”

“The recent development of the M-DAN Oven is part of our mission to simplify our customers’ lives,” said Raymond Nogaël, VP of Marketing and Business Development at TMG “Our teams are dedicated to developing innovative solutions to help them obtain sustainable success At MECATHERM, we are continuously evolving our offers and investing in R&D to meet the daily challenges of product quality, industrial performance, and sustainability that the market faces ”

MECATHERM designs, develops, assembles, and installs ovens, machines and automated lines for baker y and pastr y making all over the world Today, 420 employees are contributing toMECATHERM’s industry expertise The company generates more than 90 percent of its turnover from exports, with customers in more than 70 countries on five continents

Majority owned by the Unigrains Group, TMG unites its industrial baking equipment and services subsidiaries using a privileged partnership approach TMG supports the development of each of its brands through shared expertise, processes and experiences focused on a core set of shared values that include savoir-faire, exemplary performance and teamwork GN

José Andrés Restaurant Group to Use

Loliware Seaweed Straws Across US

Loliware, the world’s first seaweed-resin company, has entered a partnership with José Andrés Group, whose restaurants across the globe span cuisines and cultures, price points and ser vice styles Loliware straws made their Chicago debut at Bar Mar, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés and Jaleo, before expanding to properties in Washington, D C , and later at José Andrés Group restaurants across the country

“The food system is not just about what is on the plate but the plate itself, the fork in your hand, and the straw in your drink,” said Sam Bakhshandehpour, president of José Andrés Group “We’re excited to partner with Loliware to

bring an innovative product to our restaurants as well as continue to create and

friendly products, JAG’s Research & Development team will collaborate with Loliware to create one-of-a-kind ser veware This partnership aims to showcase the synergy between Andrés’ award-winning creativity and a shared commitment to purpose-driven dining

resins ”

According to estimates by National Geographic Magazine and other sources, more than 100 million plastic utensils are used in the United States each day and are among the most common items found polluting beaches and ocean life worldwide

push the boundaries of serviceware ”

In addition to featuring the ocean-

“We are thrilled to partner with José Andrés Group to provide Loliware products across the country,” said Loliware CEO Sea F Briganti “Partnering with such an iconic group, led by a world leader in culinary innovation and humanitarian relief is a tremendous honor, and speaks to the game-changing potential of our SEATech

Loliware’s innovative seaweed-resin straws and utensils look and act like plastic but can compost completely within 50 days The company ’ s mission expands beyond eliminating plastic waste to include responsible ocean aquaculture and fairtrade practices

P ro d u c e d i n M i s s o u r i , L o l i w a re f o r k s , k n i v e s a n d s p o o n s a re t h e w o r l d ’ s f i r s t seaweed-based utensils and will give new a l t e r n a t i v e s w i t h w h i c h t o l i m i t s i n g l eu s e p l a s t i c s e n d i n g u p i n l a n d f i l l s a n d o c e a n s GN

Atlanta Market Savors Summer Flavors, Showcasing Local Produce in Demos

BY A.J. FLICK

International Market Centers has expanded home décor and furnishings offerings at this month’s Atlanta Market and will provide easy access to the inaugural Casual Market Atlanta

The updates will be hard to miss because they start with a new lobby presentation in Building 1 featuring home furnishings showrooms and seven more showroom additions and expansions

Casual Market Atlanta will bring more than 150 casual furnishings and outdoor furniture resources to AmericasMart Atlanta, July 11-17

The JURA Demonstration Kitchen will offer three days of interactive cooking demonstrations that celebrate summer Chef and author Elizabeth Heiskell will showcase locally grown produce, Chef Mark Alba of Kimpton Shane Hotel in Atlanta will prepare his signature lump crab salad and Shane Quillin will share Sugar Shane’s cookie secrets

The Market Kickoff Party will feature complimentary drinks and live entertainment by the band The Big Beyond amid the vibrant Gift & Home Temporaries

Other social activities include a Designer Workspace Soiree with complimentar y cocktails and light bites, Afternoon Beats with music provided by DJ Ree De La Vega and complimentar y beverages as well as pop-up bars and buffets, photo ops and more interaction opportunities

Here’s a look at some of the companies that are coming (in alphabetical order):

Accent Decor

(Atlanta: Building 1, 18-E18l; High Point: H309; Las Vegas: C-124)

Georgia-based wholesaler Accent Decor will showcase its home decor and giftware products, including:

Gillian: Taper holder that is made from a mold with spray color Designed to pair well with the Momento and Pomona drinkware collections, it has a vintage feel and fits under a 4-inch glass sleeve

Nuovo: Shallow coupe with a pop color stem Perfect for a summer event, its cur ved optic technique adds dimension and unique interest

Piedra: Low and simple circular taper holder with smooth speckled finish that fits under a 2 5-inch glass sleeve Muted colors feel fresh and modern with subtle speckles for visual interest Sprinkle them down an event table or use as home décor

Avila: Give your plants a natural home in modern, elevated form with this stunning take on traditional terracotta Made from dark terracotta with a clean rim and natural color, the small, versatile and functional Klamath Pot comes in three sizes and can pair with the Avila Tray or the Kassara Plant Stand for an organic design and earthy display

Calistoga: As lovely to display as they are functional for protecting surfaces, the Calistoga Coaster Set features four handpainted stoneware coasters with an on trend, neutral checkerboard to add a little pattern to decor Each coaster features a cork base and sits inside a stylish bamboo box for safe stor-

age

Anza: Teak ser ving board that is food-safe but can be used as a charger or plant riser as well It’s handmade with a slight variation in each due to natural material

Bacala: Terra cotta and glazed top taper holder with a color blocked glaze and ribbed foot Its unique shape is a great way to add a sculptural element to a styled moment

Bayberr y: Rattan Charger that layers well under and gives texture and interest to any place setting It’s super lightweight and versatile

Camino: Woven cotton placemat with tassels on each end in a warm brown tone with cream grid pattern in fabric It acts as a warm, neutral base for place setting

Parable: White clay bud vase with hand-painted snake motif It layers well with the other tabletop items in the Parable Collection artwork by Jessica Heimstra

Paria: Terra cotta with glossy white glaze and slight textured finish and cur ved details This large scale statement vase can be styled as a decorative object or

hold a large arrangement

Plano charger: Natural brown terracotta charger in a warm brown tone that layers perfectly with the Parable tabletop collection It has a scalloped edge and dimensional details

M y t h i c a l C re a t u re s P l a n t S t i c k s : S e t your plants apart with the playful design o f t h e s e d e l i g h t f u l , m y t h i c a l p l a n t c o mp a n i o n s M a d e f ro m c l a y, h a n d p a i n t e d a n d g l a z e d , t h i s s e t o f t h re e M y t h i c a l Creature Plant Sticks features a unicorn, s a s q u a t c h a n d L o c h N e s s m o n s t e r E a c h o n e i s p e rf e c t l y h a r m l e s s a n d w i l l m a k e you smile when perched in a terrarium or planter

Adama (Melrose International Showroom, Building, Floor 1, 17 C11,17 E18, 17-B5)

Adama’s tabletop collection of table runners and placemats are made of unique, flexible and nonporous material They are

and lead designer “I love how the many small elements of the design combine to make the imagery complete, much like the journey of Annieglass over the last 40 years These new pieces celebrate our brand’s rich heritage and serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of Annieglass ”

Mosaic introductions include: a 13-inch octagonal charger and 8¾-inch deep bowl, gorgeous when used together or mixed and matched with other Annieglass collections; a large 14¾-inch serving bowl; large and small steak platters (16¼x12½ and 14x10½), perfect for holiday entertaining

In addition, Annieglass is releasing a collectible 2023 Christmas plate, 8½ inch, featuring a joyful holiday tree with swirling 24K gold and complimentary to the 2022 Annieglass Christmas plate

Aromatique (Building 2, 8-821)

Introducing the Hearth Collection, a limited edition release for the holiday season that captures the essence of the English countryside

Carefully curated fragrances are inspired by the crackling fire and smoldering embers of a hearth, creating a warm and inviting ambiance in any room Embrace the magic of the holiday season with our unique product offerings, that will transport you to a cozy country retreat

Smoked Vanilla & Santal Mini Diffuser Set: This fragrance blends the richness of smoky vanilla with the earthy, woody aroma of Santal, creating an inviting and warm aroma that envelops the senses

soft, elegant, easy to clean and come in a wide variety of sizes and colors You can easily create tableware sets that will match and amaze your guests at the dining table

The beautifully designed high-quality PVC/polyester placemats are an ideal tabletop solution for your home Adama vinyl placemats are a perfect fit for the modern home that bring beauty and style with exceptional functionality and ease of use

Not only do they have a wide variety of beautiful, inspiring designs, but these mats are ver y practical They are stain-resistant and easy to clean

Annieglass

(Building 2, Suite 911, A and B)

Annieglass is celebrating its 40th anniversar y with a captivating fall collection that features an exquisite Mosaic design Inspired by tesserae, the tiny mosaic squares used in Italian medieval mosaics, the detailed pattern in 24K gold is noted for its unique style and timeless appeal, and ser ves as an elegant border pattern for each piece

“The Mosaic collection is my version of an Italian mosaic,” said Annie Morhauser, founder

Creative Co-Op

(Atlanta: Building 2, 10th Floor, Suite 10801087A; Las Vegas: Building C, C712, C796 and C788; Dallas: Trade Mart, Suite 2802)

Creative Co-Op’s team travels the world for inspiration, taking the best elements of members’ experience and translating them into a creative, unique assortment that caters to a broad variety of tastes New finds include:

DF7901: An Acacia wood pedestal with

fluted glass cloche in natural, set of two Beautifully display a cake, while keeping it fresh Whether it’s for a birthday party, fancy event or simply a sweet-tooth craving, this cake stand is a must have

DF8049: A 10-inch round stoneware oyster plate in matte white Perfect for entertaining or romantic dining Ser ve in style, with this dish designed with six wells, for the perfect ser ving of oysters, along with a center well for lemon wedges or dipping sauce

FF0068, Finch + Fennel Pumpkin Honey Butter: Nothing says the holidays like pumpkin honey butter Made with real pumpkin, honey and a blend of spices perfect for English muffins, waffles, pancakes, or as a topping on seasonal desserts

FF0069, Finch + Fennel Hot Pepper

Jelly: Beautiful in color and sweet with heat! This hot pepper jelly pairs perfectly with crackers and cream cheese or spread on a biscuit Hot pepper jelly is always a hit, no matter how you serve it

molly&you

(Building 2, 12-1201)

The Iowa-based gourmet food company molly&you offers beer breads, party dip mixes, microwave single serves, overnight oats and a gluten-free line New baking products include:

Ever ything Seasoning Beer Bread: America’s favorite beer bread packed with an artisanal blend of toasted sesame, garlic, sea salt and poppy seeds

Everyone will love this bread, and you will love how easy it is to make; all you do is add beer (or any carbonated beverage) and bake

Mexican Street Corn Beer Bread Mix: Zesty twist on traditional cornbread Crafted with a robust blend of chiles and cheeses

Sweet meets a hint of heat Mexican Street

Corn is easy to make; all you have to do is add beer (or any carbonated beverage) and bake for 60 minutes

Chocolate Peppermint Microwave

Brownie Single: The finest chocolate

blended with delicious peppermint to create a delicious mug cake Just add water, stir and microwave for 90 seconds This

Chocolate Peppermint Single is a perfect stocking stuffer

Chocolate S’mores Brownie Single: Marshmallows and graham crackers swirled in a fudge brownie, heat and eat in only 90 seconds With summer here, the Chocolate S’mores Brownie Single is easy, quick, and less messy than the traditional s ’ more

Strawberry Shortcake Overnight

Oats: Tasty, trendy and healthy –they are a quick and high-fiber start to the day Add fresh fruit, nuts, honey, flax seed or anything you prefer Add milk and refrigerate for six to eight hours, and you will have an easy grab-and-go breakfast in the morning

Zia Pia

(Atlanta: Building 2, 2224 and Las Vegas E913)

Zia Pia is a boutique importer specializing in fine, authentic regional Italian foods Its suppliers are non-industrial, family-owned producers who combine traditional principles of authenticity and flavor with Italian design and style to create superior products, beautiful on the inside and out

TartufLanghe is a new supplier Family owned and operated, TartufLanghe stewards more than 60 acres of lush forest near Alba, where they harvest three kinds of truffles, including the prized white truffle native to the area From its laborator y and factor y, TartufLanghe continuously experiments and innovates, expanding its products with more inventive creations, from infused pastas to truffle pearls, salts, honey and even potato

Fratelli Lunardi: This rich, sweet, chocolate-hazelnut spread includes pieces of crumbled chocolate biscotti for a subtle crunch Try it on toast, pastries, waffles, ice cream or, for the true chocolate-lover, alone with a spoon

Based in Tuscany, Fratelli Lunardi has been making traditional biscotti and cantucci for more than 50 years Brothers Massimiliano and Riccardo Lunardi have revived the family business started by their parents in 1966, creating a new brand and several delicious new recipes The best local ingredients are sourced for their biscotti, including fresh butter that adds just the right amount of softness to the cookies

Pesto Genovese by Rossi: Bright, savory, fresh and aromatic, it is no wonder that pesto is one of the most popular pasta sauces in the world When made according to the traditional recipe with authentic, fresh ingredients, the result is pure poetry Pesto Genovese from Rossi 1947 is just that Using only the finest, most carefully selected local ingredients, and crafted in the centuries-old Italian tradition, Roberto Panizza’s pesto is a labor of love and science that surpasses all others This pesto is shelf stable and will keep unrefrigerated for up to 12 months, although you’ll have used it up before then

Mignon Organic EVOO Gift Set: The Mignon Collection by Frantoio Pruneti, another new supplier to Zia Pia, showcases three small bottles of different organic monocultivar extra virgin olive oils

Each oil is made using only a single olive varietal native to the Pruneti estate in Chianti, Tuscany

explore both delicate and strong flavors and have both at their fingertips for use in preparing different dishes

O rg a n i c M o n o c u l t i v a r E V O O

G i f t S e t : T h i s g e n e ro u s g i f t b o x s h o w c a s e s t h re e f u l l - s i z e b o t t l e s o f d i f f e re n t o rg a n i c m o n o c u l t i v a r e x t r a v i rg i n o l i v e o i l s i n a n e ng r a v e d w o o d e n c r a t e E a c h o i l i s m a d e u s i n g o n l y a s i n g l e o l i v e v arietal native to the Pruneti estate in C h i a n t i T h i s i s a g re a t g i f t f o r t h e b u d d i n g o l i v e o i l e n t h u s i a s t , w h o i s c u r i o u s t o t a s t e t h e d i f f e re n t c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f s p e c i f i c o l i v e v ar i e t i e s

La Fabbrica della Pasta has created new pasta shapes:

Fusilli Sorrento: This beautiful, long fusilli pasta is lovely on the plate and perfect for any sauce

Le Principesse: Flat ribbons with curly edges – pasta fit for a princess E s a g o p e n n a : The first and only h e x a g o n - s h a p e d

artisanal pasta

Esagopenna is a short-cut penne pasta, shaped like a hexagonal tube, one of three extraordinary new hexagonal PGI certified formats

Gigli: This short-cut, cur vy pasta is named for the word lilies in Italian, for its flowering shape

New products from Giuliano

Tartufi include:

Truffle Hot Sauce: This fiery chili pepper sauce is infused with the rich, savory flavor of summer truffles This versatile sauce is delicious on fries, wings, burgers, grilled vegetables and pizza

Truffle Tasting Box: The Truffle Tasting Box delivers an exquisite sensory experience through four unique specialty Italian truffle products The gift box includes truffle sauce, creamy Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle sauce, truffle infused extra virgin olive oil and porcini mushroom and white truffle sauce GN

chips

Other products to be sampled this summer include:

Crunchy Chocolate Hazelnut Spread by

Black + White Collection EVOO Gift Set: The Black & White collection offers two intensities of extra virgin olive oil for those who want to

Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Milked Oats Available at Publix Stores

Elmhurst 1925, maker of plant-based products, has expanded distribution of its best-selling, simply-made Unsweetened Milked Oats in more than 1,350 Publix stores throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia

All across the United States, the plantbased market continues to show a growing number of consumers are seeking cleanerlabel dair y alternatives, according to Elmhurst Unlike other plant-based milks, filled with unnecessar y additives, Elmhurst’s popular Unsweetened Milked Oats is one of the cleanest oat milk options in the categor y, with an ingredient panel consisting of only three ingredients: real

whole-grain oats, water and salt This oat milk formula includes the highest dietary fiber content in the industry, at 3g per serving The brand has also packed in more whole-grain oats than ever before, loading this beverage with 25g of whole grains for 52 percent of the daily recommended serving, to help keep your heart healthy, support good cholesterol levels and keep you full

“We’re proud to offer Publix shoppers an oat milk they can get more from and feel good about,” said Heba Mahmoud, senior director of brand marketing at Elmhurst “Our Unsweetened Milked Oats is crafted without any of the added junk found in other oat milks, without sacrific-

ing any flavor or texture

“We’re thrilled that Publix will now be stocking their shelves with this clean-label plant milk, catering to all shoppers looking to simplify their grocer y and ingredient lists ”

With health for people and the planet top of mind, Unsweetened Milked Oats is certified vegan, gluten free, Non-GMO Project verified, dairy free, OU kosher and free of added sugars, artificial flavor, carrageenan, gums or other emulsifiers

Like all Elmhurst products, this clean beverage is crafted through a patented process, the HydroRelease method, which uses just water to separate components of the grain and reassembles them as a

creamy, ready-to-drink beverage This process maintains the nutrition of the raw oats which offer optimal benefits and creamy texture without the need for added gums or emulsifiers

This zero-waste process also upcycles any waste into renewable energy, and is powered by 100 percent renewable hydroelectric power As a part of Elmhurst’s ongoing recycling program, all cartons are made 100 percent recyclable, made from FSC certified paperboard saving approximately 10,0000 mature trees annually, driving sustainability each step of the way

The Unsweetened Milked Oats are available in 32-ounce cartons with an SRP of $6 99 GN

Sweegen’s Ultratia Brazzein Technology

Gains GRAS Status, Debuts Line in July

Sweegen’s sweet protein Ultratia brazzein technology received the Generally Recognized As Safe status from the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association

“Our customers and the industry have eagerly anticipated our brazzein FEMA GRAS status, and now we are excited to offer it as the star sweet protein in our Sweetensify Flavors Collection,” said Luca Giannone, SVP of sales “We’re pleased to demonstrate our Ultratia brazzein in the newly launched Sweetensify Flavors Collection at the IFT First trade show in Chicago July 17-19 ”

Sweegen is the first to attain FEMA GRAS status and to produce brazzein commercially globally The designation is important because it allows manufacturers to use Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors confidently, including the novel sweet protein brazzein in their product formulations

Brazzein’s characteristics make it special; its commercialization and scaling have been challenging until now Brazzein is a rare sweet protein that originates from the fruit of the West African climbing plant oubli To produce brazzein sustainably, Sweegen uses a proprietary precision fermentation process that creates clean, highpurity ingredients

“This important milestone in food and beverage creation symbolizes Sweegen delivering on its promise to brands for opening doors to scalable state-of-the-art technology for creating better-for-everyone food and beverages,” said Hadi Omrani, VP of technical and regulatory affairs “The FEMA GRAS status is a testament to the safety of brazzein as a flavor modifier that our customers can trust to explore new and exciting taste-modulating solutions ”

Sweetensify Flavors for taste modulation

improves and modulates a variety of taste attributes, which can help brands push the boundaries of healthier product innovation Brazzein’s exceptional formulation qualities inspired Sweegen to launch Sweentisify Flavors in April It is the newest flavor tool starring its novel sweet protein Ultratia brazzein, which also features thaumatin II and other unique proteins

“Sweegen’s product development teams have discovered remarkable synergies between Sweetensify Flavors and our Signature Stevia systems,” said Casey McCormick, VP of global innovation

Sweet proteins such as brazzein have an affinity for different taste receptors on the tongue, especially the receptor known as T1R3, which is associated with both umami and sweetness perception Leveraging this unique attribute, Sweetensify Flavors will enable product developers to

Ardagh Glass, Sprecher Brewing Partner on Beer, Beverage Bottles

Ardagh Glass Packaging – North America has reached a supply agreement with Sprecher Brewing Company to continue to manufacture all of its glass beer and beverage bottles, including their recently redesigned custom 16-ounce glass bottle

Utilizing the Vision4GlassS approach, the Sprecher Brewing Company team collaborated directly with AGP – North America’s product design team to refresh their custom glass bottle Using a sculptured embossing process, Ardagh was able to bring the true spirit and feel of family with an updated and enlarged embossed shoulder decoration of the family name

The partnership continues the connection between Milwaukee’s original craft

brewer y and Ardagh’s Burlington, Wis , glass manufacturing facility, helping to keep the brewer y ’ s commitment to stay local and sustainable

In addition to the locally sourced glass bottles, Sprecher’s craft sodas use superior, locally sourced ingredients, including pure raw wild-flower honey, that is fire-brewed in small batch kettles to deliver its best-inclass, bold flavor

“In today’s world, people want an affordable indulgence – a special experience they can share with family and friends at parties and special events,” said Sharad Chadha, president and CEO of Sprecher Brewing Company “Sprecher’s craft sodas deliver this in an attractive, custom 16-ounce glass bottle

a staple of our brand The high-quality glass bottles provide premium shelf appeal, and a vessel for locking in freshness to protect the taste and flavor of our products Sprecher truly represents happiness in a bottle ”

Glass bottles are 100 percent and endlessly recyclable, and they can go from the recycling bin to the store shelf in as little as 30 days Glass beverage bottles preserve the true taste of the product and deliver great shelf appeal and brand differentiation in a premium, sustainable package

“Ardagh Glass Packaging is proud to partner with Sprecher Brewing Company to provide consumers with high-quality, American-made glass beer and beverage bottles while helping the brewer y meet

maintain the quality of characteristic flavors and sweetness while reducing the amount of sugar they use in products

“Sweegen’s Ultratia brazzein has received great feedback from our customers during the initial formulations phase and tastings,” McCormick said “Now, the timing of the FEMA GRAS status perfectly coincides with the launch of Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors, which offers the best sensory experience in better-for-everyone products ”

Sweegen recently attained FEMA GRAS status for thaumatin II, a sweet protein complementary to brazzein With the addition of brazzein, Sweegen continues to expand its portfolio of safe and effective taste modulating flavors that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demand for healthier and delicious products to align with consumers ’ holistic approaches to wellness GN

their brand and sustainability goals,” said Rush Markan, vice president, beer and beverage for AGP – North America

For more than 125 years, Ardagh has been producing innovative glass bottles and jars in the United States and offers a wide selection of glass packaging in a variety of colors, sizes, styles and finishes GN

Gene-Editing Technology Produces Calf Resistant to Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Scientists have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus, a virus that costs the U S cattle sector billions of dollars annually

The recent study published in PNAS Nexus results from a collaboration between the USDA’s Agricultural Research Ser vice, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, the University of Kentucky, and industr y partners, Acceligen and Recombinetics, Inc

BVDV is one of the most significant viruses affecting the health and well-being of cattle worldwide Researchers have been studying it since the 1940s when it was first recognized This

Dress It Up

Continued from PAGE 1

h o m e m a d e d re s s i n g , w h i c h M a ro o n a lr e a d y w a s m a k i n g f o r h e r c h i l d r e n , i t d a w n e d o n M a r o o n t h a t o t h e r p e o p l e w e re l i k e l y c r a v i n g w h a t s h e w a s

“My mother made her own dressing every night when we were told my father was prediabetic Every man in the family had diabetes and most of them died,” Maroon said “My mom was determined he would not get it

“But she couldn’t find a dressing without sugar, so she made her own, ” Maroon said “My father never developed diabetes ”

However, Maroon –like many of us – found that today’s lifestyle doesn’t always allow for the time to make a nightly salad dressing

She thought about how others might feel, seeing shelves of salad dressing and not knowing what to pick

“There are all these options, but there’s also nothing here that I want to eat,” she thought “There’s nothing here that resembles homemade ingredients And none of them used olive oil They were highly processed

“Salads are supposed to be healthy, but I wasn’t finding healthy options,” Maroon said

Too many dressings were diluted, included the polysaccharide xanthan gum or were loaded with sugar, she said

Maroon began with her mother’s recipe and shared the dressing with friends, which led to selling Dress It Up Dressing at farmers markets, which eventually led a Whole Foods Market associate to taste it and wonder why it wasn’t on store shelves

virus does not affect humans but is highly contagious among cattle and can cause severe respiratory and intestinal diseases

BVDV can be disastrous to pregnant cows because it can infect developing calves, causing spontaneous abortions and low birth rates Some infected calves sur vive to birth and remain infected for life, shedding massive amounts of virus to other cattle Despite more than 50 years of vaccine availability, controlling BVDV disease remains a problem since vaccines are not always effective in stopping transmission

However, over the past 20 years, the scientific community discovered the main cellular receptor, CD46, and the area where the virus binds to that re-

because it was so good

Maroon knew that beyond taste, her dressings, which stand at six olive oilbased dressing flavors – Champagne Vinaigrette, Blackberr y Vinaigrette, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Sesame Tahini Dressing and Caesar Dressing – would appeal to many people who are following dietary restrictions Dress It Up Dressings are free of gluten and sugar, and are vegan, keto and Whole-30 friendly While Dress It Up bottles began selling in 14 Whole Foods Market stores, Maroon realized that the modern on-the-go lifestyle meant many health-conscious eaters couldn’t carry around the 10-ounce bottles or easily put them in school lunches With a loan from Whole Foods, the line expanded to include single-ser ving 1ounce packets in the Champagne Vinaigrette and Sesame Tahini dressing flavors

The packets were set to launch in 2020 in ever y Whole Foods salad bar in the mid-Atlantic region as well as universities and businesses that contracted with Dress It Up for their cafeterias

Then, of course, the pandemic hit and suddenly, nobody was going anywhere Salad bars and cafeterias shut down Thankfully, through an existing partnership with the Washington, D C public schools system, which still was feeding students through the pandemic, Dress It Up began providing dressing for 2,500 students In addition, the company partnered with renowned humanitarian and Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, supplying dressing for 35,000

ceptor, causing infection in cows Scientists modified the virus binding site in this recent study to block infection

Aspen Workman, lead author and researcher at ARS’ U S Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb , said, “Our objective was to use gene-editing technology to slightly alter CD46 so it wouldn’t bind the virus yet would retain all its normal bovine functions ”

The scientists first tested this idea in cell culture After seeing promising outcomes in the laborator y, Acceligen edited cattle skin cells to develop embryos carrying the altered gene These embr yos were transplanted into surrogate cows to test whether this approach might also reduce virus infection in live animals

It worked, and the first CD46 geneedited calf, named Ginger, was born healthy on July 19, 2021 The calf was obser ved for several months and then later

meals for children, the elderly and first responders

As a result, Maroon was recognized by Stacy’s Rise Project, a program created by Stacy’s Pita Chips and PepsiCo to recognize female leaders in the food industr y A grant and mentorship kept Dress It Up going Now, post-pandemic, Dress It Up is thriving In June, Dress It Up landed on shelves of Whole Foods Markets across the country and in September, the single-serving packets will launch just in time for schools to open Credit for Dress It Up’s success is also due to Maroon’s thorough knowledge about her target consumer “Customers care deeply about what they put in their bodies,” Maroon said, “which is why we ’ re so selective about what we put in our bottles ”

The vast majority of consumers are female and are broken into two categories, she said: the millennial mom who is making healthy meals for her children on a regular basis and wants an easy way to give them healthy dressing and the higher-income millennial woman who demands quality products

Maroon’s attention to detail, from sourcing to labeling to bottling, can’t be ignored, either

In the beginning, Maroon was able to source entirely from one supplier But as demand grew, she had to broaden her sourcing, including finding a compatible co-packer

“I wanted to make sure we had nonGMO suppliers,” Maroon said “I have very specific standards ”

She had a co-packer who suggested shortcuts, such as using canola oil instead of olive oil and adding xanthan gum or cit-

challenged with the virus to determine if she could become infected She was housed for a week with a BVDV-infected dairy calf that was born shedding virus Ginger’s cells displayed significantly reduced susceptibility to BVDV, which resulted in no observable adverse health effects

The scientists will continue to closely observe Ginger’s health and ability to produce and raise her own calves

T h i s p ro o f - o f - c o n c e p t s t u d y d e m o ns t r a t e s t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f re d u c i n g t h e b u rd e n o f B V D V- a s s o c i a t e d d i s e a s e s i n c a t t l e b y g e n e e d i t i n g T h e e d i t e d c a l f a l s o re p re s e n t s a n o t h e r p o t e n t i a l o p p o rt u n i t y t o l e s s e n t h e n e e d f o r a n t i b i o t i c s i n a g r i c u l t u re s i n c e B V D V i n f e c t i o n a l s o puts calves at risk for secondar y bacterial d i s e a s e s T h i s p ro m i s i n g t r a i t i s s t i l l i n t h e re s e a rc h p h a s e a n d n o a s s o c i a t e d b e e f i s e n t e r i n g t h e U S f o o d s u p p l y a t t h i s t i m e G N

ric acid to make the dressings more shelf stable Maroon would have none of that

“I fired the co-packer ”

At one point, a co-packer suggested using garlic puree instead of whole clove garlic

“I drove them crazy, ” Maroon said with a laugh “They said it was harder working with the garlic cloves than with the garlic all blended up But real garlic cloves taste completely different Garlic puree doesn’t taste like Mom’s dressing ”

She was just as insistent to use olive oil

“I want that smell of pepperiness,” she said

For the bottle design and label, Maroon turned to an artist friend, Inslee Fariss

“It’s satisfying to hold and it looks good on the table,” Maroon said with pride “It’s not something you plop down and you don’t feel the need to put it in an extra jar

“In Whole Foods, we got great placement,” she said “It’s at eye level and it pops out, with the sleekness of the design It’s a work of art ”

While Dress It Up’s price point is more than most commercial salad dressings, consumers will appreciate the value, Maroon said

“There’s so much water in most salad dressings,” she said “Our bottles are more expensive, but per ser ving, they’re the same value because you use less

“When I’ve communicated with customers, they’ve responded that they come back a second time because it’s more worth it to them to have the quality

“By investing in ingredients, we ’ re investing in good health,” Maroon said “We take that seriously ” G N

Gourmet Exhibitors Grow at Las Vegas Market

BY A J FLICK

A surge of new gourmet and housewares exhibitors have confirmed for this summer ’ s Las Vegas Market at World Market Center from July 30 to Aug 3 Overall, new brands account for about 20 percent of nearly 400 exhibitors at the Gift and Home Temporary Exhibits

Las Vegas Market will feature more than 30 presentations, webinars, tours, seminars, award ceremonies and other special events – including 12 CEU-eligible courses – available before and during the show

The 2023 ANDYZ Awards Celebration, being presented by LVDC and the California Central/Nevada Chapter of ASID, celebrates design projects at a fun-filled celebration featuring Global Views CEO David Gebhardt and COO Frederick Rayner as presenters on July 30

Here’s a sampling of exhibitors going to Las Vegas Market (listed in alphabetical order):

House Aromatic (blends the prairie sage of the inland Northwest with an earthy blend of peppery spice and hints of citrus)

albert L (punkt) Inc (E-1213)

The new color from the albert L (punkt) bamboo collection is Blush – a very natural, muted color that is a great accent to the White, Nature Grey, Ice Blue or even a bright color such as our Fuchsia Our new color comes in our 12 sizes, two sizes of salad ser vers and five sizes in the Matte Collection

Two new colors from the albert L (punkt) Tray collection are Blush and Blue Grey Both pair ver y well with the other tray colors, such as White, Red and Grey They come in all tray sizes and are available for immediate shipment

Car mel Ceramica (C-585) C a r m e l C e r a m i c a ’ s c u s t o m w h i t e , s o f t l y s p o n g e d g l a z e g i v e s t h e n e w C o z i n a W h i t e P i t c h e r a c a s u a l b u t e l e g a n t l o o k I c e d t e a s e r v e d i n t h i s p i t c h e r n e v e r l o o k e d b e t t e r I t h o l d s a b o u t 8 c u p s a n d i s 8 i n c h e s h i g h D u r a b l e s t o n e w a re , d i s h w a s h e r a n d m i c ro w a v e s a f e M a d e i n P o rt u g a l

ser ved (Expo)

See the original insulated ser veware; served creates vacuum-insulated, doublewalled, copper-lined ser ving dishes with BPA-free Tritan lids

The 2-liter Vacuum-Insulated Pitcher comes in Watermelon, Saffron and Grape Keep margaritas fresh and cold all day long poolside this summer in served’s no-sweat pitcher

The 20-ounce Vacuum-Insulated Small Serving Bowl comes in Berry An insulated bowl with a tight-fitting lid that makes it easy to get guacamole from here to there? That’s worth dipping into!

The 2-liter Vacuum-Insulated Serveware Collection Pitcher comes in Watermelon, the 2 5-quart Large Serving Bowl comes in Blue Lemonade and 20-ounce Small Serving Bowl comes in White Icing These keep your food or beverage at temperature, are easy to transport thanks to their cool exterior and tight-fitting lid and look great, whether at a baby shower or a Labor Day picnic

The Cord Wrapper (E-925)

The Cord Wrapper is a cord organization gadget used on small kitchen appliances, office devices, and more It is the first of its kind – patented, trademarked and created in Utah The simplicity of the product leads to customers seeing the immediate purpose and use in their own homes The product is 3 inches in diameter, 1 5 inches tall It includes a high-quality, heat-resistant 3M adhesive and applies to most surfaces in four simple steps: Wipe It, Peel It, Stick It, Wrap It!

Badass Bitters (E-932)

Badass Bitters DIY Cocktail Bitters Kits bring the alchemy of bitters and the art of mixology into your home Bitters fill a unique niche in medicinal, food, and drink history The story begins with the alchemical arts in ancient Egypt and ends in America in a cocktail glass Learn the histor y behind the ingredient that invented the cocktail

Badass Bitters DIY Cocktail Bitters Kits come in seven flavors and two collections Each kit makes 10 ounces Kits do not contain alcohol

Flavors include Amped Orange (added dried citrus, allspice, clove, and cardamom), Apple Spice, Capt Hall’s Cranberr y, Lilac City (blends the flower with citrus, vanilla and lavender) and Spokane

Crystamas Inc (E-1627)

From the creator of luxurious holiday ornaments and home decor is the new Nahash Crystal Bowl, a lead crystal bowl with Austrian round and baguette cr ystals set inside the bowl It’s more than 9 inches wide and 4 inches tall

SOAK Bath Co (E-1223)

SOAK Bath Co is a luxury, handmade bath and body brand based in Manitoba, Canada The local team makes soap bars from scratch with all natural, vegan friendly ingredients Each SOAK Bath Co soap bar is formulated with plant-based oils and butters including olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter

Vellabox (E-650)

Vellabox is the only candle subscription box that features different indie candle brands monthly Products featured in Las Vegas include:

It Started With a Spark: Be prepared –you never know when the mood for burning a candle might strike Choose It Started With a Spark match box for a fun accessory to keep near candles

A Perfect Match: Choose between four match box design and color variations

Wick Trimmer: You’ve got to love functional decor Set this classy gold wick trimmer out next your candles and trim wicks to 1/4 inches before each burn Why?

MÜkitchen (E-931)

The Scrubsy is an absorbent dish cloth with a built in scrubber that won’t scratch but gets the dirtiest dishes clean Available in more than 15 designs, the Microfiber Waffle Weave cloths and towels are lint free

making them ideal for stemware Designer print towels add personality to every kitchen

Chef Apron in fun prints such as Red Poppy makes a statement while protecting clothes while baking up a storm Our solid potholder has terr y lining for even more protection and a herringbone weave for greater durability

The soap bars are eco-friendly, each labeled with biodegradable, plantable seed paper; plant the soap label and it will grow into wildflowers

Lemon and Rosemary Soap Bar: The savor y blend of lemon and rosemar y essent i a l o i l c o m e t o g e t h e r w i t h ro s e m a r y sprigs sprinkled throughout for a light exf o l i a t i o n o f t h e s k i n , t h e p e rf e c t e x f o l i ation

Citrus Poppyseed Soap Bar: Designed with the gardener in mind, the combination of lemon and orange essential oils help to wipe away the grime, while poppyseeds scrub the stubborn dirt off hands and nails

Trimmed wicks make for a cleaner burn with less smoky residue

Snuffer: Be the candle connoisseur you aspire to be with the appropriate candle accessories Not just for show – this snuffer serves a purpose By extinguishing the flame with a snuffer, you’ll avoid billowing smoke and soot won’t collect on the side of the glass

Vellabox also features wine-scented candles: Red Blend (full bodied, round and rich with notes of blackberry, black cherry and oak), White Blend (light and crisp with citrus notes and finished off with a sweet touch of vanilla) and Sangria (red and white wine blended with fruit and finished with ginger and saffron) GN

Whole Foods Market Approves Clean-Label Chiber Mushroom Fiber as Ingredient

Canadian food technology company Chinova Bioworks’ clean-label shelf-life extender, Chiber, is the first mushroom fiber to be included in Whole Foods Market’s approved ingredient list

Chiber is a natural fiber extracted from white button mushrooms that extends the shelf life of food and beverage products It has been gaining traction in the food industry due to its natural origins and ability to help reduce food waste by improving the quality and freshness of products, according to Chinova

Whole Foods Market established a rigorous Quality Standards program that evaluates ever y ingredient used in the products sold in its stores This program ensures only approved ingredients are used and that ever y product meets the high standards of quality and safety that customers have come to expect from the

retailer

Chinova Bioworks provided detailed safety, processing and application data on Chiber Mushroom Extract to the Whole Foods Market review team Afterward, the ingredient was added on to the list as an acceptable ingredient

The over whelmingly positive results speak for themselves, with the ingredient featured in five listings: Chiber, mushroom fiber, mushroom derived fiber, white button mushroom fiber and white button mushroom derived fiber

“Chiber is transforming the food industry by providing a natural and effective solution for extending the shelf-life of food and beverage products,” said Natasha Dhayagude, CEO and co-founder of Chinova Bioworks “This milestone serves as a testament to Chinova’s commitment to providing innovative and sustainable in-

gredients to meet the ever-evolving needs of manufacturers and consumers ”

Using a patented eco-friendly process, Chinova Bioworks extracts a fiber from the upcycled stems of white button mushrooms to create a clean-label shelf-life extender easily incorporated into food and beverage products while providing broad spectrum protection against spoilage-causing microorganisms

Chiber is allergen-free, has no sensory impact and extends the shelf life of products without affecting taste, texture or appearance Approved for use in the United States, Canada and 70 other countries, Chiber is certified as vegan, Kosher and Halal and is organic and non-GMO compliant

“Whole Foods has been a trusted source for natural and organic products and we are proud to be the only natural and clean

label antimicrobial ingredient approved under their ingredient qualification program,” said David Brown, COO and cofounder of Chinova Bioworks “Chiber naturally meets their rigorous standards for transparent and healthy ingredients

“The approval of Chiber for use in Whole Foods stores provides food and beverage manufacturers with a clean-label solution to enhance the quality and freshness of their products, while increasing transparency and sustainability ”

Chiber Mushroom Extract is used across the food and beverage industry, including those in the beverage, bakery, plant-based meat and plant-based dairy industries

With the approval from Whole Foods Market, Chinova Bioworks is able to work with more food and beverage producers to make their products clean-label and acceptable for the important national retailer GN

SGS, Eezytrace Partner Up to Improve Food Safety Management in Foodser vice

SGS, a global testing, inspection and certification company and Eezytrace, which supports the food industr y by digitizing and automating on-site self-checks and safety processes, have partnered to improve food safety management in foodservice

“We are excited to announce a partnership with Eezytrace, an innovative software solution that powers data-driven risk management and helps digitize self-check procedures in the foodser vice industr y, ” said Aurelia Resines, global head of marketing, SGS “As the world’s leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services, we are committed to supporting food operators to improve food safety management around the world ”

D e s p i t e a d v a n c e s i n t h e u n d e r s t a n di n g o f f o o d b o r n e i l l n e s s e s a n d h y g i e n e p r a c t i c e s , f o o d re t a i l a n d s e r v i c e e s t a bl i s h m e n t s c o n t i n u e t o e x p e r i e n c e o u tb r e a k s c a u s e d b y i n c o n s i s t e n t f o o d h a n d l i n g b e h a v i o r s , R e s i n e s s a i d To e ns u re h y g i e n e a n d f o o d s a f e t y, c o m p a n i e s p e r f o r m re g u l a r i n s p e c t i o n s a t e a c h s i t e T h e i s s u e i s , e a c h i n s p e c t i o n i s o n l y o n e s n a p s h o t a t a s i n g l e t i m e a n d f a i l s t o g i v e a n a c c u r a t e v i e w o f s t a f f p r a c t i c e s , d a y a f t e r d a y

In light of the challenges encountered in the foodser vice and retail industr y, SGS Eezytrace combines digital technology with deep industry expertise, offering an integrated approach to food safety management By generating powerful data-dri-

ven insights allowing prioritized and targeted remediation, SGS Eezytrace enhances food safety and compliance management

SGS Eezytrace offers a digital platform to automate all control activities on site, reducing the complexity and time needed for numerous tasks The tool simplifies daily operations for staff, saving time so they can focus on safety-critical activities and improving the food safety culture

An advanced data analytics engine will track consistency of food safety practices and behaviors in daily operations The scoring algorithm allows for detection of sites lagging below standards, anticipation of negative trends and prioritization of resources

“Our collaboration with Eezytrace sets a new benchmark for excellence and efficiency in the food service and retail industry,” said Olivier Coppey, EVP health and nutrition at SGS “With this integrated solution, we can better support our clients in their food safety journey – from the detection of risks to the implementation of targeted improvement plans ”

“The data science scoring will protect both consumers and brand owners from health crises,” said Julien Gomez, general manager at Eezytrace “This innovative solution allows the automated analysis of thousands of daily data coming from operations and automatically detects behaviors that deviate from the quality standards set for the brand ” GN

Grocer y-Anchored Neighborhood Centers

Still in Strong Demand by Consumers

As consumer demand for necessity-based goods and ser vices remains high, groceryanchored neighborhood shopping centers w i l l t h r i v e , a c c o rd i n g t o o n e o f t h e n ation’s largest owners and operators of such centers

“We continue to see strong demand for space among growing retailers, which we believe is a reflection of their expectations for the impact – or lack thereof – that a down cycle will have on their performance, ” said Mike Conway, vice president of national accounts and retail partnerships at Phillips Edison & Company “Consumer demand for necessity-based goods and services continues to be strong, and so

does retailers’ demand for space in grocer y-anchored neighborhood shopping centers as they continue to expand Conway made his remarks as part of ICSC Las Vegas “ T h e m o s t a c t i v e c a t e g o r i e s c o n t i n u e t o b e m e d i c a l , q u i c k - s e r v e re s t a u r a n t s a n d h e a l t h a n d b e a u t y, ” C o n w a y s a i d “ We a re a l s o s e e i n g c o n s i s t e n t s t ro n g d em a n d a c ro s s a l l g e o g r a p h i c re g i o n s O n e e x a m p l e o f a g ro w i n g re t a i l e r w e a re e xcited about is Japanese dollar store Daiso, w h i c h i s r a p i d l y e x p a n d i n g a c ro s s t h e

U S ”

Daiso announced at the end of last year its intention to open 25 to 30 new loca-

tions across the United States The global cult favorite has made good on those plans with several store openings in the first quarter of 2023 that have driven significant consumer interest and round-theblock lines

In addition to the typical dollar store finds, Daiso offers a wide selection of products such as popular Asian snacks and housewares that can’t be found at competing retailers According to Daiso, it creates nearly all of its products in-house and refreshes its inventory with hundreds of new products monthly, capitalizing on the treasure hunt environments that have been successful for TJ Maxx, Marshalls and oth-

ers

A m o n g q u i c k - s e r v i c e re s t a u r a n t s ,

P E C O n o t e s t h a t S w e e t g re e n , Tr u e F o o d K i t c h e n , S a l a d & G o , D i g a n d Vi t a l i t y B o w l s a re h i g h l y a c t i v e i n s e e k i n g n e w l o c a t i o n s S o m e s t a r t e d a s u r b a n - n a t i v e b r a n d s i n t h e c e n t r a l b u s i n e s s d i s t r i c t s o f c i t i e s l i k e N e w Yo r k t o t a rg e t t h e w o r kd a y l u n c h c ro w d s H o w e v e r, a s re m o t e w o r k a n d s u b u r b a n m i g r a t i o n h a v e d r i v e n a s t ro n g s h i f t i n p o p u l a t i o n a n d d e m a n d o u t o f t h e u r b a n m a r k e t s , m a n y re t a i l e r s h a v e b e e n re f i n i n g t h e i r u r b a n f o o t p r i n t s a n d p r i o r i t i z i n g e x p a n s i o n a c ro s s s u b u r b a n n e i g h b o rh o o d s w i t h g ro w i n g p o p u l a t i o n s GN

Climate-Smart

Continued from PAGE 1

launch of the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture, which will mobilize investments and institutional support to scale agriculture and climate innovations globally by proposing mechanisms for encouraging innovation in climate, food security and agriculture Enterprise Neurosystem, a research community of leading academic institutions and chief scientists of America’s top technology companies, announced AgroSpace as the winner of the AIM for Climate Grand Challenge: Leveraging the Power of AI and Machine-Learning AgroSpace will get $5 million of in-kind resources to develop its project Revolutionizing Remote Sensing for Food Security from members of Enterprise Neurosystem The award includes a year of Kove Software Defined Memory and one-on-one access to the Enterprise Neurosystem team of experts and volunteers, who will provide assistance on their AI, data science, software and hardware projects

D u r i n g t h e c l o s i n g p l e n a r y, U S S e c ret a r y o f A g r i c u l t u re To m Vi l s a c k ; M a r i a m A l m h e i r i , m i n i s t e r o f C l i m a t e C h a n g e a n d E n v i ro n m e n t f o r t h e U n i t e d A r a b E m i r a t e s ; a n d A n d re w S o l l i n g e r, c h i e f e x e c u t i v e o f f i c e r o f F o re i g n P o l i c y, d i sc u s s e d g ro w t h o f t h e A I M f o r C l i m a t e i n i t i a t i v e a n d i m p o r t a n c e o f c o o rd i n at i o n , c o l l a b o r a t i n g a n d i n v e s t i n g i n c l im a t e - s m a rt a g r i c u l t u re a n d f o o d s y s t e m s i n n o v a t i o n

“This is a pivotal moment as we empower agriculture to be part of the solution to address the climate crisis,” Vilsack said “Time is short and coordination, collaboration and significant investment in research, development and innovation will help us to achieve more, faster and deploy much-needed innovations and market incentives into the hands of farmers “ T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s f u l l y a p p r e c i a t e s t h e p a r t n e r s w h o a re i n c re a s i n g i n v e s tm e n t i n c l i m a t e - s m a r t a g r i c u l t u r e a n d f o o d s y s t e m s i n n o v a t i o n , a n d t h e A I M f o r C l i m a t e S u m m i t i s a n i m p o rt a n t s t e p t o w a rd s s h a r i n g p r i o r i t i e s a n d a c t i o n s ,

Thank You

Continued from PAGE 1 taking someone for a coffee can make a real impact,” said Christina Meinl, managing director Austria “It shows the importance of taking time to show appreciation to loved ones and also work colleagues After

a s w e l l a s a l i g n i n g p r i o r i t i e s a n d o b j e ct i v e s a h e a d o f t h e C O P 2 8 U n i t e d N at i o n s C l i m a t e C h a n g e C o n f e r e n c e , ” Vi l s a c k s a i d

“These results give us optimism about the future of food in the world and encourage serious and tangible efforts to manage our agricultural and food systems in a way that aligns with our challenges and aspirations for the future,” Almheiri said “As the UAE prepares to host the COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference, we are keen to maintain momentum by leading discussions on the development of global agricultural systems

“Transforming food systems will be one of the main themes on the conference’s global agenda, within the framework of intensified efforts to update our global food systems and enhance their responsiveness to climate challenges, food security, and nutritional concerns around the world,” she said

Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn and Dr Saharah Moon Chapotin, executive director for the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, led a plenar y session focused on solutions rooted in partnerships and the critical role collaboration plays in addressing the biggest food, agriculture and climate challenges

“As we innovate around global food sec u r i t y, i t i s c r u c i a l t o i n c o r p o r a t e t h e i d e a s , k n o w l e d g e a n d c o n c e r n s o f c o mm u n i t y m e m b e r s w h o s e l i v e l i h o o d s a re d e r i v e d f ro m a g r i c u l t u re , ” S p a h n s a i d “ E v e n t h e m o s t i n n o v a t i v e s o l u t i o n s require behavior change and communities on the front lines of climate change often don’t have the kinds of safety nets necessar y to take risks

“Sustained change – at scale – will require deep engagement with those who are most impacted,” she said

Since AIM for Climate’s inception, partners have increased investment to more than $13 billion, launched 51 innovation sprints and expanded to more than 500 partners worldwide

UAE and the United States are collaborating with other global partners to address climate impact upon food systems, said Mohammed Alameeri, assistant under secretar y of the food diversity sector in the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and En-

all, we spend so much time with them –building strong relationships at work is what makes a good team and can have positive benefits for everyone involved

vironment Alameeri made his remarks in a keynote along with U S Sen U S Sen Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, stressing the importance of climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation to provide solutions for food insecurity and climate change

“In a region that experiences harsh heat, a lack of arable land and water scarcity, the UAE is taking action to overcome these obstacles by adopting advanced agricultural technologies that work with the local climate, rather than against it,” Alameeri said “Through the AIM for Climate, we are collaborating with the U S , and partners worldwide to tackle the climate impacts of food systems This collaboration aims to mobilize governments and the private sector to deliver innovative solutions that can enhance food security while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture

“We are proud to collaborate with the U S in this effort, and we look forward to highlighting the importance of agriculture innovation at COP28 in the UAE later this year, ” he said “COP28 will be an ideal platform to emphasize the significance of adopting the latest agri-tech as a solution to our global food security and climate change challenges We believe that this path will pave the way towards a more sustainable future for all ”

USDA Chief Scientist Chavonda JacobsYoung shared key USDA scientific breakthroughs at the summit

“Thanks to breakthrough research and innovation, we ’ ve been able to improve agricultural production and make progress on some of the world’s most complex challenges,” she said “Our groundbreaking research and development will be critical to achieving an agricultural enterprise that is inclusive, productive, profitable, sustainable and resilient

“Equitable access to science-based, datadriven information and innovative technologies is essential to creating a better world for us all ”

J a c o b s - Yo u n g p a r t i c i p a t e d i n a p a n e l t h a t i n c l u d e d o t h e r w o m e n l e a d e r s i n s c i e n c e – S a r a h K a p n i c k , c h i e f s c i e n t i s t f o r t h e N a t i o n a l O c e a n i c a n d A t m o sp h e r i c A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d I s m a h a n e E l o u a f i , c h i e f s c i e n t i s t f o r t h e F o o d a n d

coffeehouse culture is about taking time and enjoying the charming little moments in life, so this initiative is how we bring this to the world ”

A g r i c u l t u re O rg a n i z a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d

N a t i o n s S w e t a C h a k r a b o rt y, c h i e f e x e cu t i v e o f f i c e r N o r t h A m e r i c a o f t h e c l im a t e - f o c u s e d s o c i a l m e d i a n e t w o r k We D o n ’t H a v e Ti m e C h a k r a b o r t y e n c o u ra g e d s h a r i n g a u t h e n t i c s t o r i e s s o t h a t w o m e n i n s c i e n c e c a n a m p l i f y t h e i r v o i c e s i n a g r i c u l t u r a l p o l i c y m a k i n g a n d h e l p e n s u re d i v e r s e g e n d e r, a g e , e t h n i c a n d g e o g r a p h i c p e r s p e c t i v e s i n s h a p i n g c l i m a t e s o l u t i o n s

In another session, USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman also stressed the importance of including women in climate-smart policymaking

“USAID is proud of our commitment and contribution to the AIM for Climate initiative as ambitious investments in climate-smart agriculture and food systems are critical to ensure future security in a warming planet,” she said, “and we ’ re seeing real progress But we also must make sure we ’ re putting women at the heart of our work

“When women have the tools to succeed, they reinvest in their families and communities, creating a multiplier effect that promotes wellbeing, prosperity and stability ”

The summit also included a keynote from Ertharin Cousin, former executive director of the U N World Food Programme, who focused on climate-smart solutions for farms

“To realize a more sustainable food system, our food must be grown and transported using more effective and climate-smart methods,” Cousin said “That means expanding farmers’ access to better seeds and tools that will more efficiently increase the quality and quantity of their yields, increasing the use of climatesmart agricultural practices like precision agriculture and investing in regenerative agriculture systems that will address the significant effects of climate change on our food systems

“We have a real opportunity to take preemptive action to transform our agricultural practices and support a more equitable, sustainable food system that ensures environmental and human health as well as a financial return for our farmers and all actors across the food system,” Cousin said GN

“Say Thank You” to someone of their choosing, whether that’s a colleague or loved one, with the gift of a complimentary cup of Julius Meinl coffee

Grocer y Shoppers

Continued from PAGE 1

“Our own team philosophy at Julius Meinl is to create meaningful moments in each other’s lives, and that’s exactly what our ‘Say Thank You’ initiative aims to do with every cup of coffee ser ved Vienna’s

m e n t t h a t g o e s b e y o n d t h e t r a d i t i o n a l p r i c e - t o - q u a n t i t y r a t i o D e m o g r a p h i c e xp l o r a t i o n s w i t h i n t h e re p o rt re v e a l e d , f o r e x a m p l e : At 62 percent, millennials increasingly say they prefer to minimize food waste by buying only what they need, a strategy that speaks to relevance

C o n v e n i e n c e a n d a p l e a s i n g s h o p p i n g e x p e r i e n c e a re a l s o k e y d r i v e r s o f v a l u e f o r y o u n g e r s h o p p e r s : 4 7 p e rc e n t o f m i llennials say that they are willing to spend m o re m o n e y t o a v o i d s h o p p i n g a t m u l t i -

Julius Meinl aims to inspire more “thank yous ” and moments of kindness with its premium coffee in its annual initiative For every coffee ordered at participating outlets, coffee lovers will receive a voucher to

p l e s t o re s , w h i l e 5 0 p e rc e n t s a y t h e y would spend more to shop at more pleasant stores, compared to just 16 percent of B a b y B o o m e r s w h o e x p re s s t h o s e s e n t im e n t s

Younger shoppers are also more willing to buy the best quality items regardless of price Fifty-two percent of millennials and 42 percent of Gen Z-ers express that sentiment, compared to just 22 percent of Baby Boomers A m o n g t h e 7 5 p e rc e n t o f s h o p p e r s e x -

p re s s i n g c o n c e r n w i t h r i s i n g f o o d p r i c e s ,

t w o s t r a t e g i e s a re b e i n g u t i l i z e d c o n s i st e n t l y a c ro s s a l l i n c o m e l e v e l s – i nc re a s e d d e a l s e e k i n g a n d 4 1 p e rc e n t o f s h o p p e r s w h o a re p u rc h a s i n g m o re s t o re b r a n d s “ T h e re i s a p e rc e p t i o n t h a t s h o p p i n g i n - s t o re i s t h e b e s t m e t h o d f o r g e t t i n g g o o d v a l u e , ” S a r a s i n s a i d “ T h i s b e l i e f i s s h a re d a c ro s s a l l g e n e r a t i o n s , a l t h o u g h y o u n g e r s h o p p e r s a re m o re f l e x i b l e a n d m o re l i k e l y t o s e e v a l u e i n b o t h o n l i n e a n d i n - s t o re s h o p p i n g , d e p e n d i n g o n t h e s i t u a t i o n ” GN

In one year, the Julius Meinl “Say Thank You” initiative inspired more than 250,000 “thank yous ” in more than 20 countries It launched for a second year at participating outlets in May GN a n d a l s o t h a t t h e n o t i o n o f v a l u e i t s e l f h a s b e c o m e a n i n c re a s i n g l y m o re c o mp l e x , s u b j e c t i v e , a n d e v e n p e r s o n a l c a lc u l a t i o n ” W h i l e s h o p p e r s s a y t h a t g e t t i n g g o o d v a l u e i s a p r i o r i t y a c ro s s a l l i n c o m e a n d d e m o g r a p h i c l e v e l s , y o u n g e r s h o p p e r s a re c l e a r l y d r i v i n g t h e s h i f t i n g d e f i n i t i o n o f v a l u e t o w a rd a m o re h o l i s t i c m e a s u re -

Stonewall Kitchen’s 2023 Holiday Collection

The specialty food makers at Stonewall Kitchen are sweetening up the holidays with a few of their favorite things – gift sets, that is! This year ’ s collection debuts with beautiful, timeless designs exclusively created by their in-house team

Decked out with festive greenery and traditional plaids aplenty, these pretty presents are sure to be a joyful sight under the tree

Take the Classic Jam Collection: bursting with merr y berr y flavor, these three

popular spreads elevate breakfast staples like toast, pastries, oatmeal and more Elegantly packaged in a white box featuring green-and-red vintage tartan, this ready-togive gift is great for family and friends both near and far

And, while the holidays are certainly a time of giving, they are also a time of gathering Finding the right hostess gift can be difficult, but Stonewall Kitchen takes the guesswork out of picking the perfect present with delightful combinations such as their

Yerb aé Lemonade and Yuzu Lime

Arizona-based Yerbaé Brands Corp has released two flavors that are on trend:

Lemonade and Yuzu

Lime

Lemonade is a classic summer favorite, while Yuzu Lime brings a unique, refreshing citrus twist to the line of beverages

Yerbaé’s plant-based functional beverages are designed to be simple, clean and delicious with minimal ingredients that provide a boost of energy and a refreshing taste In addition to Lemonade and Yuzu Lime, Yerbaé offers a range of other flavors, including Black Cherry

Bonne Maman Hazelnut Cho colate Spread

Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread is made with simple non-GMO ingredients, without any artificial flavors and no palm oil With generous amounts of hazelnuts and a smooth, creamy texture, the spread delivers a delicious taste that everyone will love!

Packaged in an embossed Bonne Maman glass jar, Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread is ideal for snacking, spreading or as an ingredient in recipes

It is available online and at select retailers nationwide this August Suggested retail

Pineapple and Mango Passionfruit

Har nessing the power of nature, Yerbaé’s celebrity ingredient, yerba mate, is known to produce 196 different vitamins, minerals and nutrients that also produces caffeine All Yerbaé energy beverages are zero calorie, zero sugar, non-GMO and gluten free

Yerbaé has expanded into 131 outlets of a large club store chain across 18 states

Yerbaé www yerbae com

Cheese Pairing Collection, Bloody Mary Collection and Salsa Collection Not only are they a delicious addition to any food table, but the beautiful packaging makes each one an ideal grab-andgo option when parties start to pop up

Finally, don’t forget about sweet treats, a favorite part of any meal! From gingerbread houses to candy cane cookies, the holidays are filled with sugary delights –and there’s no better way to finish off homemade creations than with the duo of

best-selling sauces featured in their Dessert Sauce Collection Thoughtfully packaged in a plaid box featuring a wintery pinecone design, this gorgeous gift recalls the cozy comforts of the season

With so many fun options to choose from, Stonewall Kitchen’s 2023 gift giving collection is sure to spread holiday cheer to all

For more information, visit www stonewallkitchen com GN

Jake’s Nut Ro asters Single-S er ve Snack Packs

Jake, a fourth-generation member of the Jasper family, is proud to continue the farming traditions of his great-grandfather that have been passed down for over 75 years Since 1948, a commitment to quality and innovation has propelled many fine Jasper Specialty Foods products into the hands of healthconscious almond lovers around the world

Jake’s Nut Roasters is a creative line of specialty almond snacks with distinctively bold and unique flavors that include Bleu Cheese Cracked Pepper, Bloody Mary, Mesquite Smoked, Hatch Chile, Maple, Barbecue, Buffalo and Brine & Dill

New to the Jake’s 7-ounce can lineup are its single-serve 1 5-ounce snack packs, available in its most popular flavors, including Bleu Cheese Cracked Pepper, Bloody Mary, Mesquite Smoked and Buffalo These packs are the perfect snacks to throw in your lunch bag or an easy grab on your way out the door

Beech-Nut Dino Biscuits

price is $6 49 for an 8 8-ounce jar; $8 49 for a 12 7-ounce jar

Bonne Maman www.bonnemaman.us

Stonewall Kitchen Pickle S alsa

Pickle fans, salsa this way! Known for their exceptional array of specialty foods, the flavor experts at Stonewall Kitchen set out to craft a perfectly unexpected pairing for salty tortilla chips The result? Their Pickle Salsa, a daring dip that’s crunchy and zesty with a vinegar punch

Rated at medium heat for a just-right kick, this can’t-resist condiment starts with a spicy tomato base that then gets a sour spin from the addition of a delightful dill relish Meticulously crafted from highquality, gluten free ingredients, it will quickly become a crowd pleaser at any fiesta

From Taco Tuesdays to weekend brunch gatherings, there are plenty of

ways to enjoy this fantastic find Your customers will love using it to top off favorites like breakfast ques a d i l l a s , cheesy nachos, wholesome rice bowls and juicy burgers

Stonewall Kitchen

www stonewallkitchen com

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company has reinvented another favorite snack designed just for toddlers: Dino Biscuits with Hidden Veggies and Dino Biscuits with Prebiotics These new biscuits are made with fruits, veggies and whole grains with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Young kids will discover their favorite herbivore dinosaur shapes including triceratops, stegosaurus and brachiosaurus in each bag This stage 4 snack is ideal for toddlers 12 months and up and is a great alternative to other treats available to kids

Dino Biscuits, available in a 5-ounce resealable bag, come in two varieties:

•Dino Biscuits with Hidden Veggies in Pumpkin & Cinnamon and Butter nut Bliss

•Dino Biscuits with Prebiotics in Ba-

These almonds are, in fact, “Straight from Jake’s Orchard” showcasing the company’s vertical integration and commitment to sustainable growing practices Jake’s almonds provide an unparalleled snacking experience and make eating this healthy snack both fun and satisfying! Produced in a dedicated peanutfree facility, these premium Califor nia almonds are dry roasted and seasoned in small batches to deliver exceptional quality Almonds are an essential plant-based snacking alter native providing numerous health benefits with key protein, vitamins and minerals, which should always be part of a healthy diet

For more information about Jake’s distinctive flavors, email, call or visit online

Jasper Specialty Foods

800 255 1641

www.jasperspecialtyfoods.com

www jakesnutroasters com

nana Yogurt and Blueberry Yogurt

Dino Biscuits with Hidden Veggies contain veggies in every bite: pumpkin, butter nut squash and carrots Dino Biscuits with Prebiotics are baked with fruit and

yogurt for a delicious taste combination

Both Hidden Veggies and Prebiotic varieties are Non-GMO (made with ingredients that are not genetically modified) and have 9g and 10g of whole grains per serving, respectively

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company www beechnut com

S ensational Cream S auces in Stonewall Kitchen’s 2023 July Launch

The fine food creators at Stonewall Kitchen are passionate about crafting quality condiments that ser ve to elevate any dish Thanks to their expertise, your customers can bring worldly flavors to a wide range of mealtime favorites with three new cream sauces Made in Italy using only the finest ingredients, each one is cold processed for a superior taste in every bite

First is the new Truffle Alfredo Sauce Rich, decadent and earthy, black truffles add new savor y depth to Stonewall

Kitchen’s version of this luxuriously creamy classic It will bring a smooth, umami bite to anything it’s tossed with –from freshly made fettuccine to slowcooked risotto, just to name a few Your customers will even love using it as a dipping sauce for soft breadsticks or Parmesan-dusted rolls

Up next is the Cacio e Pepe Sauce An iconic Roman dish, cacio e pepe translates to “cheese and pepper, ” the two main ingredients behind this simple yet sophisti-

Alpine Star t Over Stoker

Alpine Start, the leading provider of instant coffee for outdoor adventures, has launched its first whole bean coffee: Over Stoker, which is 100 percent Fair Trade Certified and medium roasted This organic blend

of South American and African beans is packed with the perfect balance of cocoa, caramel and a whole lot of psyche

W i t h T h e O v e r S t o k e r, e n j o y a d e l ic i o u s a n d e t h i c a l l y s o u rc e d c u p o f c o ff e e t h a t n o t o n l y t a s t e s g re a t , b u t h e l p s m a k e a d i ff e re n c e i n t h e w o r l d A s a F a i r Trade Certified product, The Over Stoker s u p p o r t s s a f e w o r k i n g c o n d i t i o n s , s u stainable livelihoods and empowers farme r s t o i m p ro v e t h e i r c o m m u n i t i e s

The Over Stoker is available in 12ounce whole bean bags ($15 99)

Alpine Start www.alpinestartfoods.com

The Supplant Comp any Grain & Stalk Flour

The Supplant Company debuted its second ingredient offering, Supplant Grain & Stalk Flour

The flour contains sustainable ingredients from the “forgotten half of the harvest” – underutilized agricultural sidestreams including cor n cobs, oat hulls and wheat straw

Supplant Grain & Stalk Flour is an innovative flour blend that utilizes more of the wheat plant, deriving matter from both the grain, which is typically used, and the stalk, which is typically not Supplant

Grain & Stalk Flour performs in baked goods, pasta and other flour-based products, maintaining texture and taste while offering fewer calories and more fiber than regular flour

An alter native to regular refined wheat flour, which is stripped of most fiber, Supplant Grain & Stalk Flour utilizes both the grain and the stalk to deliver over six times more fiber, an important macronutrient that 95 percent of Americans need

The Supplant Company www. supplant.com

Cup cake Vineyards Citruskissed Pinot Grigio

Cupcake Vineyards has released Citruskissed Pinot Grigio from the sun-drenched vineyards of Califor nia

This crisp, mediumbodied and fruit-forward wine comes with prominent notes of lime and lemon zest Intensely refreshing and best served chilled, this new varietal is the perfect wine to celebrate the start of spring

Citruskissed Pinot Grigio is made by combining grapes grown in California’s warmer climates with those in cooler climates to increase ripeness and retain bracing acidity, resulting in a more intense flavor profile

Cupcake Citruskissed Pinot Grigio is available nationwide in 750ml bottles with a MSRP of $12 99

CupcakeVineyards

www.cupcakevineyards.com

cated offering It delivers a creamy, subtle kick to any dish where pasta is the centerpiece Plus, it’s an ideal choice for perking up h o m e m a d e recipes such as pizza bianca

Last but certainly not least is the new Mushroom Cream Sauce Often described as “meaty” in both taste and texture, mushrooms like shiitake and porcini varieties add a hearty flavor to this pantry staple Featuring a subtle, earthy bite, it brings a savor y element to meats like

sautéed chicken or serves as a delicious addition to pasta dishes like layered lasagna and cheesy ravioli

Perfect for seasonal gatherings, these exquisite essentials complement Stonewall Kitchen’s other Italian-inspired products With a lineup of sauces that range from garlicky marinara to basil pesto to butternut squash, they have ever ything your customers need for lending international flair to pastas, flatbreads and so much more For more information, visit www stonewallkitchen com GN

Perry Extra Indulgent Pints

Eighty percent of ice cream users want indulgent experiences, especially in the super-premium category, according to a 2022 Raymond James report Upstate New York’s top ice cream brand is ready for the challenge with an extraindulgent pint line

This rich, creamy, c h u c k - f u l l - o f - s t u f f recipe brings heightened luxury to beloved consumer favorites Perry’s full lineup includes 13 extra-indulgent ice cream flavors, and one unique sherbet

Stonewall Kitchen

Spicy Mango Hot S auce

T h e f i n e f o o d c re a t o r s a t S t o n e w a l l Kitchen are experts at crafting can’t-resist condiments from quality ingredients for a tantalizing taste in every bite Here t o b r i n g t h e h e a t i s t h e i r n e w S p i c y M a n g o H o t S a u c e , a p a r a d i s e - w o r t h y p i c k t h a t ’s b r i g h t , b o l d a n d t o t a l l y i r resistible

It all starts with the perfect pairing of flavors: sweet mangoes come together with fiery jalapeños in this sauce sensation A wonderfully balanced product, it boasts a just-right kick complemented by fruity, tropical notes Gluten free and non-GMO,

Cedar’s Fo o ds Organic

Golden Hour Hommus

Cedar’s Foods, the leading Mediterranean food brand in the natural and organic space, has launched its Organic Grecian Golden Hour Hommus

The zesty hommus, which is available at select Whole Foods stores nationwide, consists of a lemon and oregano base, with a chickpea, herb and red pepper topping The hints of oregano throughout are packed with flavor and really add an extra Mediterranean kick It’s the perfect addition to a charcuterie board or picnic spread

Cedar’s Foods

www.cedarsfoods.com

The increased butterfat makes for a smoother, creamier, more indulgent ice cream that’s packed with all the “good stuff” Perry’s is known for From chunky brownie dough bites and decadent sea salt truffles to thick chocolate frosting and salty caramel swirls, there’s no shortage of “wow, this is good” after every bite

Perr y’s Ice Cream www perr ysicecream com

it’s the kind of devilish drizzle your customers can feel good about

Sure to become a flaming favorite for all kinds of dishes, it will add a touch of island flavor to fluffy scrambled eggs, fried fish tacos, grilled chicken, slow-cooked pork and so much more

Stonewall Kitchen

www stonewallkitchen com

OPS Educational Session Addresses ‘Shifting Organic Assortment at Retail’

As inflation and rising costs have affected organic sales over the past year, producers and retailers are seeking new ways and opportunities to grow sales The “Shifting Organic Assortment at Retail” will be the subject of the fifth-announced educational session at Organic Produce Summit 2023, featuring an exclusive analysis of organic fresh produce sales through the first half of this year, an examination of how con-

sumer purchasing behavior is changing and an exploration of opportunities to drive sales in an inflationary environment

Moderated by Tom Barnes, CEO of Categor y Partners, panelists for the session will include Scott Dray, global buyer for Walmart, and Greg Veneziano, vice president of perishables for Bozzuto’s Barnes will kick off the session with an over view of organic fresh produce sales

ACS Cheese Competition Draws Hundreds of Entries

The largest judging and competition of its kind for American-made cheeses, the American Cheese Society Judging & Competition, took place in May at the Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis This is the second year that the ACS Judging & Competition will be held separately from the annual ACS conference in July, shining a spotlight on the importance of this event

“We are thrilled to have a consistent home for the American Cheese Society Judging & Competition in Minneapolis,” said Tara Holmes, executive director “This beautiful city, with its rich histor y of cheese-making, provides the perfect backdrop for this principal event

“We look for ward to continuing to showcase the talents and hard work of cheesemakers in the wonderful Minneapolis community for years to come ”

Minneapolis provided an ideal center country location for the wide range of expert judges to come together for last year ’ s

Judging & Competition event and ACS is very excited to return

More than 1,400 American-made cheeses in 131 categories were judged by a panel of experts, in hopes of being crowned the coveted Best of Show This year ’ s competition brought together cheeses and cultured dairy products from more than 200 companies and producers, showcasing the talents and work of cheesemakers from the United States, Canada and the Americas as leaders within the international cheese industry

The ACS Judging & Competition not only celebrates the craft of cheesemaking, but provides cheesemakers invaluable sales, marketing, technical and sensor y feedback from the judges to help them to produce higher-quality product

Winners of the ACS Judging & Competition will be announced and celebrated at the Awards Ceremony during the ACS 2023 Annual Conference, held this month in Des Moines GN

Emerging Brands Alliance Offers $50K Grant to Winning Brand

For companies scaling their brands to the next level, the Emerging Brands Alliance will award a $50,000 grant this September to one brand

The alliance said it is an opportunity to receive funding for the purchase of processing or packaging machinery that could transform manufacturing operations such as filling machinery, labeling system or automating part of the line

Applications are open and will close July 31 Finalists will be notified in August

To be eligible for the Emerging Brands Grant, applicants must produce and distribute a consumer packaged good in the United States and/or Canada with annual revenues of at least $1 million but not more than $20 million

The winner will be announced Sept 10 at the Emerging Brands Summit in Las Vegas

The Emerging Brands Grant program is funded by the Emerging Brands Alliance, a platform providing year-round education, community support and growth opportunities to high-growth brands looking to scale their manufacturing operations

Emerging Brands Summit 2023 is a one-

day event on Sept 10, prior to the start of PACK EXPO, designed for fast-growing emerging brands seeking to scale their manufacturing operations Hear directly from brands like Petal Sparkling Beverages, Simple Mills and Mason Dixie, who’ve successfully scaled through both contract and in-house manufacturing Expert advisors with decades of CPG experience (from the likes of P&G, Kraft Heinz, Del Monte, Nestle and more) will be available for discussions about operations, along with suppliers eager to work with emerging brands

In addition to the main stage, attendees will have a choice between two concurrent breakout sessions providing additional educational programming throughout the day Attendees may browse the digital marketplace to discover resources before, during and after the event

through the first six months of 2023, analyzing the price gap between conventional and organic produce, geographic differences and the performance of specific organic commodities The retail panelists will discuss the changing grocer y landscape of the organic fresh produce category, with an overview of consumer trends and an exploration of future opportunities for growth

“This session will not be one to miss if your company has any organic products in a retail store,” said Barnes “I am excited to discuss the change in demand and consumer behavior toward organic produce with Scott and Greg and hear how suppliers can potentially pivot their organic assortment to meet these changes ”

The announcement of this data-driven educational session completes the OPS 2023 educational program Other ed session topics for OPS 2023 include sustainability, the growing importance of CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture), the power of plants, and new organic rules and regulations

OPS 2023 is a two-day event designed to bring together organic fresh produce growers, shippers and processors with retailers and buying organizations from across North America The seventh annual event will be held July 12-13 at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, Calif

“I am excited to discuss the change in demand and consumer behavior toward organic produce with Scott and Greg and hear how suppliers can potentially pivot their organic assortment to meet these changes,” Barnes said

Also slated for OPS 2023 are a pair of keynote presentations In the first keynote, Divert’s co-founder and CEO Ryan Begin will discuss his company ’ s leading role in addressing the human and environmental crises created by food waste in a TED Talkstyle presentation, “Protecting the Value of Food: Learning to Value Food at All Stages of Its Lifecycle – From Seed to Wasted Food to Renewable Energy ”

The second keynote is the “Retailer Roundtable: What Lies Ahead for Fresh Produce and Grocery Marketing,” featuring leadership from three of the nation’s most progressive retailers Panelists include Abhi Ramesh, founder and CEO of Misfits Market; Sonya Constable, vice president of produce for Sprouts Farmers Market; and Daniel Bell, director of produce for Grocery Outlet

OPS 2023 also includes a selection of field tours for qualified retailers and buyers, a gala opening night reception and a sold-out trade show floor featuring more than 170 producers and processors of organic fresh produce from across North America and the globe GN

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