The Product Marketing Association's (PMA's) Foodservice Conference and Exposition, held between 25-27 July in Newark, US, saw two groups awarded with prizes for innovation in the fresh produce industry.
From five finalists, Nunhems USA was recognised for its Intense Tomato, a new hybrid seed variety developed for the foodservice industry that retains moisture and holds its seeds in place, reducing waste. It is the second major innovation award the product has picked up this year after winning the Fruit Logistica 2008 innovation award.
Fresh Origins' Petite Edamame also picked up an award for offering good taste while being just-germinated, retaining its tenderness.
'If they share anything in common, it is that they're uniquely uncommon,' said PMA president Bryan Silbermann of the products. 'It is this type of product innovation that gets the foodservice industry's attention and opens the door to putting more produce on the menu.
Other finalists in the contest were Colourful Harvest's Rainbow Carrot, Earthbound farms' 18-count Heirloom Lettuce, and Fresh Innovations' Wrap Me Ups!.
Meanwhile, the PMA announced the appointment of its foodservice board of directors for 2008/09, to support board chairman David Gill of Gill Onions. 'These leaders will help us develop and expand our programming to increase the use of `produce in foodservice to benefit consumers, operators and the produce industry alike,' Mr Silbermann.
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