Product innovations always play a key role at CPMA’s annual convention. Although the organization can’t hold its annual event that was scheduled for this week, it does have a Virtual New Product Showcase. Companies who had initially planned on exhibiting were given the opportunity to submit their new products. “We were allowed to either submit up to four images or one video for each of our submissions,” says Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing at Mucci Farms. “We have a fantastic in-house team with the capability to produce high quality animated videos, so we thought that would have a the most impact in a digital setting.” Mucci’s videos along with the submissions from other companies were posted on the CPMA website as well as the organization’s social channels where judges from Canadian retail chains could grade them. The new products were judged in the first week of May and the winners will be announced this Wednesday, May 13.
There are four product categories and Mucci Farms submitted an entry for each category. In the group Best New Product, the company presented its Zingers Shishito Peppers. “They are mild finger-length peppers that are rapidly growing in popularity. The peppers have a unique twist as 1 in 10 are spicy, making it a constant game of roulette!”
In the category Packaging Innovation, the company proposed Paper Top Seal packaging. Last year, Mucci Farms won several awards for its new cardboard packaging. “Now, we are doubling down on sustainability with an innovative solution to replace the top seal film with a paper film,” said Murracas. “As a result, the entire package including both the PET tray and the paper seal is 100% recyclable.”
Mucci Farms new Paper Top Seal packaging on the left and to the right is Emily Murracas.
In the category Snackable, Teeny Tiny SmucciesTM are being launched. They are a bite-sized version of the company’s award-winning greenhouse grown strawberries. “It’s the same great flavour grown in the same exceptional greenhouse environment, but smaller in size.”
Within the Organics category, Organic Cucumbers were submitted. “With demand on the rise, this year, we have significantly expanded our organic cucumber program by adding more acreage at our Kingsville, Ontario location along with additional partner growers.”
Recognition for essential workers
“We are glad the CPMA moved forward with a virtual New Product Showcase. Despite the circumstances, we are fortunate to have the luxury of technology so we can show the industry what we’ve been working on. We continue to do everything within our capability to provide our customers with new healthy products and packaging.” Most of the team is working from home and ensuring that business continues in as normal a fashion as possible. “We have a great deal of essential workers here at our farms and warehouses, making sure that product is being grown, picked and shipped with our high standards of care. We appreciate how well they have adjusted to some new rules and regulations recommended to us by Public Health Officials and we’ve implemented some great incentive programs to further recognize them for their dedication and commitment. This unique time has given everybody an opportunity to truly appreciate front line staff and we couldn’t be prouder of our team.”
For more information:
Ajit Saxena
Mucci Farms
Tel: (+1) 519-326-8881
asaxena@muccifarms.com
www.muccifarms.com