With just a few days to go until Fresh Summit kicks off, most of the preparation work has been done for exhibitors. “We’ve had a lot of fun preparing for a completely different type of show,” says Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing with Mucci Farms. With a fully digital platform, the main focus has been centered around content creation for a virtual experience. “We worked extremely hard to recreate a realistic experience for attendees that stop by our trade show booth.” Visitors will find themselves digitally walking through Mucci Farms’ booth and can click on various hotspots and interactive stations for info. “Each clickable panel is loaded with multimedia that provides insights on our company, the advantages of working with us, and new products and packaging.”
Mucci Farms has been a supporter, sponsor and exhibitor with PMA for roughly two decades. “When the PMA announced the event was going virtual, we never questioned exhibiting,” shared Emily. In fact, the company is hopeful this virtual format will allow for an increased number of attendees. “Many smaller companies may not have the resources to attend a traditional in-person shows, so with the all-digital format we’re hoping to reach a large segment of first-timers.”
Packaging innovation
Traditionally, Mucci Farms participates in the Fresh Ideas Showcase and this year is no exception. Several new products are ready to make their appearance. One of the main featured items is the company’s award-winning Paper Top Seal package. “It was recognized for Packaging Innovation at CPMA earlier this year,” commented Emily. “This package addresses a global effort to reduce plastic by replacing the existing lidding film with a paper film, effectively converting the entire package to 100 percent fully recyclable.” Also focusing on plastics reduction is the Cucumber Paper Band. “With an emphasis on maximizing our sustainability efforts, this paper band helps us reduce the plastic on our cucumber club pack.”
Award-winning Paper Top Seal.
New products
In addition to packaging innovation, two new products will be featured in the Fresh Ideas Showcase. “Zukies Mini Zucchini is an Italian mini zucchini and it’s special because it is greenhouse grown and can be eaten raw, two unique elements.” Another new product on display will be Teeny-Tiny Smuccies, bite size strawberries. Building off the success of the award-winning Smuccies™ Strawberries, these smaller family members are a big hit with kids. “They are a perfect healthy snack or salad topper,” Emily said.
Zukies and Teeny-Tiny Smuccies.
Greenhouse education and expansion
While ‘walking’ through Mucci’s booth, attendees will learn more about the company’s year-round growing program. A primary focus at this year’s show will be to educate attendees on our ‘GreenhouseGrown365’ Winter Program that is supported by the largest acreage of Lit Culture, also known as grow lights. “These lights allow us to maximize local and regional production during the winter months, permitting several varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce to be grown locally and regionally 365 days per year,” said Danny Mucci, President of Mucci Farms. In addition to improved efficiencies, year-round production will also help meet increasing consumer demand for greenhouse grown produce. “To meet the growing demand, we are making large investments in US expansion which began with our 75-acre Ohio project,” Danny commented. Two-thirds have been completed with the final 25-acre phase under construction and ready for harvest in 2021. “We are also building two new warehouse distribution facilities in Michigan and Texas to increase efficiencies, reduce food miles, and reduce our impact on the environment.”
Make sure to walk through Mucci Farms’ virtual booth next week and while exploring, look for the ‘golden leaf’ for a chance to win an Apple Watch.
For more information:
Ajit Saxena
Mucci Farms
Tel: (+1) 519-326-8881
asaxena@muccifarms.com
www.muccifarms.com