Just like in previous years, the Fresh Ideas Showcase was part of IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show again. It showed the latest innovations in product development and consumer trends, and FreshPlaza put them together in one photo report.
The focus on sustainable packaging and sustainable labeling continue, and at-home compostable packaging is a key part of that, with the reduction of waste in mind. Alongside the trend of waste reduction, shelf-life extension technologies are increasingly making their way into the produce world with different technologies, but all focused on keeping produce fresh longer. To allow consumers to eat produce at the right time, a non-destructive avocado ripeness checker was launched. Ripeness checkers have been available at the grower level but are now making a shift to the consumer level as well.
Click here for the photo report.
In terms of product development, the share of organic is still increasing, and so is the focus on convenience. Snacking items that are easy to take with you to school, work, or sports. In addition, a number of CEA companies introduced new products like salad kits and greenhouse-grown melons, and innovation in the indoor berry segment is also still expanding. With an explosion in demand, there seems to be room to continue to add greenhouse-grown produce varieties to the category.