Fresh Ideas: In search of the new

In its May issue, Fresh Cut took a look 10 years down the road and asked industry leaders to predict what the fresh-cut processing line of the future might look like. With our June issue, it’s time to look forward once again.

Looking ahead is the most appropriate orientation for the fresh-cut industry. Failing to look forward means obsolescence. That’s why we’re all getting ready to participate in a fresh produce convention and not a gathering of typewriter or eight-track tape manufacturers.

Of course, the convention we’re gearing up for is the United Fresh show, the annual smorgasbord of networking, education and innovation for the fresh produce industry. This year, the dinner table will be even larger with the co-location of United Fresh with the annual Food Marketing Institute show.

In this issue, we feature nominees for United’s New Products Awards that have ties with fresh-cut. Learn more about the food safety nominees on Page 6 and about another grouping of nominees with direct ties to the fresh-cut sector on Page 10. One of those nominees, the innovative fresh-cut peach and nectarine product called Woot Froot, gets the spotlight, starting on Page 16. Other special events at United Fresh are highlighted on Page 14, including the opportunity to hear from someone who just could be the new president of the United States.

To learn more about another new series of innovative products – including Tajin-flavored cherries and dried fruit, see the feature on Stoneridge Orchards starting on Page 26. For the latest food safety developments in two important areas, get up to speed on the status of the Produce Traceability Initiative (Page 24) and the importance of risk analysis and sanitary design of fresh-cut processing plants (Rudi Groppe’s “Cutting Edge column in Page 28).

Our cover story, starting on Page 20, outlines how a mixture of the new (sorting technology) and the eternal (the human eye) combine to ensure a robust produce inspection system.

Look for reports from United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association’s Tech Knowledge gathering in upcoming issues of Fresh Cut.

Lee Dean, editorial director


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