New packaging for fresh organic ginger benefitting retailers and consumers is now available from Frunature LLC in Pompano Beach, FL. The "Pillow Pack" protects the product from damage and addresses consumers' food safety and sanitation concerns. "Since the pandemic, we have seen a huge change in consumption and interest in the benefits of fresh organic ginger," says Peter A. Warren, U.S. sales representative for Frunature. "Yet, most ginger is displayed loosely meaning significant consumer handling which leads to damage, breakage and higher shrink."
In a post-Covid world, shoppers are also increasingly concerned about sanitation. "We're seeing a trend toward more packaged items in produce since consumers feel it is safer and want a no-touch product. It's also more convenient," says Warren.
A look at the Pillow Pack.
The package serves multiple needs. "We developed this packaging based on the needs of the ginger, the needs of the consumer, and the needs of the retailer," says Aldo Ramirez, owner and managing director of Frunature and owner of its sister company, Peruvian grower/exporter Nativa Organics SAC. "We wanted something that would look good, be planet friendly, be consumer friendly, and retailer useful, but most importantly be good for the ginger."
The company recently presented the Pillow Pack at the Organic Produce Summit in Monterey and received a positive response from the industry. "It was the most innovative new product at the show," says Ramirez. "It is a sustainable packaging option, made from a paper/plastic combination. It's the most eco-friendly composition we could find. The package is designed for ideal quality control as well with micro-perforations to help avoid too much condensation, allowing the product to stay fresh in the refrigerator or out."
L-R: Peter Warren and Aldo Ramirez
The packaging also presents a unique merchandising opportunity. "There is plenty of marketing space on the package to call attention to attributes, nutrition, recipes, or other merchandising information," says Warren. "It should also be more attractive for retailers to position in their produce departments."
The new packaging is currently in use on fresh organic ginger from Peru, packed at its origin in various sizes depending on customer request. "We will also be offering turmeric from Peru in the next few months in this same type of packaging and we are looking at a garlic format as well," says Warren. "For foodservice, we have a presentation called Air Pack which is a recyclable RPC-like plastic box with impeccable ventilation. An added benefit to Air Pack is the end user can repurpose the case for other things. We envision chefs will love to utilize these white crates for storage."
For more information:
Peter Warren
Frunature LLC
Tel: +1 (954) 256-4720
[email protected]
https://frunature.com/