Viva Fresh Expo Announces Gateway To Innovation Awards Finalists

Mission, Texas: The Viva Fresh Expo, hosted by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), announces the category finalists for the first annual Gateway to Innovation Awards.  The purpose of these awards is to further expand on what is happening in the Tex-Mex produce corridor, and recognize this region’s excellence in areas like packaging design, new product development, food safety, machinery, software, and technology.

“We received a fantastic response for a first-year award program,” remarked Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of TIPA.  “The category finalists and winners will be prominently displayed outside the exhibit hall on Saturday, April 7 starting at 8:00am so attendees will be able to view the region’s best products or services in the award category areas as they head to the show floor. We’ve created a unique and original display as a ‘wow’ moment for the Expo.” 

The contest was open to all Viva Fresh exhibitors.  Category finalists and winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of retail, foodservice, and produce industry veterans based on a strict set of criteria.

2018 Gateway to Innovation Award Finalists include:

Most Innovative Fruit Product:

• Marvelous Jackfruit as Meat Substitute from Cabefruit Produce LLC  (Booth 97)
• Mission Minis (Conventional and Organic) from Mission Produce (Booth 28)
• Winter Sweetz from Lone Star Citrus Growers (Booth 79)

Most Innovative Vegetable Product:

• Honey + Vinegar Golden Beets from Love Beets USA (Booth 32)
• Lorabella Blossom 'blissfully bright' tomato from Village Farms (Booth 129)
• SUNSET® Aloha™ Peppers from Mastronardi Produce (Booth 146)

Most Innovative Fruit Packaging or POS Solution:

• Autumn Glory Pouch Bags from Domex Superfresh Growers (Booth 5)
• Black Label by London Fruit (Booth 67)
• Halos Tree and Tractor Display from Wonderful Citrus (Booth 82)
• Winter Sweetz from Lone Star Citrus Growers (Booth 79)

Most Innovative Vegetable Packaging or POS Solution:

• Cherto Gourmet Cherry Tomatoes On The Vine from Mucci Farms (Booth 86)
• SUNSET® Sweet Bites® Pail with SUNSET Snack Pack™ from Mastronardi Produce (Booth 146)
• Veggies To Go from Mucci Farms (Booth 86)

Most Innovative Value-Added Solution

• Beet Salsa by Love Beets USA (Booth 32)
• Hummus (Homestyle Hummus, Parsley Hummus,

Red Pepper Hummus) from Del Monte Fresh Produce (Booth 149)

• SUNSET® You Make Me™ Pasta Kits from Mastronardi Produce (Booth 146)

Most Innovative Technology Application or Software

• ALC Dock Scheduling from ALC Logistics (Booth 38)
• Food Safety by ScanTech Sciences
• Micro-budded, small tree, and higher-density citrus farming under HLB conditions by US Citrus, LLC (Booth 44)
• Mucci International Logistics App by Mucci Farms (Booth 86)

Most Innovative Product Solution

• Single Entry:  Food Safety by ScanTech Sciences

Most Innovative Equipment:

• Single Entry:  Pouch Bagger by Fox Packaging (Booth 64)

A Best of Show winner will be selected by popular vote on Saturday, April 7.  Attendees will be encouraged to vote via text or online and the winner will be announced at 3:00 pm during the Expo.  For more information, visit VivaFreshExpo.com.

About the Viva Fresh Produce Expo

The Viva Fresh Produce Expo was established in 2015 by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) in order to create meaningful networking and educational opportunities for its members while shining a light on the importance of the Rio Grande Valley as an emerging trade corridor and production zone for healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables available all year long. In just three years, the Viva Fresh Produce Expo has catered to sold out crowds and increased buyer attendance by over 140%. 

Source: Viva Fresh Produce Expo