Aspen Global Enterprises, Inc.’s Post

Fresh-cut fruit is nutritious, convenient, and offers interesting choices for snacks, salads or as ingredients for just about any daypart meal. Convenience is the key word here for consumers, and it trumps inflation as a driving force in produce. “Despite inflation, more consumers are turning to valued-added produce — pre-cut and washed, as well as packaged salads — which provide convenience, but typically come with a higher price point per pound,” FMI, The Food Industry Association and 210 Analytics reported to the Southeast Produce Council’s annual Southern Exposure event in March. “The majority of shoppers, or 68%, say they’d like their store to carry a bigger selection of these time-saving produce products, despite higher prices and inflation.”   A well-managed fresh-cut fruit program pays a premium, because consumers are willing to pay more for the convenience. “Fresh-cut is no longer a concept designed to offset shrink. You need to have top notch inputs to ensure a high-quality product.” — Ezio Bondi, New Toronto Food Co., Toronto, Ontario “I think the Millennial/Gen Z generations have been conditioned to pay a premium for convenience,” says Ezio Bondi, “Busy Millennials, who are just starting their journey as parents, are the key demo.” “Strong branding, and a 360-degree approach to marketing are what drive sell-through,” Bondi emphasizes. “As a partner, you need to be doing more than just making the sale. You need demos, a robust promo calendar, and a brand that can be a conduit to drive awareness outside of the store and across media channels.” DRAWING ATTENTION Merchandising this fast-growing category begins with making it visible and attractive to shoppers. “Placement is probably most important,” And fresh-cut fruits must be displayed where consumers will find them easily. “Fresh-cut needs to live in the five-deck section of the store,” advises Bondi. “Bunker placements see lower sales.” https://lnkd.in/gp5NhFxC

The Evolution and Benefits of Vacuum Packaging Machines Types of Vacuum Packaging Machines 1. Chamber Vacuum Packaging Machines: These machines are the most traditional type and consist of a large chamber where the product and packaging material are placed. The chamber is then sealed, and the air is evacuated, creating a vacuum. This type of machine is suitable for small to medium-sized products and is commonly used in food processing plants. 2. Tray Sealers: Tray sealers are designed for sealing products in trays with a film cover. 3. Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) Machines: VFFS machines are highly automated and can form, fill, and seal packaging materials in a continuous motion. These machines are suitable for high-volume production and can handle various types of products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. 4. Chamberless Vacuum Packaging Machines: These machines use a combination of heat and pressure to create a vacuum seal without the need for a chamber. They are ideal for small to medium-sized products and are commonly used in retail environments and small-scale food production. Benefits of Vacuum Packaging Machines 1. Extended Shelf Life: By removing air from the packaging, vacuum packaging machines help to slow down the oxidation process, which can cause food spoilage. This results in a longer shelf life for the product, reducing waste and saving money for both businesses and consumers. 2. Preservation of Quality: Vacuum packaging helps to maintain the freshness, flavor, and texture of the product by preventing exposure to air and moisture. This is particularly important for perishable items such as meat, fish, and fresh produce. 3. Protection from Contamination: Vacuum packaging provides a barrier against external contaminants, such as bacteria, dust, and insects, ensuring the product remains safe for consumption. 4. Portion Control: Vacuum packaging machines can be used to create pre-portioned packages, making it easier for consumers to control their food intake and for businesses to manage inventory. 5. Enhanced Presentation: Vacuum packaging can create an appealing presentation for products, making them more attractive to consumers and increasing the perceived value of the item. Vacuum packaging machines have come a long way since their inception in the early 20th century. With advancements in technology and increased demand for food preservation, these machines have become an indispensable tool in various industries. By offering extended shelf life, preservation of quality, protection from contamination, and enhanced presentation, vacuum packaging machines provide numerous benefits to both businesses and consumers alike. As the world continues to evolve and the need for efficient food preservation methods grows, vacuum packaging machines will remain a vital component in the packaging industry.

Portfolio shaping in big food continues. The breadth of activity suggests a broad strategic shift is in process.  Unlike the consolidation wave of the early 2000s, this looks like a shift toward optimized diversification, where portfolios are still diversified for scale and risk management, but more rationalize to avoid distraction and growth dilution. The Oscar Mayer news recalled a long ago conversation about the strategic logic of food portfolios.  A consultant visited to talk about M&A.  He pointed out how haphazard big food portfolios looked.  What do salty snacks and soup have in common?  Or breakfast cereal and Mexican food?  Or pet food and candy?  The industry needed an orderly reshuffling into more complementary groupings, e.g., dairy with other dairy businesses, frozen with frozen, meat with meat, etc. I disagreed.  The general “logic” of food industry portfolios was not difficult to discern even then – it was scaled diversification and incrementality.  The whole point was size and variety.  In a world where growth was a given, portfolio scale created leverage and portfolio diversity offered incrementality and balanced risk. Today, with two focused meat companies vying to peel another meat business out of a traditionally diversified competitor, a yogurt company sold by a traditionally diversified competitor to a focused yogurt company, and a cereal company spun out on its own, I wonder – is my long-ago visitor’s vision finally coming to pass?  Perhaps, but not for reason he thought. Recent moves in the industry, seemly favor a reversal of scale and historical diversification.  I have written about shrink-to-grow strategies previously. But I still don’t think the more logical business groupings is the goal – it is just a potential outcome for some.  The goal is growth because growth is not a given anymore. Small, focused upstarts continue to win.  Big, diversified giants continue to lose.  Yoplait, Kellogg’s cereal and Oscar Mayer all have one thing in common.  They were all growth dilutive in their prior portfolios. But portfolio focus is not the only way to get growth and if you doubt this, just look at the biggest recent deal of them all – Mars-Kellanova.  That deal is about more scale and diversification in pursuit of growth, not less. As with Yoplait and Kellogg’s cereal, in a new, more focused portfolio, perhaps Oscar Mayer can grow again.  If not, it will live in an environment where cost synergies are more readily available.  Either outcome is better for the seller, the buyer and the brand. I think optimized diversification is the new portfolio logic in food.  For some that will mean shrinking to achieve more focus.  Others will double-down with additions to existing growth platforms.  The portfolio shaping direction will depend on the starting point, but either way, it is a better strategy for a growth-challenged era. Did I get it right?

📈🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA'S PLANT-BASED INDUSTRY REBOUNDS WITH MORE BRANDS & PRICE PARITY Plant-based meat is inching closer to the cost of its conventional counterparts in Australia, driven by a proliferation of brands and significant foodservice growth, according to a new report by Food Frontier. The think tank’s 2023 State of the Industry report combines industry data and insights from Deloitte Access Economics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector after a tricky couple of years globally. Where has the industry gained, and where is it lacking? What will it look like in the future? Here are the key takeaways from Food Frontier’s analysis. 🌱 The rise of plant-based meat in Australia has been driven by its foodservice performance since Covid-19. In 2023, sales across foodservice and retail reached AU$272.5M, representing a 47% increase from 2020, the first year of the pandemic. Per capita consumption is also up by 28% since 2020. 🌱 Despite the market performance, the plant-based meat manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy has reduced by 9%, from AU$50.4M in 2020 to AU$45.8M last year. This drop is witnessed across both direct and indirect contributions. 🌱 Globally, plant-based companies saw a 28% decline in VC investment in 2023, reflecting the larger 61% drop in food tech funding. The pattern is similar in Australia, where plant-based meat makers have witnessed a 70% decrease in financing since 2020, and a 13% drop from 2022, reaching AU$16.75M last year. 🌱 Australia has witnessed a shift in consumer preference for the type of plant-based meat. Long-standing formats like burgers and mince have stabilised in number, while newer options such as strips/chunks and whole cuts have become more popular. 🌱 Despite increased per capita spend amid inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, the price gap between plant-based and animal-derived meat is narrowing. While the former carried a premium of 49% in 2020, they were just 33% more expensive last year. 🌱 Research shows that 20-39% of Australians are cutting back on meat or eating none at all, with 38% open to replacing it with a plant-based option. Health seems to be the major influencing factor, with protein requirements and ultra-processing top of mind. After consulting with manufacturers, Food Frontier found that they are prioritising health and nutrition in plant-based meat production. In Food Frontier’s first State of the Industry report, Deloitte Access Economics modelled three potential 10-year scenarios for the plant-based meat manufacturing industry. These are based on three trajectories. The first centres on these products as conscious consumers’ choice, a conservative estimate; the second is a moderate forecast labelling vegan meats as popular and accessible alternatives; and the third, more accelerated prediction analyses these as popular mass-market commodities. #GreenQueen #altprorein #futurefoods #foodtech #sustainability #foodsystems

Fresh Food Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Rigid {Clamshells, Trays & Boxes, Others), Flexible {Pouches & Bags, Wraps & Film}), By Material (Plastic {Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene Terephthalate}, Paper & Paper Board, Bagasse, Polylactic Acid, Others), By Application (Eggs, Meat and Seafood, Fruits and Vegetables, Dairy Products), COVID-19 Impact Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2022 - 2028. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬: With an increasing focus on health and wellness, consumers are opting for fresh and organic products, driving demand for effective packaging solutions that preserve quality. 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐄-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞: The rise of online grocery shopping has increased the need for packaging that can withstand transportation and ensure product freshness upon delivery. 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Stricter regulations regarding food safety and quality are prompting manufacturers to adopt better packaging technologies that meet compliance standards. 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬: As food products are sourced and distributed globally, efficient packaging solutions that extend shelf life and ensure freshness during transport are becoming essential. IMIR Market Research Pvt. Ltd. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://lnkd.in/dA3dVi8f 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: AFP advanced food products llc, Groupe Savencia Amcor Ampacet Corp Anchor Packaging Bemis Company, Inc. Bomarko, Inc. Clifton Packaging Group Ltd Clondalkin Group UK cartons Coveris Group DS Smith DuPont Constantia FFP Ltd Flair Flexible Packaging Corporation Flex Pack USA Food Service America S.A. GA Pet Food Partners Genpak GRUPO LANTERO Haliburton International Foods, Inc. Huhtamaki INFIA LiDestri Foods LINPAC Packaging Local Bounti Milla Dairy LLC Mondi Group National Beef Packing Company LLC Niyya Food & Drinks Company Limited Packaging Corporation of America PPC Flexible Packaging Premier Fresh Australia Printpack ProAmpac Pro-Pac Packaging (Aust) Pty Ltd Rock-Tenn Company Radwa Food Co. Ltd. Sealed Air Corporation Shangrila Foods (Private) Limited #foodpackaging #packaging #packagingdesign #kemasanmakanan #packagingideas #packagingsolutions #custompackaging #packagingbox #food #printing #box #productpackaging #paperbag #branding #packagingmurah #ecofriendly #foodpackagingdesign #design #foodgrade #lunchbox #foodpackagingsolution #graphicdesign #kemasan #jualkemasanmakanan #packagingmakanan #ecofriendlypackaging #foodpackagingspecialists #custombox #boxpackaging #foodpack

GROW YOUR PONMO BUSINESS Different Varieties: Offer a range of ponmo options, such as different thicknesses, spiced or flavored variations, and ready-to-eat packaged versions. Packaged Goods: Introduce packaging options such as vacuum-sealed packs that preserve freshness and improve shelf life for modern retail distribution. . Expand Distribution Channels Local and Regional Markets: Start or expand sales to nearby states and cities with high demand. Supermarkets and Stores: Establish partnerships with supermarkets and convenience stores to distribute your ponmo products. Online Platforms: Use e-commerce platforms and social media to sell ponmo directly to customers, expanding reach and accessibility. . Create Strong Branding and Marketing Brand Identity: Develop a recognizable brand that stands for quality and trust. Use attractive packaging and clear branding to differentiate your product. Social Media Marketing: Engage with potential customers through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Share content like recipes, cooking tips, and testimonials. Educational Campaigns: Educate consumers on the nutritional benefits and versatility of ponmo, which can attract more health-conscious buyers. Build Strong Relationships with Stakeholders Retail and Restaurant Partnerships: Partner with local eateries and restaurants that use ponmo in their dishes. Collaborations: Work with food influencers and chefs to feature your ponmo in their recipes, reaching wider audiences. Maintain Competitive Pricing Cost Management: Optimize your production processes to minimize costs without compromising on quality. Pricing Strategy: Offer competitive pricing and bundle deals to attract bulk buyers such as caterers and event planners. . Emphasize Compliance and Food Safety Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all processing and packaging meet the standards set by Nigeria’s food safety agencies. Certifications: Obtain relevant food safety certifications to appeal to more discerning buyers and larger retailers. . Expand into Value-Added Products Ponmo-based Dishes: Consider offering pre-cooked or marinated ponmo that can be easily prepared at home. Exports: Explore the possibility of exporting ponmo to regions with a significant Nigerian diaspora to tap into new markets. By focusing on these strategies, a ponmo business in Nigeria can increase its market share, build a loyal customer base, and scale sustainably.

(USA 26.03.24) #grapes ProducePay and Four Star Fruit Partner to Provide 4 Million Cases of Table Grapes; Jack Campbell and Patrick McCullough Comment [AG: Lessons in Produce Supply Chain Stability: Insights from ProducePay and Four Star Fruit Partnership] ProducePay https://producepay.com/ and Four Star Fruit https://lnkd.in/gTfTu_NN have joined forces to provide 4 million cases of table grapes, ensuring stable prices and high quality for consumers. Through their partnership, they aim to address the challenges of meeting year-round demand while managing volatile supply chains. CEO Jack Campbell highlights the importance of offering consistent produce, while Patrick McCullough emphasizes the benefits for retailers, growers and consumers. The collaboration also includes hosting a Global Table Grape Summit to discuss further advancements in the industry. ----- [AG: Australia can learn several key lessons from the partnership between ProducePay and Four Star Fruit: Addressing Supply Chain Challenges: Australia can observe how a partnership addresses the challenges of volatile supply chains, particularly during low-volume periods. By forming strategic partnerships and implementing innovative solutions, Australian producers and distributors can better manage fluctuations in supply and demand. Ensuring Year-Round Availability: The partnership focuses on providing year-round availability of high-quality produce, even during traditionally low-volume months. Australian growers can explore similar collaborations to ensure consistent supply and meet consumer demand throughout the year. Stabilizing Pricing: Stable pricing is a crucial aspect of the partnership, offering predictability for retailers, growers and consumers alike. Australian producers can adopt pricing strategies and partnerships that promote stability in the market, reducing uncertainty for all stakeholders. Promoting Sustainability: The initiative aims to reduce food waste by improving distribution methods and providing a more efficient supply chain. Australian producers can prioritize sustainability by implementing practices that minimize waste and environmental impact throughout the production and distribution process. Collaboration and Innovation: The partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing industry challenges. Australian growers can benefit from working together to develop creative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability in the fresh produce supply chain.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gXJWh5_W

Product innovation is a critical part of being a progressive distributor. The customer has expectations that you are bringing new ideas, products and categories to help their businesses. Within distribution there are many products that are simply purchased and as a chef or end user it really doesn't matter. If a product is short and replaced with a different brand, no big deal. Others, HUGE deal. Agave has been one that for years has been purchased because there has not been a solid partner, until now. Chantico brings chefs and distributors heirloom agave, not sitting in a giant vat and packaged for many different labels. If you value partnerships and stories, Chantico is for you. Using wild heirloom agave, harvested by hard working jimadors, they provide a slow cooking and extraction method for foodservice operators and distributors. They show up to food shows, they provide samples and bring value to you. If you want to stop buying agave and start sourcing agave, we can make the connection. Hot Agave is coming soon featuring Chile De Arbol which provides a perfect balance of heat and sweet. Did you know the hot honey category is estimated around $40 million? However it is not vegan friendly. This is. It also has better health benefits to it than honey. Want to try some?

Hero Group Acquires Deliciously Ella, Paving the Way for Global Expansion Swiss food giant, Hero Group, has acquired Deliciously Ella, the leading UK-based plant-based food brand, in a move that will allow the company to expand its reach in the vegan snacking market. The acquisition comes as plant-based eating continues to gain traction worldwide, with consumers opting for healthier food choices. Founded in 2016 by Ella Mills, Deliciously Ella has become a household name for those seeking nutritious plant-based options, with its products sold in over 10,000 stores across the UK and Europe. Founders Ella and her husband Matthew Mills, who have remained majority shareholders, will stay with the company under Hero’s ownership, leading Deliciously Ella through its next phase of growth "We are incredibly excited to partner with the Hero Group. What started as a small recipe website and a cookbook has become something bigger than either of us could have imagined. Hero has a proven track record in helping brands reach much greater scale. This is a transformational moment in bringing our natural, plant-based ranges to more people, both in the UK and abroad”, said the Mills couple in a joint statement. The acquisition also includes the factory near Milton Keynes, which was purchased to bring production in-house, streamlining its supply chain. However, the deal does not include the Plants by Deliciously Ella brand, which offers pantry staples like pasta, sauces, kombucha, and soups, or the Plants by DE restaurant in London, which will remain under the Mills’ ownership. For Hero Group, the acquisition is a strategic expansion into the UK’s vegan snacking sector, complementing its existing presence in the country through its Organix Brands Ltd - A BCorp Company, which focuses on organic food and snacks for babies and children. "Deliciously Ella is a perfect fit for us", said Hero Group CEO Rob Versloot "Our multi-year strategy has focused on bringing brands that align with our mission to offer natural, healthy food to consumers, and we are particularly happy to have them on board”. For Deliciously Ella, the Hero acquisition is a significant milestone and marks a new chapter for the brand, as it prepares for international expansion and greater reach. As Versloot highlighted, "This is a transformational moment for both Hero Group and Deliciously Ella, as we work together to bring healthy, plant-based options to consumers across the globe”.

The Evolution and Benefits of Vacuum Packaging Machines History of Vacuum Packaging Machines The concept of vacuum packaging can be traced back to the early 20th century when food preservation was a significant challenge. The first vacuum packaging machines were developed in the 1930s, primarily for military use to preserve food during long periods of storage and transportation. Over the years, the technology has evolved, and vacuum packaging machines have become more efficient, versatile, and accessible to a wider range of industries. Types of Vacuum Packaging Machines 1. Chamber Vacuum Packaging Machines: These machines are the most traditional type and consist of a large chamber where the product and packaging material are placed. The chamber is then sealed, and the air is evacuated, creating a vacuum. This type of machine is suitable for small to medium-sized products and is commonly used in food processing plants. 2. Tray Sealers: Tray sealers are designed for sealing products in trays with a film cover. The machine removes the air between the product and the film, creating a vacuum seal. This type is ideal for ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, and other food items that require a tight seal. 3. Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) Machines: VFFS machines are highly automated and can form, fill, and seal packaging materials in a continuous motion. These machines are suitable for high-volume production and can handle various types of products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. 4. Chamberless Vacuum Packaging Machines: These machines use a combination of heat and pressure to create a vacuum seal without the need for a chamber. They are ideal for small to medium-sized products and are commonly used in retail environments and small-scale food production. Benefits of Vacuum Packaging Machines 1. Extended Shelf Life: By removing air from the packaging, vacuum packaging machines help to slow down the oxidation process, which can cause food spoilage. This results in a longer shelf life for the product, reducing waste and saving money for both businesses and consumers. 2. Preservation of Quality: Vacuum packaging helps to maintain the freshness, flavor, and texture of the product by preventing exposure to air and moisture. This is particularly important for perishable items such as meat, fish, and fresh produce. 3. Protection from Contamination: Vacuum packaging provides a barrier against external contaminants, such as bacteria, dust, and insects, ensuring the product remains safe for consumption. 4. Portion Control: Vacuum packaging machines can be used to create pre-portioned packages, making it easier for consumers to control their food intake and for businesses to manage inventory. 5. Enhanced Presentation: Vacuum packaging can create an appealing presentation for products, making them more attractive to consumers and increasing the perceived value of the item.