The apple and kiwifruit seasons certainly got off to flying starts with kiwifruit demand for products up to a fortnight earlier than this time last year. The first vessel (planned schedule of 72 ships) with 1.15 million trays of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit has long since departed in March for Japan.
As we have been feeling the effects of Omicron and restrictions the rest of the world have started slowly going about their business and for the first time in 2 years Fruit Logistica in Berlin was held at the new date of April (certainly nicer than freezing February). With no trade shows and international travel having been zero over the last 2 ½ years I did wonder after this hiatus what the trend/theme would be. It turns out that the information and relationships we have with our international suppliers which has been indicating automation and sustainable packaging are still at the very forefront, is spot on.
Below are some of the hight lights of sustainable packaging from Logistica that caught my eye.
CKF, who we have an awesome relationship with, were one of only two Canadian companies that exhibited, and they took it is as a great opportunity to showcase what they have developed over the last couple of years with several different packaging options on display. From home compostable and recyclable punnets with different types of top seal lidding to carton sleeves and the company’s latest innovation, printed punnets.
Carton Sleeves
Now that there is a way to automate the packaging, carton sleeves are an attractive new packaging solution with Ball Berry being on display. However, they are also available for many other produce items including avocados, kiwis, and tomatoes.
The regular (non-printed) punnets are available with many different top seal lidding options. They include RPET lid, home compostable, film standard film or even home compostable netting.
That’s it from me but I’ll leave you with this.
Have you ever wondered why oranges are sold in red mesh bags?
The goal is to make the citrus look fresher and more appealing; it's as simple as that. The red tint of the mesh makes orange appear more dynamic, causing the oranges to pop with pigment.