United Fresh names 49 Produce Innovation Awards finalists

Finalists will compete Monday through Wednesday in five categories for the title of Best New Product.
Finalists will compete Monday through Wednesday in five categories for the title of Best New Product. | File photo

United Fresh Produce Association recently named 49 finalists -- each a new product -- in its 2016 Produce Innovation Awards. 

The finalists will compete Monday through Wednesday in five categories for the title of Best New Product.

“Once again, we have a record of 49 finalists (topping 45 in 2015) for our Produce Innovation Awards – a clear indicator that the fresh produce industry maintains a healthy competitive edge pushing itself in new and creative ways,” John Toner, United Fresh’s vice president of convention and industry relations.

“We’re proud to showcase these innovative products at United Fresh 2016, which continues to be the industry’s home for innovation in fresh produce.”

New products help the produce industry develop for the benefit of growers.

“Innovative new products like these are an essential element of the success of the fresh and fresh-cut produce industry," United Fresh’s President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Produce Innovation starts at United Fresh and these finalists exemplify the ingenuity of our industry to remain on the front lines of creativity."

The five categories are Best New Food Safety Solution, Best New Fruit Product, Best New Packaging, Best New Packing/Processing Equipment, and Best New Vegetable Product.