Continuing investment in innovation is crucial for the future of the fresh produce industry. As previous winners of the Re:fresh Innovation of the Year award, we are familiar with making advancements in the industry and new product launches.
One key industry innovation is shelf-life extension projects developed in order to reduce wastage both in-store and at home as well as enhancing freshness. We want consumers to get the most out of our products, and if it helps consumers to keep our products for longer it will also increase customer loyalty and will encourage repeat purchase.
In other areas, there have been increasing calls for new crop varieties to be developed in order to meet consumer demands, for instance the need to reduce average meal preparation times. The key is to know what consumers want and what their habits are. We are all fighting for space on the plate and understanding consumer needs can help us to win that battle.
Other innovations we have seen in the industry recently include the development of branded designs to drive volumes and improve margins. Products are being developed in the industry to meet consumer needs such as convenience or health, with branding designed to appeal to these motivating factors.
We have also seen a number of key improvements in packaging that delivers convenience to the consumer. Whether the packs are recyclable or degradable has become increasingly important, as well as other pack innovations such as self-modifying atmospheres, which can prevent potatoes from turning green.
As one of the largest expert growers and suppliers of high-quality fresh vegetables in Europe, Produce World has itself spent many years looking at energy and water-saving initiatives in the field and factory. We have been putting into practice innovative work to better manage water supplies on our farms that use drip irrigation.
Under this system water is delivered direct to the plants using pipes, a system that is both more efficient and more effective. We are acting now to put into practice innovative techniques to ensure that we make the best use of the water we have.
The fresh produce industry is constantly trying to apply lean processes and increase collaboration in the supply chain to steer unit-cost reductions. We need to look at the bigger picture and work together to remove costs. When it comes to innovation, the goal is simple; we need to continuously strive to produce and supply the best, most flavoursome produce and get it to its destination quickly and efficiently. -
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