Machinery News
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Mountain Blue, Opal, Coles partner in paper punnet trial
Mountain Blue, a leader in blueberry genetics, is conducting a paper-based packaging trial on its Eureka brand, in collaboration with packaging and systems solutions company, Opal, and supermarket retailer Coles Group. The trial will see kerbside recyclable and FSC-certified cardboard punnets for blueberries introduced across 34 Coles stores located in Northern New South Wales over a two-month period. The punnets, which are an alternative to plastic containers, feature a transparent film produced from wood pulp, allowing customers to easily view the blueberries. Mountain Blue says that by using FSC certified materials, the packaging further reinforces a commitment to sustainability, ensuring the materials come from responsibly managed forests. The kerbside recyclable punnets, developed in collaboration with Opal, aim to provide a plastic-free alternative without compromising on the quality and freshness of the blueberries. Fresh produce packaging is ripe for innovation The punnets are made from recycled paper manufactured by Opal in Australia, providing, the company says, the robustness needed to protect fresh produce through supply chains and freight. "We’re excited to trial kerbside recyclable cardboard punnets with Opal. This innovation offers consumers sustainable packaging choices in Coles supermarkets,” said Andrew Bell, MD, Mountain Blue. Chris Daly, executive GM, Opal Packaging, said Opal is investing in research and development to test and commercialise products made from recycled and recyclable paper and cardboard. “By partnering with Mountain Blue, we were able to understand their packaging needs and work together with our automation and machinery team, to deliver a punnet solution that is innovative, functional and sustainable,” said Daly. Brooke Donnelly, Coles GM of Sustainability, said the supermarket is continuously looking for ways to innovate and redesign its packaging. “Fresh produce packaging is ripe for innovation, and we’re excited to provide our customers with a plastic-free alternative for much-loved and in season blueberries,” said Donnelly. “This trial is about ensuring the new cardboard punnets keep blueberries as fresh and tasty as the conventional plastic packaging, and to see how our customers respond to the change.” Consumers across Northern NSW can find Eureka punnets in the new recyclable packaging throughout October 2024. Mountain Blue hopes this trial will pave the way for broader adoption of sustainable packaging. Credit More
Industry News
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Fruit Attraction 2024
Interfel brings the Olympic spirit to Fruit Attraction • Under the theme “Olympicnic”, the French interprofessional fresh fruit and vegetable trade association offers games, tastings and showcookings • With 2,600 m2 of space booked and 142 companies, France continues to be the foreign country with the largest presence at the fair The torch of the Olympic Games in Paris arrives in Madrid for Fruit Attraction. It does so by the hand of the French interprofessional fresh fruit and vegetables, Interfel, which brings in this edition its freshest and sportiest proposal: the “Olympicnic”. “We wanted to take advantage of this year, which is so special for us, to partner with the world of sports,” explains Daniel Soares, Interfel's international director. “Because of their quality and freshness, our fruits and vegetables are the perfect allies for those seeking an active and healthy lifestyle,” he adds. Under the concept of “Olympicnic”, Interfel offers a proposal that combines sport and nutrition. Visitors attending to the interprofessional stand in Hall 6 will be able to taste delicious snacks prepared by chef Charles Soussin, enjoy the best cuisine in the French restaurant and relax playing mini-golf and basketball. In addition, they will be able to enter the draw for checks worth €500, €300 and €150 by scanning the QR codes that they will find in each of the 19 stands of the associated companies. Blue Whale, Demain la Terre y las empresas asociadas al colectivo, Dunkerque Port, FDA International, Ferme de la Motte, Fruidor, Fruits Rouges & Co., Innatis, Interfel, Jardins de Rebelais, Kultive, La Blottiere, MyLord, Perle du Nord, Picvert, POMLY, Primland, Prince de Bretagne y Saveol make up the list of companies attending Fruit Attraction 2024 with Interfel. Also, Tuesday October 8 and Wednesday October 9 from 15:30h the healthy eating influencers Sabrina Prieto known as @lavidaconsabrina and Paula Marín known as @paulasumasi, will accompany the French chef in two showcookings in the French pavilion. The nutritional properties of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as their application as a snack associated with the practice of sports will be the focus of these presentations. Interfel completes its program at the fair with the participation of the outstanding fruit carving master Brigitte Delanghe. The specialist, who has been awarded Best Worker of France, will be enlivening the Interfel pavilion with her original live creations from the best French fruit and vegetables. “We are very proud of the proposal we are bringing to the fair this year. We have increased our exhibition space by 5% and we come with a fresh and fun program,” says Soares. “We want professionals from all over the world to taste our products, enjoy them, and make fruitful contacts,” says Soares. “For us, Fruit Attraction is a key opportunity to improve competitiveness, increase our market share and open new international markets,” concludes Soares. France, a major export market player France is the fourth largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the European Union, behind Spain, Italy and Poland. In 2023, French exports of fresh fruit and vegetables exceeded 2,165,000 tons, with the main destination being EU markets. About 23% of French vegetable production and up to 30% of fruit production is for export. French apples are also shipped to countries in the Middle East, Asia and South America. Find out more about Interfel at: www.interfel.com More
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