Healthy snacks attracted a lot of attention at the 2009 annual convention and expo of the United Fresh Produce Association in Las Vegas. Chiquita Pineapple Bites was named Best New Fruit or Vegetable Product as the produce trade association announced the winners of its first-ever competition in new product categories.
All United Fresh convention exhibitors were eligible to submit new products, and each entry was evaluated on the following criteria: impact on fresh produce quality and consumer satisfaction; potential to enhance industry profitability and sales; innovation and creativity in product concept; and use of new technology to create added value. Chiquita Pineapple Bites won the best new fruit or vegetable product award, while Fresh Express branded Gourmet Cafe Salad was a finalist in the broader new product competition making Chiquita the only company with two finalists for best new product consideration.
Pineapple Bites was launched in April in grocery stores throughout the U.S. The single-serve 2.8-ounce pineapple spear comes in two flavors: traditional and coconut. The product can be frozen or eaten fresh and is packaged like a push-up popsicle without the stick. The new product idea came from research with consumers who asked about making fresh fruit more portable and easier to eat anywhere you want.
"We were delighted to be recognized by our peers for new product innovation and creativity," said Brian Kocher, president of Chiquita North America. "Chiquita Pineapple Bites is an example of our innovation work designed to win the hearts and minds of consumers with branded fresh foods."
"We are proud to be able to extend our leadership position in bananas and value-added salads while creating consumer excitement in the growing category of healthy snacks," added Kocher.
About Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added food products - from energy-rich bananas and other fruits to nutritious blends of convenient green salads. The company markets its healthy, fresh products under the Chiquita(R) and Fresh Express(R) premium brands and other related trademarks. With annual revenues of nearly $4 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 23,000 people and has operations in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Publication date: 5/6/2009
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