Posts Tagged “Fresh Solutions Network”
San Francisco, CA – Side Delights® shared trending findings on how potatoes and other vegetables may actually help make people happy. The link to diet and depression has become an increasingly hot topic following the American Psychiatric Association’s recent 2019 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, where medical experts presented research showing that the Mediterranean-style diet, associated with a reduced risk of cancer and longevity, may also help protect against depression. 1 At the meeting, Dr. Konstantinos Argyropoulos claimed that people who adhere to a Mediterranean diet are less likely to develop symptoms of depression later on in life. The Mediterranean diet, which U.S. News and World Report calls the diet a “well-balanced eating plan”, suggests that for optimum health, consumers should adopt new dietary guidelines: no grains, no dairy, less sugar, more healthy fats, medium amounts of protein, and most importantly, lots of vegetables.
A recent article in Healthline about treating depression and anxiety with a vegetable-based diet, cited two studies supporting the claims. In the first study, after clinically depressed participants ate a modified Mediterranean diet for three months, their symptoms were significantly better. In the other study, Spanish researchers found people who closely followed the Mediterranean lifestyle were 50 percent less likely to develop depression than those who didn’t.2 In another Healthline article dedicated to the health benefits of potatoes, points out that they are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; can help with weight-loss by curbing hunger pains and cravings, and are naturally gluten-free. 3
“Potatoes have been known as America’s favorite vegetable for decades, and as research continues to build on the health advantages of vegetable-heavy eating plans, consumers are embracing filling, flavorful ways to incorporate vegetables into more meals, “said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “Potatoes have a high-satiety factor and are extremely versatile – making them the perfect addition to a vegetable-based diet plan that can not only improve overall health but can help relieve depression.”
For more information on Side Delights® products, programs and recipes, visit www.sidedelights.com.
About Fresh Solutions Network®, LLC: Fresh Solutions Network (FSN) is the exclusive supplier of Side Delights® potatoes and onions. FSN is a group of family-owned potato and onion growers and shippers who help fresh potato and onion buyers grow their categories, maximize category investment, and increase sales. FSN delivers category insights, collaborative innovation, and customized assortment. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners include: Sterman Masser, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins, PA), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), Green Thumb Farms, Inc. (Fryeburg, ME), Red Isle Potato Growers, Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada), NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND), Sun-Glo of Idaho, Inc. (Sugar City, ID) and Mack Farms (Lake Wales, FL).
By Fresh Solutions Network
San Francisco, CA – Fresh Solutions Network recently announced packaging design award from Graphic Design USA, American Packaging Design Awards. The award celebrates the Side Delights® Flavorables™ fresh potato package design, with its vibrant color palette and bold flavor profiles, encouraging an exciting potato choice.
“Capitalizing on consumer flavor trends that are HOT, HOT, HOT, we challenged the design team to communicate the bold flavor combinations while providing package designs that would be just as stimulating visually on the shelf,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, “We designed the packaging for a consumer that wants to be excited about their food choices and who loves the convenience of preparing quick, healthy, flavor forward meals.”
The American Package Design Awards challenge entrants to “convey the message, promote the brand, and close the deal.” Winners are chosen not just on visual design, but how the product and packaging address specific market trends, marketing objectives, and target markets.
Side Delights® Flavorables™ are high quality, triple-washed, Red and Yellow petite potato varieties featuring sachets of delicious, Smokin’ Tomato, Malaysian Curry, and Chimichurri spice blends. These potatoes come in a one-pound microwaveable tray.
The packaging was designed to appeal particularly to the adventurous millennial consumers who are frequently seeking out new and bold flavor experiences. With clearly marked labeling for consumers interested in vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, alternatives, these side dishes are guaranteed to satisfy consumers looking for a fresh alternative to the same old potato choices.
About Fresh Solutions Network, LLC: Fresh Solutions Network is a group of family owned growers and shippers who choose to work together to make the potato and onion industry better for everyone. FSN helps fresh potato and onion buyers grow their categories, maximize category investment, and increase sales. FSN delivers category insights, collaborative innovation and customized assortment. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners are: Sterman Masser, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins, PA), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), Green Thumb Farms, Inc. (Fryeburg, ME), Red Isle Potato Growers, Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada), NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND), Sun-Glo of Idaho, Inc. (Sugar City, ID) and Mack Farms (Lake Wales, FL).
by Fresh Solutions Network, LLC
San Francisco, CA – Fresh Solutions Network announced its packaging design award from Graphic Design USA, American Packaging Design Awards. The award celebrates Side Delights® Roastables fresh potato package design, with its vibrant color palette and rustic visuals, encouraging a perfect potato choice for dinner tonight.
“We had very clear objectives for the design team to express the potential of potatoes as a canvas for bold flavors, while providing the best packaging design on the market,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, “We designed the packaging with a very specific audience in mind; stimulating shoppers’ creativity both in-store and at home.”
Side Delights® Roastables are the finest quality, triple-washed, “Awesome Little Yellows,” “Rad Little Reds,” and “Red and Yellow Combo” petite potato varieties. The packaging was designed to appeal to the growing, and coveted group of Millennial shoppers, who are self-described as adventurous with their food choices, frequently trying new recipes featuring fresh food items, and consider food preparation as an important feature of their lifestyle.
Side Delights® Roastables include sachets of delicious, Montana Mex spice blends made with pure, sustainably sourced, gluten-free, 100 percent natural spices. These spice blends appeal to everyone with taste buds, and encourage recipe experimentation at home.
About Fresh Solutions Network, LLC:
Fresh Solutions Network is a group of family owned growers and shippers who choose to work together to make the potato and onion industry better for everyone. FSN helps fresh potato and onion buyers grow their categories, maximize category investment, and increase sales. FSN delivers category insights, collaborative innovation and customized assortment. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners are: Sterman Masser, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins, PA), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), Green Thumb Farms, Inc. (Fryeburg, ME), Red Isle Potato Growers, Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada), NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND), Sun-Glo of Idaho, Inc. (Sugar City, ID) and Mac Farms (Lake Wales, FL).
By Fresh Solutions Network
The NPD Group just released their 29th annual Eating Patterns in America report, and finds that an increase in meals from home is one of the single biggest changes in eating patterns in Americans in the last five years.
“We are eating more meals in our homes, but not cooking more dishes,” says Harry Balzer, vice president of The NPD Group and author of the report. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the fresh potato category, where the white-hot microwaveable/steamable segment has seen dollar sales shooting up a scorching 31 percent for the latest 52-week period ending 9/27/14, according to data from Nielsen FreshFacts®.
One potato brand is uniquely positioned to take advantage of these trends to satisfy Americans who want fresh, nutritious food fast and with a minimum of fuss. Side Delightsâ Steamables™ are triple washed, fresh, whole, small potatoes in a microwave safe package that is ready to serve in just 8 minutes. And Steamables are the ONLY microwave-ready potato brand that uses light-blocker packaging technology to keep potatoes fresher and protected from greening due to harsh store lighting.
Side Delights Steamables come in 7 delicious potato varieties – Russet, Red, Golden, White, Purple, Fingerling and Sweet Potatoes – the most expansive lineup in the steamable segment. And the inclusion of Purples, Fingerlings and Sweet Potatoes brings together these rapidly growing specialty potato types with the on-trend convenience of microwave cooking.
“Retailers have a tremendous opportunity with offering their shoppers more quick and convenient ways to enjoy fresh potatoes” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “Side Delights Steamables gives them a complete lineup of gourmet potatoes that appeal to time-starved families as well as Millennial shoppers, all packaged using the latest technology to protect their premium quality.” While Triou recommends merchandising Side Delights Steamables in the produce department with other fresh potatoes on an everyday basis, she notes that the big volume opportunities come from displaying these high-impulse potatoes near rotisserie chicken in the service deli or adjacent to the ready-to-heat entrees in the meat department.
Side Delights Steamables are perfectly positioned for today’s busy consumer – the fast, easy, delicious way to serve fresh potatoes with any meal!
About Fresh Solutions Network, LLC: Fresh Solutions Network is where potato growers work together for individual growth and category success. Fresh Solutions Network helps the most sophisticated potato and onion buyers grow their categories, fill product gaps, maximize category investment, and increase sales. We reinvented the procurement model by introducing a direct-supply “dream team.” Our approach gives you unprecedented access to competitive insights, collaborative innovation and optimal potato and onion assortment. Fresh Solutions Network Partners grow, pack, sell and deliver potatoes and onions directly to their retail and foodservice customers, providing seamless, transparent product supply and service. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners are: Sterman Masser, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins, PA), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), Green Thumb Farms, Inc. (Fryeburg, ME), Red Isle Potato Growers, Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada), NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND), and Sun-Glo of Idaho, Inc. (Sugar City, ID).
By Fresh Solutions Network
Each year Produce Marketing Association’s Impact Award recognizes companies that bring innovation and excellence in packaging to supercharge the selling of fresh produce. Fresh Solutions Network was among only five winning companies recognized for excellence in packaging with their Side Delights Gourmet Petite potato line.
Fresh Solutions Network’s entry was one of 67 submitted by 56 companies. PMA judges narrowed the field to a group of 20 finalists, which were announced in September; at the recently-concluded PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim, five overall winners were crowned.
According to PMA, “This notable award recognizes trendsetters that create and deliver bold new concepts into the industry.” Judges were tasked with ranking entrants against the following criteria; Marketing, Sustainability, Consumer Convenience, Supply Chain Efficiency/Functionality and Food Safety. Each entry had to identify how packaging innovation made the product more convenient for consumers or more easily merchandised by their store partners.
“The Gourmet Petite potato line was introduced in 2014 with the goal of providing a fresh new way to make every meal a little more interesting and enjoyable” stated Kathleen Triou, President & CEO for Fresh Solutions Network. “With Side Delights Gourmet Petite potatoes, consumers can enjoy the flavor, color and excitement of the specialty potatoes they find in fine-dining restaurants or see on their favorite cooking shows with the meals they make at home.”
“Consumers are looking for new ways to serve their favorite side dish – potatoes! – and growth of the Petite potato segment is leading the category at more than 16% year over year” continued Triou. “The Side Delights packaging is visually exciting and features contemporary, bold graphics and appetizing photography that grabs shoppers’ attention. And the stand-up pouch bag enhances shop-ability and convenience to spur incremental purchases.”
“We are thrilled to be recognized by the PMA Impact Awards. We see packaging as a vital component for increasing shopper engagement in the potato category, especially when packaging is often the only way for shoppers to judge the quality of the product inside. High marks for our packaging validates that we’ll create stronger sales on the potato table shelf,” added Triou. “Finally, we wish to congratulate the other award winners which were CMI for its Go-Go fresh cherry snacking pouch, Earthbound Farm for its PowerMeal Bowls, Mucci Farms for its New Pint tomato packaging and Wholly Guacamole for its grab n’ guac box.”
About Fresh Solutions Network, LLC:
Fresh Solutions Network is where potato growers work together for individual growth and category success. Fresh Solutions Network helps the most sophisticated potato and onion buyers grow their categories, fill product gaps, maximize category investment, and increase sales. We reinvented the procurement model by introducing a direct-supply “dream team.” Our approach gives you unprecedented access to competitive insights, collaborative innovation and optimal potato and onion assortment. Fresh Solutions Network Partners grow, pack, sell and deliver potatoes and onions directly to their retail and foodservice customers, providing seamless, transparent product supply and service. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners are: Sterman Masser, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins, PA), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), Green Thumb Farms, Inc. (Fryeburg, ME), Red Isle Potato Growers, Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada), NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND), and Sun-Glo of Idaho, Inc. (Sugar City, ID).