Belize Fruit Packers embarked on a fund raising campaign to help hurricane victims in Belize. Employees gladly contributed and we raised about $337.75 (Bze). This money will be used to purchase can foods which is really needed in the devastated areas.
Contributed by Santiago Victorin
Packinghouse Manager
Belize Fruit Packers
Excerpts taken from a 9/10 Southern Living Article
Excerpts from an 11/01/10 article in The Produce News by ChristinaDiMartino
Ms. Ostlund said that Brooks’ “Caribbean Red” brand papayas from Belize are becoming more well known among consumers for their high quality and flavor. Consumers are also learning the importance of reducing the amount of sugar in their diets — and substituting papaya for sugar- and fructose-loaded processed foods — is a great way to do so without sacrificing flavor.
“Papayas are between 10 and 12 on the Brix scale,” said Ms. Ostlund. “The mild flavor does not hide other flavors but rather integrates nicely with them. Part of the
Thanksgiving celebration is to talk about the foods on the table and what is in them. Adding and substituting papaya will certainly help to create an interesting conversation.”
An added benefit is that papayas are plentiful this time of year. And because of their large size, one papaya can go a long way and end up being a cost- effective ingredient when feeding a large crowd.
“What I also like is that they can be used in a multitude of ways, from a savory-flavored recipe to dessert. And not to be overlooked is the drop-dead gorgeous color they add to any dish,” said Ms. Ostlund.
One of the suggestions Brooks Tropicals makes is to top turkey stuffing with diced papaya to add color to what is typically a drab-looking dish and to add a hint of sweetness.
“Gently stir in finely diced papaya to homemade cranberry relish,” Ms. Ostlund suggested. “It adds a nice texture and, again, offers that beautiful color. Mash pureed papaya into mashed potatoes for a creamier texture and a bit of sweetness.
“Papaya apple pie is a terrific version of the traditional baker’s classic that will please even the die-hard apple pie fans,” she continued.
Brooks Tropicals has created a colorful marketing brochure with suggestions on how to use papaya in Thanksgiving dishes. The brochure, which features recipes and beautiful photos of finished dishes, is being distributing to media outlets across the country.
Excerpts from an 10/25/10 article posted on Tampa Bay Online by Megan Hussey
DADE CITY - Students at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School in Dade City and 130 other schools in Florida are snacking every day in class. But instead of cookies or candy, the students are eating grapes, kiwi, cauliflower, carrots, celery and even more exotic varieties, such as star fruit.
Maybe even more surprising is that the students like the healthful eats.
It's USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The program, which started in 2008, targets schools where at least 50 percent of the student population gets free or low-cost meals.
The goal: Get kids snacking on fresh fruits and veggies three or five times during the school day.
If you'll read the criteria that the judges used to decide 'best in show', the actual booth's appearance was only one criteria.
Excerpts from the Produce Marketing Association press release of 10/19/10
Orlando, Fla. — Produce Marketing Association (PMA) recognized four exhibitors Oct. 17 at PMA’s Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition with “Best of Show” awards for their exhibits’ outstanding salesmanship and presentation excellence. The awards were sponsored by The Packer and were announced on the show floor on Sunday with presentations made on the last day of Fresh Summit, held Oct. 15-18 in Orlando, Fla., USA.
Brooks Tropicals, booth
3481, Homestead, Fla., and Del Monte Foods, booth 1165, San Francisco, were first and second place w
inners, respectively, in the Island Booth category.
Mooney Farms, booth 1359, Chico, Calif., and Frieda’s Specialty Produce, booth 3143, Los Angeles, were first and second place winners, respectively, in the In-Line Booth category.
“These companies all prepared so well, paid attention to detail and execution, and connected to their customers,” said Bryan Silbermann, PMA president & CEO. “Winning the “Best of Show” awards is recognition of their world-class professionalism. They should be very proud.”
Booths were judged by an anonymous team of industry professionals during show hours on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16-17 based on the following criteria.
First-place winners receive a host of prizes, including: recognition on PMA’s Web site, including multiple photos and a press announcement; two seats at a VIP table and recognition including a digital photo of the booth during the Monday general session of the 2010 convention; a $250 credit towards their 2010 Fresh Summit bill with PMA's official general service contractor, GES; one complimentary full registration to next year’s Fresh Summit in Atlanta, Ga., and a commemorative plaque.
Second place winners receive recognition on PMA’s Web site; two seats at a VIP table during the day’s general session; one complimentary day pass for 2011 Fresh Summit; and a commemorative plaque.
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Founded in 1949, Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing nearly 3,000 companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. Members rely on PMA year round for the business solutions they need to increase sales and consumption, build strong professional relationshiops, and expand their business opportunities.
* An island booth means the booth stands by itself with no other booths right beside it.
** An inline booth means the booth can have another booth(s) right behind it and/or to its right and left.
