CASTROVILLE, Calif. – (September 14, 2009) – Ocean Mist Farms will unveil a comprehensive re-design of its packaging for the more than 25 fresh vegetable commodities the company grows and ships at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit.
The features of the new packaging design, on display in the company’s booth #4138, are based on consumer research and input from retail partners, said Kori Tuggle, marketing manager.
"We focused on three areas of improvement with the new packaging design: Product visibility, nutrition information and consistent graphic design to enhance the product inside," Tuggle said. "The first goal was to improve product visibility so shoppers can see more of the product -- a unanimous priority with all Ocean Mist retail customers."
The new packaging also features a nutritional benefit message and custom nutrient panel for each commodity.
"Shoppers and retailers told us they want to know more than just what vitamins or minerals a vegetable has, they want to know specifically how it benefits their own health and wellness," Tuggle said.
Ocean Mist Farms worked with a registered dietician to research the nutritional value and benefits delivered by each commodity and then translated that information into a customized health value for each commodity.
The new cello wrap for cauliflower, for example, features a burst that reads, “Excellent source of vitamins C & K- helps boost body’s immunity.”
The comprehensive package redesign also allowed the company to bring consistency to its branding elements including name, logo and graphics, and feature the company’s Web site, www.oceanmist.com, on each pack as well.
"Our Web site usage showed that consumers are going online to find recipes and information about how to cook," Tuggle said. “We are hoping to engage more with our customers through online efforts and our new packaging is a natural way to share our Web site information. All of our packaging includes an invite to the consumer that says for more recipes and cooking videos, go to oceanmist.com"
The packaging was also redesigned with Ocean Mist Farms’ corporate sustainability efforts in mind.
For example, the cello wrapped items carry the recycling symbol number 4 which means the plastic is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Including recycling symbol numbers where possible is important information for savvy green consumers as well as encourages recycling. In addition, the new packaging uses 60 percent to 80 percent less ink which also benefits the environment.
The new packaging will begin shipping in October and follows the roll out in April of a re-designed four-count artichoke bag created for the club store channel that is a finalist for the 2009 PMA Packaging Awards. |