What Blew Us Away v2.0

May 11, 2012
DMA Solutions Team

At every event, we’re on high alert. Our eyes, ears, minds and camera lenses are ALWAYS open. For years, we’ve reported on what “blew us away”. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of each fresh produce industry event continue to impact us – and with the growth of our team and co-location with FMI and AMI, experiencing these events with fresh perspectives in tow opens all of our eyes (ears, minds and camera lenses) to MORE!

During our post-event debrief, we compiled a list and collection of photos of the things that left an impression long after we packed up and left the Dallas Convention Center. So, we present to you What Blew Us Away, v2.0!

The Opening Party at the Dallas Arboretum

Natural art combined with the manmade variety; a trail of terrific eats; genuine, Texas-style entertainment; and, the best part, catching up with great friends – The Opening Party certainly upped the bar for industry receptions. Thanks to United Fresh Produce Association, CHEP, Avocados from Mexico, Yerecic Label, Frontera Produce, Movement Technologies, Produce Business, Lucian LaBarba and FreshPoint Dallas, Nancy Rutchik and Jay and Ruthie Pack!

Reminder of Why We Love Our Jobs

There were lots of interesting and innovative discoveries for this marketing team in the AMI section of the showfloor. However, a certain “meat product” that shall remain nameless made us very happy that we market FRESH produce. We might change our tunes if we had to promote that our products contain “real” ingredients, but we’re lucky that our goods are as “real” as it gets!

The Next Generation of Bev Advertising

While perusing FMI, we stumbled upon these clear LED screens on beverage cases, so that you can advertise (animation or still imagery!) on the transparent screen without blocking the product. Who knows, one of these days, a form of this technology could find its way into the produce department.

Subliminal Structure

Mastronardi/Sunset’s new booth was simultaneously clean and contemporary and yet, somehow, even made us crave tomatoes. Well done!

Pina and Colada Make a New Best Friend

And no, it wasn’t Marci (although she was the biggest fan of this showfloor refreshment). CH Robinson’s watermelon pina coladas added another flavor dimension to the classic cocktail and we loved it. We’re still not sure if it was the real deal or virgin, though. And we forgot to ask. 🙂

Chef-Created Samples

Jill Davie’s creations in the Sunkist booth turned us all into suspected stalkers. The salad with grapefruit vinaigrette and grilled pita stuffed with feta were both at the top of all our lists.

Targeting to a T

Budweiser’s pictograph shows that this beverage king clearly knows their consumers and provide their marketing savvy to their retail partners in a way that’s smart AND easy to understand/implement. Gets our wheels turning BIG TIME. In addition, their booth layout and interactivity (and who can forget their products) were all winners.

Sample We Coulda Made a Meal On (And Might Have)

NatureSweet‘s pasta dish with halved cherry tomatoes and shrimp was so simple, yet so flavorful that we wanted a refill, like 7 times.

Best (Looking and Tasting) New Product

Freshway Foods introduced their new line of gourmet salad blends (The Culinary Garden) at United and we agree – these are gourmet all the way! We love both the look of the brand and the bold taste of the salads, especially the slaw.

Perfectly Packaged Branding

We were instantly drawn to the Tiffany Gate booth. Their well-designed logo was more than adequately supported by the clean lines, and fresh/bright colors of their booth. And, looks like they have a new website up their sleeves (and based on the gorgeous photography on the landing page, we can’t wait to see the finished product!).

What’s More Motivational, Zig Ziglar or a Salad Bar?

The UFPA’s rallying cry claims that being “united makes all the difference.” And boy does it! The across-the-industry collaboration seen at the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools Press Event was, to us, the most motivational happening of the show. And, as one of the many salad bar sponsors recognized at the event, we’re excited about more and more consumption-building salad bars being donated to our schools!

A FRESH Exhibitor in FMI Land

Raaw Foods’ products are definitely on the FRESH end of the spectrum but we ran into their booth and very personable staff on the FMI side. Paul sold us on their healthy, flavorful drinks and, come to think of it, is the perfect FRESH ambassador to crossover to FMI.

Lonestar Late Night

Partnering with Frontera Produce and Fox Packaging, we had a blast hosting a late night party on the Wednesday night of United Fresh. Really, not to toot our own horns, but dancing/singing/laughing with our friends was so much fun, we couldn’t pass up a chance to mention it and share some photos!