The company specializes in packing potatoes and onions but also offers a range of mixed fruit and vegetables, an Asian import program and is looking to expand their organic offering.
"Having items packaged and clearly labeled as organic, especially in the case of specialty items, seems to really be getting the customers attention, along with helping the retailer identify them as organic. There is a write up on the back of our packaging to explain to customers what the product is used for, including health benefits it can give. For example, on the back of the turmeric, the blurb explains how it has been used in many cultures and that it is what gives curry its yellow colour. Also included, is that turmeric has been recognised as an anti-inflamatory." shared Paul Pearson from Thomas Fresh.
"If you had just a piece of turmeric on the shelf, people wouldn't really know what it is, so it really helps educate the consumers on behalf of the retailers."
The company feels that retail packaging is important and have been looking into it for several of their products.
"One of the reasons this type of packaging is important for organic products is that it standardizes price by the unit. For example, items like organic garlic and turmeric often retail for over $10.00/lb when sold bulk, which creates a bit of a sticker shock for the consumer. By packing these items, the sticker price is actually much lower per unit, making them much more appealing to the consumer." said Paul.
The ginger and turmeric comes out of Peru, but recent flooding has led to a gap in turmeric supplies. The garlic is currently sourced from Argentina.
"It was a shame because just as the product was gaining momentum, the rains came in and washed it away. We have been looking at alternate sources, but we might need to gap for a bit on the turmeric."
Along with ginger, garlic and turmeric, the company is also expanding their organic retail packs of shallots and red beets.
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or more information:Paul Pearson
Thomas Fresh
Tel: +1-403-236-8234
Email: paulp@thomasfresh.com
www.thomasfresh.com