Family-owned company JASA Packaging Solutions was established in the Netherlands 35 years ago and the company opened a US branch in 2018. “With a focus on providing packaging equipment and sustainable packaging solutions, we are bringing our European knowledge and expertise to North America,” says Sandra Somford, President of the company’s US division.
Because of its physical presence in the US and the ambition to grow in the North American market, JASA exhibited at last year’s PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim. “We were planning to exhibit in person again at this year’s Fresh Summit. As a matter of fact, we were aiming for a bigger booth to show customers and attendees the first projects we have realized in the US,” Somford said. “Since we can’t get together in person, we definitely want to participate with a virtual booth. It is an opportunity to show ourselves.”
Piet Pannekeet, Joost Somford and Sandra Somford-Pannekeet at last year's Fresh Summit show.
Accessible to wide audience
Somford was part of United Fresh LIVE! as an attendee and was impressed how well the show was organized. “It was an engaging platform and in hindsight, I do regret not participating as an exhibitor. I like how all the information is shared on one platform.” Although Fresh Summit’s platform will be different from United’s platform, Somford is looking forward to making new connections. Not only will it visually be different, another change is Fresh Summit’s attendance is paid, unlike United Fresh LIVE! that was free to all attendees.
“Nevertheless, I am still confident the show will be accessible to a wide audience,” commented Somford. For companies, it is less expensive to register someone for a virtual event than to fly them in to an in-person event. A virtual show saves on airfare, hotels, and meals but also on time. “It only takes a few hours to check out virtual booths compared to walking the show floor for two full days.” Somford hopes paid registration will result in Fresh Summit being able to identify a target audience for each exhibitor.
Examples of paper-sleeve packaging options.
Live equipment sessions
In terms of booth content, JASA is looking at a personal approach. “We are family-owned and pride ourselves in being easily approachable. “That’s what we would like the virtual booth to reflect,” she said. “We are looking to do live equipment demonstration sessions as well as show lots of photos and videos of our packaging equipment and packaging solutions. In JASA’s booth, attendees will learn about weighing and packaging equipment for leafy greens, tomatoes, and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. “As a system integrator, we take control of the implementation of the entire line which does not only include placing standard equipment, but includes customer specific engineering, project management, FAT & SAT testing, installation, and maintenance.” In addition, show attendees will be able to see sustainable packaging options like JASA’s Sleever and Bag-2-Paper.
New packaging for tomatoes
With its new paper-sleeve packaging for tomatoes, JASA will be participating in the Fresh Ideas Showcase. Tomatoes lend themselves well for packaging, but options are essentially limited to plastic. “This new product shows tomatoes are a great fit for paper packaging, and it’s a relatively simple transition from plastic to paper. In addition to a better visual appeal, paper offers more room for brand promotion.”
New paper-sleeve packaging for tomatoes.
For more information:
Sandra Somford
JASA Packaging Solutions, Inc.
Tel: +1 (804) 290-3683
sandra.somford@jasapackaging.com
www.jasapackaging.com