Choosing a healthier lifestyle and eating habits is one of the best ways to assist in reducing heart disease. According to the 2020 FMI Grocery Shopper Trend report, due to the pandemic, there is an increased demand around functional foods and beverages that support health—particularly immune health. And as more families are cooking and eating at home, validated health claims are increasingly important. “According to The Hartman Group, consumers are looking to become more empowered and resilient to help propel them through this time of uncertainty. This has resulted in a stronger focus on health and wellness,” says Mallory Brown of the American Heart Association.
This year, Maglio Companies collaborated with the American Heart Association (AHA) to bring the “Heart Check Mark” to watermelon consumers on its readyripe®¼ sliced watermelon pouch. The industry checkmark reminds consumers with certainty that they can trust the product they are purchasing and that it is a healthy choice.
The American Heart Association's checkmark reminds consumers that they can trust the product they are purchasing and that it is a healthy choice.
The AHA statistics clearly exhibit the positive effect that the “checkmark” has on product sales says Richard Butera, director of the readyripe® program and business development for Maglio. According to the May 2020 Brand Tracker survey of more than 1,000 adults, the heart-check shield has a 75 percent brand awareness and purchase influence of the shield is 86 percent.
Given that health is top of mind for consumers, Stephanie Barlow of the National Watermelon Promotion Board notes that watermelon contain vitamins A, B6 and C as well as containing 92 percent hydration and lycopene which assists with heart health.
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o protect the product, the watermelon pouch uses a film composition that regulates the oxygen and water transmission rate. The pouch design establishes a measured surface area in relation to the volume of the watermelon. In this enhanced atmospheric environment, the watermelon continues to breathe and live, albeit at a slow rate of respiration preserving the flavor and quality.
Maglio believes the old method of plastic wrap is generally unreliable and does not securely cling to the fruit/watermelon. Even when there is limited moisture, the “cling” is often not strong enough to keep the watermelon from oxygen exposure or unknown contaminates. The readyripe® pouch offers a barrier protection, along with a tamper-resistant seal and a zipper enclosure.
For more information:
Rick Butera
Maglio Produce
Tel: +1 (262) 671-2104
RAB@maglioproduce.com
www.maglioproduce.com