Healthy snacks that taste good and are convenient continue to be in a strong uptrend. “Within the cucumber category, we have seen the snacking segment grow in all greenhouse cucumbers,” says Matt Quiring, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Nature Fresh Farms. In response to increasing popularity, the company started growing Tiny Cocktail Cucumbers in 2022. “We are seeing a trend in consumers gravitating to healthy, convenient snacking options. Tiny Cocktail Cucumbers fit this category, and retailers are always looking for new and exciting product options for their shoppers.”
The snack-size cucumbers are grown at Nature Fresh Farms’ facilities in Leamington, ON, Canada, and are available year-round. However, peak season is right now, usually running from March through May. In addition to their Leamington location, trials are currently ongoing in Mexico. While the Tiny Cocktail Cucumbers are only available conventionally at the moment, Nature Fresh Farms is working on having an organic offering within the next two years.
Busy parents
Why have snack-size cucumbers become so popular? “It’s a combination of their tiny size, eatable skin, refreshing nature, and ready-to-wash and eat convenience paired with health benefits,” said Quiring. “They have anti-inflammatory properties, are a good source of fiber, and are high in vitamins A, C & K.” All of this has made them a staple snacking item for many consumers. While they appeal to many consumers, Quiring believes the small cucumbers are a perfect solution for busy parents who want to fuel their families with convenient, nutritious snacks to get them through the day.
The cocktail cucumbers are available in different packaging types. A 4 oz. pouch bag called Nature Fresh Farms Snack Supplies™ was designed to be bright, colorful, and school-themed to motivate kids to pick a healthy snack option for their lunches. Each 4 oz. snack bag includes a 3-pack of collectible stickers as well as a kid-friendly game, such as a word search, maze, or crossword puzzle. “It brings something to market that is a fun, high-flavor alternative to traditional sugary snacks, something for kids and parents to get excited about,” said Quiring. The other packaging option is Top Seal, available in 240, 255, and 680 grams.
Front of Nature Fresh Farms Snack Supplies™ bag.
Back of Nature Fresh Farms Snack Supplies™ bag.
Viva Fresh
To see the bite-size cucumbers firsthand, visit Nature Fresh Farms at booth #201 at the upcoming Viva Fresh Expo in Grapevine, Texas, from March 30 until April 1, 2023.
For more information:
Krysta Markham
Nature Fresh Farms
Krysta.markham@naturefresh.ca
www.naturefreshfarms.ca