The company was able to enter this international competition after winning the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) 2012 AmeriStar Packaging Competition for its innovative asparagus package on April 5, 2012.
The Two Piece Display-Ready Asparagus Shipper was developed in 2010 by Gourmet Trading Company and California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. The package offers the unique ability to be converted from a shipper to a display in the matter of seconds without the use of a box cutter. The simple instructions on the package make it easy for retail store employees to separate the top from the tray.
The tray can then be displayed on a 60 degree shelf creating a clean presentation with branding on the produce shelf. A moisture pad at the bottom of the tray keeps the asparagus looking fresh. Overall, the package allows retailers to save time and money stocking shelves while preventing injury without additional training of employees.
Julia Inestroza, Gourmet Trading Company Marketing Director, stated “We’re proud to be internationally recognized by the WorldStar Packaging Organisaion for this display-ready asparagus box.
It was a great opportunity for us to work with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s packaging department on a real world challenge and we’re ecstatic with the results: A box that saves time at the front end of the store and allows for fresher product and less shrink for retailers.”
The Two Piece Display-Ready Asparagus Shipper will be honored at the WorldStar Award Presentation on May 9, 2013 in Sydney, Australia.
