PHARR, TX - The 2018 Viva Fresh Produce Expo is upon us, bringing fresh food providers and buyers from around the nation to the crucially important South Texas region. This year marks the first annual Gateway to Innovations Award—though the Expo has been showcasing innovation for years—and one strong contender for the award is London Fruit.

After a year that saw the company introducing new category offerings, London Fruit is at it again, with a new Black Label packaging primed to drive sales, celebrate the much-loved Ataulfo variety mango, and provide customers and end consumers with the freshest possible produce.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Cindy Swanberg Schwing, Sr. Marketing / Business Development; Mario Cardenas, Sales Manager; and Kalani Jaime, Sales, to learn more about London Fruit's innovative new look and the company’s plans for Viva Fresh.

“Quality product has always been the cornerstone of London Fruit’s marketing—so in re-designing the new package, looks plus integrity were key elements to the design of the new package,” Cindy tells to me.

And Mario echoes those sentiments, adding: “A new visual design was desired as well so the company viewed the new Black Label as a method of enhancing the visibility of the Ataulfo (Honey) mango, especially through the maturation process of the fruit, knowing that each color change would be enhanced by the black presentation.”

With innovations to both the structure and look of the company’s packaging, Kalani and Cindy explain, wholesalers and retailers will be able to more conveniently display and ship produce.

“The open top carton, along with the new ventilation pattern, allows for maximum air flow during shipment—thus ensuring a more consistent product upon arrival to our customers,” states Kalani. “Airflow and consistent temperature is key to ensuring a consistent, quality product. London Fruit has worked diligently to ensure its packaging has these qualities for all of its product lines.”

In the tradition of London Fruit’s Splash Boxes, debuted at Viva Fresh 2016, Kalani tells me, the new Black Label is improving both the look and the function of its latest iteration of packaging.

“Finally,” Kalani adds, “utilizing a ‘reinforced’ corner package also enhances the ‘strength of package,’ ensuring a properly protected product upon delivery (highly sought after by receivers).”

Not only does London Fruit ship mangos, but also avocados, limes, jackfruit, Thai banana, banana flower, and Maradol papaya. London Fruit’s Black Label packaging will make its official debut at the Viva Fresh Produce Expo in San Antonio, Texas, April 5-7 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Expo goers can visit London Fruit at booth #67.

London Fruit