BLANDON, PN - As we relish in the final days of October, November is just a week away, and with it comes the start of the holiday season. With consumers getting ready to entertain, Giorgio Fresh is preparing for the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, where it will showcase the newest Garlic Parmesan flavor of its stuffed mushroom line just in time to grace shoppers’ tables.

“We have a very active product development pipeline. Throughout the year, we aim to showcase our innovation through our product development,” stated Greg Sagan, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our strategy is deeply tied to our product development and our plan is to bring this innovation straight to the consumer. As part of our company’s overall strategy, we work on our consumer and product development strategy long before we start getting ready for the show.”

Giorgio Fresh has an extensive research and development (R&D) department that explores ingredients and flavor trends and then uses them to formulate the company’s product to reflect consumer interests, a release explained.

The company’s popular lineup of stuffed mushrooms currently consists of Fiesta Cheese Blend; Cheese and Imitation Bacon Bits Blend; Artichoke, Spinach, and Cheese Blend; Crab Seasoning and Cheese Blend; Mediterranean Cheese; and Buffalo Blue Cheese. All the flavors are available in foodservice packs and convenient microwave-ready consumer packs to cater to a range of occasions.

In addition to its new stuffed mushroom flavor, Giorgio will also showcase its signature Savory Wild™ portabella jerky.

“In an effort to continue to place a strong emphasis on mushroom-based innovation, our R&D team has engaged chefs to create this incredibly flavorful, meat-textured snack alternative,” added Sagan.

Giorgio has expanded its existing Savory Wild Portabella Mushroom Jerky line with two new flavors: Smokehouse Bacon and Hot & Spicy Cajun Style. These recipes add to the supplier’s current flavor lineup of Roasted Garlic & Black Pepper, Sweet Balsamic & Golden Fig, and Sesame, Ginger & Korean Chili, which were awarded the prestigious 2020 Backpacker Editor’s Choice Award.

“As mushroom category leaders, we utilize best practices and work directly with our customers to develop customized programs to optimize their consumer base to further expand the category,” explained Sagan. “Cross-merchandising is something retailers can capitalize more on, as mushrooms are such a flexible ingredient in so many recipes. We are seeing mushrooms in meat sections for use in kabobs; located next to peppers, onions, and other vegetables for sautés; positioned near the mixed greens and pre-made salads as an ideal complement. It’s all about giving consumers options.”

Rounding out its showcase, Giorgio will highlight its dried mushroom varieties, including Whole Shiitake, Chanterelle, Black Trumpet, Lobster, Morel, Oyster, Porcini, Portabella, Shiitake Sliced, Northwoods, Soup Blend, Stir Fry, and Wood Ear.

To see Giorgio’s lineup in all its glory, swing by booth #2055.

Catch you on the show floor!

Giorgio Fresh