Gourmet Trading Company, North American distributor of fresh asparagus and blueberries, has won the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) 2012 AmeriStar Packaging Competition with its Two Piece Display-Ready Asparagus Shipper. 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 Two Piece Display-Ready Asparagus Shipper is filled the same way as a regular 11lb asparagus shipper. The simple instructions on the package make it easy for retail store employees to separate the top from the tray. The tray can be displayed on a 60 degree shelf creating a clean presentation with branding. A moisture pad at the bottom of the tray keeps the asparagus looking fresh.
This innovative package saves retailers 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 recognized by the IoPP for this display ready asparagus box. It was a great opportunity for Gourmet to work with Cal Poly San Luis’ 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 along with other winning packages will be displayed at the IoPP Honors & Awards Networking Reception Dinner on May 22nd and at PackExpo on October 29th – 31st.