Matt Stillwell

Recent Posts

Building a fresh produce brand experience that commands a premium

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Feb 26, 2019 4:08:34 PM

All fruit is not created equal; at least, not in the eye of the consumer. As the healthy eating trend continues, consumers are demonstrating a willingness to pay a premium for top quality fruit. Playing to this market is allowing certain businesses to catapult their brands into the spotlight.

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How food producers are upping their game with digital data

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Nov 5, 2018 10:54:36 AM

I have just finished a 2-week trip visiting Compac and TOMRA customers in Chile and the United States. I always enjoy visiting customers – it’s a great opportunity to see our sorting technology in action and the positive impact it’s having on food producers. It’s also fascinating to see first-hand the changes between visits and the effects global food trends are having on these businesses.

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Success in China: An interview with Kok Hwee Ng, Head of Global Marketing at Zespri

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Aug 8, 2018 8:55:47 AM

I'd like to introduce you to Zespri’s Head of Global Marketing, Kok Hwee Ng. She’s been driving success in the role since August 2017, coming from an impressive FMCG marketing career working for companies like Mondelez (formerly Kraft Foods) and Procter & Gamble.

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Hort Connections 2018 - Halving waste and doubling productivity in 11 seasons!

Posted by Matt Stillwell on May 28, 2018 4:07:06 PM

The challenges of a growing global population is well documented and by 2050 the world’s population will reach 9.1 billion, 34 percent higher than today. That’s a lot more people to feed, which is a challenge and a great opportunity for our industry. As the demand for food increases, especially healthy and fresh, it’s a great time to be working in the horticulture industry! The challenge above requires us to increase production by more than 30 percent in around 30 harvests and when you think about it that way, there is not a lot of time. It’s great to see Hort Connections this year is aiming even higher than that and it's inspiring to know that many believe it’s possible. We certainly do at Compac and TOMRA Food and we are constantly evolving our solutions to help growers, packers and food processors achieve greater efficiency.

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Fruit Logistica 2018 - Sorting solutions to protect and enhance your produce brand

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Jan 30, 2018 11:58:13 PM

With over 70,000 attendees, Fruit Logistica in Berlin is the largest trade show for the fresh produce industry. The show is a great opportunity for the global supply chain to gather for three days and discuss the future of our industry. TOMRA, Compac and partners will demonstrate the following sorting solutions to protect and enhance produce brands at Hall 5.1 B-15.

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Technology sorting things out - H.H. Dobbins armed to become world leading packers again

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Nov 28, 2017 8:49:00 PM

Western New York based company H.H. Dobbins has been a trusted fruit handler, manager and marketer in the US since 1905. Over the years the company has grown to include short and long-term storage, and recently invested in a state-of-the-art apple packhouse facility.  

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What the PMA Fresh Summit says about the fresh produce industry

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Nov 28, 2017 1:35:41 AM

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Summit is the premier fresh produce trade show in North America. The scale of the event is enormous with last month’s event attracting almost 20,000 people and more than 1000 exhibitors. TOMRA and Compac were positioned side-by-side to show how sorting solutions can protect and enhance our customers’ brands. 

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How can you ensure a packhouse is providing the most value to you as a grower?

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Aug 30, 2017 11:32:33 AM

As a grower, it’s no longer about just growing the best fruit. Consumer and retail demands for safe quality produce is increasing, and produce brands looking to secure 365 day supply are increasing globalization efforts. This means that growers are in a great position to maximize their yield for greater returns. With greater export opportunities, it is vital that you send your fruit to a packhouse that enables you to make the most of these opportunities and allows you to maximize your return.

In this blog, I will discuss some key areas to consider when selecting the right packhouse to send your fruit to.

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Taste Australia to bring global awareness to premium Australian produce

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Aug 30, 2017 11:30:02 AM

Hort Innovation has recently announced the launch of Taste Australia, an initiative set to be the largest trade push in Australian horticulture’s history. By 2025 it aims to grow Australian produce exports by contributing an investment of more than $10.5 million into horticultural activities across the next year.

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How automation technology is helping increase margins for value-add distributors and repackers

Posted by Matt Stillwell on Aug 30, 2017 11:29:29 AM

Produce distributors and repackers are making the move to automation technology for its many advantages that work to increase margins while maintaining produce quality. In this blog we look at why automation technology is more beneficial than traditional processes, what this means for repacker margins, and other reasons why repackers are now starting to use the same technology that was only previously seen in the packhouse. 

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