Kurt Zuhlke, owner and president of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, headquartered in Bangor, PA, will be exhibiting at the New York Produce Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center North Hall on Dec. 2-4. He will be at the company’s booth to personally greet customers and prospective customers at the event.

“Our line of recycled ‘PETE’ [polyethylene terephthalate] containers is a big hit with retailers today,” said Zuhlke. “They are assured when they see the ‘PETE’ emblem on our packages that they are getting precisely what consumers today are demanding; true recycled ‘PETE.’”

He added that consumers’ increased knowledge of the environment and what is required in order for everyone to do their share, and best, at protecting it is helping to drive the retail demand for environmentally safe packaging, and retailers themselves are increasingly concerned about their own practices related to environmental initiatives.

Zuhlke is also personally a strong advocate of environmentally sustainable practices, and he has designed and developed some of the most highly accepted packaging products known in the produce industry today. The company uses “PETE” in many of its packaging items.

Earlier this year, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates launched new two- and three-compartment “PETE” clamshells.

“These were specifically designed to motivate consumers toward repetitive sales,” said Zuhlke. “The one and one-quarter pint containers can hold, for example, three berry varieties — without the products coming into contact with each other.”

The compartmentalized clamshells hold just enough product for consumers to enjoy a couple of portions. The freshness of the produce motivates them to return to the grocery store to replenish their supplies at least a few times a week. This, Zuhlke pointed out, is a factor that retailers like because it results in repeat sales.

“Shelf life is not an issue with these containers because the product is consumed within a couple of days,” Zuhlke noted. “Product that is typically sold in one-, two- or three-pints lasts a lot longer in consumers’ kitchens. Getting customers to return to stores more often is a goal that every major retailer wants. People typically buy more than just a clamshell of berries when they’re inside a grocery store.”

Kurt Zuhlke & Associates will also be displaying its full line of clamshells, liners, films, corrugated materials and other packaging options at the New York Produce Show.

Zuhlke pointed out that in addition to great packaging products, customers also want good service. These elements are the top priorities for Kurt Zuhlke & Associates. Its priority has always been to service its customers and to ship on time.

“Ours is a vast line that meets every produce packaging need,” Zuhlke added. “And we’ll have it all on display at the show.”