Zuhlke says the New York Produce Show opens retailers’ eyes and expands their horizons
Zuhlke says the New York Produce Show opens retailers’ eyes and expands their horizons
Some days it pays to get away from your desk, or the produce department floor, and go to a place that fills your brain with new ideas and inspirations.
Kurt Zuhlke, owner and president of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, headquartered in Bangor, PA, said that is what the New York Produce Show does for the huge number of produce buyers, managers and other produce staff members who attend.
“It’s a necessary expense for retailers to come to this show to discover new ideas,” said Zuhlke. “They return to their companies able to do a better job. This really works.
“I often have five- or six-store chains come to my booth at this show to ask about packaging to put product in, and they get very excited when they see the options and possibilities, especially if it’s a package that will reduce waste and increase sales,” he continued. “They ask for samples, and then they go back to their suppliers asking for the item.”
Zuhlke, along with his wife, Cindy, who is the company’s chief financial officer, will exhibit at booth No. 545 at the New York Produce Show on Dec. 1-3.
On display will be its full line of Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, packaging. The company is fully dedicated to Earth-friendly packaging.
“We have recently introduced some new items that are being well received, and they will be showcased at the New York Produce Show,” said Zuhlke. “We have a very practical approach in our new packaging; it’s entirely clear so that nothing inside is hidden from the buyer or the consumer. They can see exactly what they’re getting.”
Zuhlke has been involved with the Eastern Produce Council, one of the organizers of the show, for over 25 years, and the company has exhibited at every event since the first one in 2010.
“This show is experiencing phenomenal growth,” he said. “I believe this is due to demographics,” he said. “There are so many markets between Boston and Washington D.C., that it simply makes more sense for retailers and foodservice operators to send their produce staff to the city rather than across the country for a national show. Seeing what’s new and exciting helps to reduce workplace stress and it broadens their minds. And the city is a very exciting place to visit, especially at this time of year.”
