New microwaveable corn poised to set industry on its ear
New microwaveable corn poised to set industry on its ear
HOUSTON -- It's an innovation that may just set the produce industry on its ear.
AAAbco LLC, the marketing arm of Feasterville, PA-based seed company Abbott & Cobb, unveiled its new microwaveable, easy-open single ear of premium corn at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit, held here Oct. 12-15.
Abbott & Cobb, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, gave itself a big present with the trademarked "Quik'NEasy" corn, which company President Art Abbott told The Produce News has been in the works for over a decade and would finally come to fruition after Jan. 1.
"Quik'NEasy" corn, which will be sold under the firm's trademarked "Summer Sweet" brand, is based on proprietary seed varieties that will be initially supplied by growers licensed by AAAbco in Belle Glade, FL.
"We guarantee that it is the sweetest corn in the world," Mr. Abbott said.
"Just like our tray pack, [the new single ear] will wind up being an incremental sales and margin builder in the category," said Victor Lomoriello, vice president of sales and operations for AAAbco, noting that the new product also allows for greater shelf and display appeal.
Before it is packaged, the corn is completely cleaned, dehusked and has its silk removed. The process is made easier by a special "silk-free gene" developed by Abbott & Cobb that allows for an easy release of the silk enabling each ear to come out nearly silk-free, Mr. Abbott said.
Mr. Lomoriello said that AAAbco has exclusive rights for corn from the company that created the patent-pending, easy-open strip on the new packaging, which is already in use for other commodities such as potatoes.
"Convenience is the whole issue with the program," Mr. Lomoriello said. "We want to do everything possible to make it easy for the customer when he or she microwaves it. If it doesn't have the easy strip, they will have to cut it with a knife or a scissor to open it, and that would be an obstacle."
Mr. Lomoriello said that the firm received extremely positive feedback from recent consumer panels, and because the ear can be microwaved in as little as 60 seconds, AAAbco believes that it is ideal for adults to take to work for lunch or for children for a fast and easy after-school healthy snack.
While it will be rolled out initially in the southeast, Mr. Lomoriello said it would be available nationwide shortly thereafter and that it is "always" actively looking for additional growers to grow the product under license for AAAbco, both in the United States and oversees.
Mr. Lomoriello noted that while the initial release would be a gold and silver variety, the product would also be rolled out in other colors including white and yellow "in the near future," and would be available year round.
AAAbco LLC, the marketing arm of Feasterville, PA-based seed company Abbott & Cobb, unveiled its new microwaveable, easy-open single ear of premium corn at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit, held here Oct. 12-15.
Abbott & Cobb, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, gave itself a big present with the trademarked "Quik'NEasy" corn, which company President Art Abbott told The Produce News has been in the works for over a decade and would finally come to fruition after Jan. 1.
"Quik'NEasy" corn, which will be sold under the firm's trademarked "Summer Sweet" brand, is based on proprietary seed varieties that will be initially supplied by growers licensed by AAAbco in Belle Glade, FL.
"We guarantee that it is the sweetest corn in the world," Mr. Abbott said.
"Just like our tray pack, [the new single ear] will wind up being an incremental sales and margin builder in the category," said Victor Lomoriello, vice president of sales and operations for AAAbco, noting that the new product also allows for greater shelf and display appeal.
Before it is packaged, the corn is completely cleaned, dehusked and has its silk removed. The process is made easier by a special "silk-free gene" developed by Abbott & Cobb that allows for an easy release of the silk enabling each ear to come out nearly silk-free, Mr. Abbott said.
Mr. Lomoriello said that AAAbco has exclusive rights for corn from the company that created the patent-pending, easy-open strip on the new packaging, which is already in use for other commodities such as potatoes.
"Convenience is the whole issue with the program," Mr. Lomoriello said. "We want to do everything possible to make it easy for the customer when he or she microwaves it. If it doesn't have the easy strip, they will have to cut it with a knife or a scissor to open it, and that would be an obstacle."
Mr. Lomoriello said that the firm received extremely positive feedback from recent consumer panels, and because the ear can be microwaved in as little as 60 seconds, AAAbco believes that it is ideal for adults to take to work for lunch or for children for a fast and easy after-school healthy snack.
While it will be rolled out initially in the southeast, Mr. Lomoriello said it would be available nationwide shortly thereafter and that it is "always" actively looking for additional growers to grow the product under license for AAAbco, both in the United States and oversees.
Mr. Lomoriello noted that while the initial release would be a gold and silver variety, the product would also be rolled out in other colors including white and yellow "in the near future," and would be available year round.
