“I’m proud that Crunch Pak became a trusted brand for healthy snacking and convenience,” Freytag told The Produce News. “What stands out most is the company culture we built — one defined by a ‘can-do’ attitude and a willingness to take challenges head-on.”

That culture has been at the center of Crunch Pak’s success story, one that married technology with imagination. From pioneering anti-browning solutions to introducing character-licensed packaging such as Mickey Mouse and Paw Patrol, the company found ways to make produce both practical and playful.

“Cracking the code on keeping an apple from browning was huge,” Freytag said. “It wasn’t one single solution but a combination of science, processing and recognizing that internal quality matters more than skin color.”

Beyond innovation, Freytag has long emphasized the importance of asking what’s next. “It’s a mix of taking leaps of faith while leaning on both data and intuition,” he said. “That pioneering spirit encouraged creativity across the company and made people comfortable pushing past conventional thinking.”

Freytag’s forward-looking mindset extends to sustainability. Crunch Pak has worked to make full use of every piece of fruit, turning trim and cores into new value streams. Some of that material is now pureed into kid-friendly squeeze pouches. “All of this means we’re making much more of every apple we touch,” Freytag explained. “The most sustainable thing we can do is encourage more people to eat them.”

Freytag said he feels confident in the next generation leading the company —particularly Andy Kimbrel, Crunch Pak’s executive vice president, and Ozgur Koc, senior vice president of licensing and new business development.

“Andy brings a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of the retail connection,” Freytag said. “He’s built a tremendous team that respects him and listens, while also giving them the freedom to think independently and bring their own ideas forward.”

Freytag also praised Koc, who leads the company’s expanding licensing division. “Ozgur blends Disney, Paramount, NBC Universal — even BBC’s Bluey — into the mix of products, all while watching the demographics of each to maximize market success,” he said. That blend of respect, creativity and leadership, Freytag added, ensures the company will continue to thrive.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are central to combating issues like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure,” he said. “Nutrition is increasingly recognized as one of the most powerful ways to change healthcare outcomes.” Freytag believes the fresh-cut apple category still has “endless room to grow,” especially as health and convenience continue to drive consumer demand. He sees opportunity in new packaging, flavor pairings and even expansion into other produce items, all of which align with the growing food as medicine movement.

Freytag’s leadership extended beyond Crunch Pak. Through years of involvement with PMA, United Fresh and now IFPA, he helped guide the industry through policy, logistics, food safety and advocacy efforts; most recently serving as chairman of IFPA’s Political Action Committee. “IFPA has so much to offer to members of all sizes and that cannot be overlooked,” he said. “I’m grateful that Crunch Pak supported my involvement, and I know that work will continue to benefit both the company and the industry.”

As for what comes next, Freytag avoids the word retirement. “For me, it’s about making choices on what to do next,” he said. “We all need a sense of purpose to keep moving forward.” He’s quick to credit the people around him for Crunch Pak’s continued success and hopes that will be his legacy. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who was fair and supportive,” he said. “What matters most is that people feel respected and encouraged to do their best work.”

With that, Freytag closes this chapter much as he began it — focused on possibility, grounded in purpose and ready to see what’s next.