“From the start, we knew New York would draw people from across the country,” he said. “It’s always been a great opportunity to make personal connections with distributors, growers and manufacturers, and it’s only gotten bigger and better every year.” 

He believes the show’s location and atmosphere contribute to productive conversations and lasting business partnerships.

Headquartered in Easton, PA, the company manufactures more than 40 different types of produce packaging and is known as a trusted resource for retailers, growers and packers looking to differentiate their displays and increase sales. 

Zuhlke has spent decades helping customers identify packaging solutions that maximize shelf visibility, protect product quality and build shopper confidence. 

“Our packaging offers excellent protection while allowing consumers to see exactly what they’re purchasing,” he said. “When shoppers can clearly view the product and the price is fair, they’re more likely to buy.”

A longtime advocate for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging, Zuhlke stresses its strong role in environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. He believes PET continues to gain ground as demand for recyclable and circular-economy packaging accelerates across the industry. 

“Sustainable packaging is more important than ever, and PET plays a key role in keeping material in the recycling stream and out of landfills,” he said. 

As sustainability expectations rise and packaging transparency becomes a consumer priority, the company remains committed to solutions that support both environmental responsibility and commercial performance.

The versatility of Zuhlke’s packaging continues to support a wide range of operational models. Growers and suppliers rely on the company to meet precise customer specifications, while retailers increasingly repack at store level to tailor offerings and reduce shrink. 

“All levels of the industry are important to us,” he said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to serving growers, distributors and retailers equally.

This year, Zuhlke will be joined at the show by his son, Christopher, who joined the company full-time earlier this year and will participate in customer meetings and networking throughout the week. Zuhlke sees emerging leaders as an important part of the company’s future, making the event a valuable learning platform for the next generation.

The company currently supplies packaging throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, enabling consistent availability across key produce regions. As suppliers finalize 2026 plans and retailers sharpen strategies for merchandising and inventory optimization, the New York Produce Show remains an important venue for conversations about packaging performance, sustainability and consumer-driven innovation.