"MamaMia Produce has a new state-of-the-art bagging machine, and retailers are liking it a lot," Joe Sferrazza, sales manager for the East Rutherford, NJ-based company, told The Produce News Dec. 11. "We have had it running for about two weeks, and we could not be more pleased with how it has already increased our efficiencies and volumes."

The bagging machine, he added, took the company about a year to find because they wanted it to specifically match its product line of avocados and citrus. And it is in keeping with the growing consumer demand for bagged items.

MamaMia Produce's new cutting-edge bagging machine in full operation."Our poly net bags are high graphic and colorful, and the bags for this machine are coordinated with our line," said Mr. Sferrazza. "This packaging helps produce departments to sparkle with exciting bright colors. The new machine has the ability to pack any size, from one- up to 10-pound bags. Above the header of the bag is a grab handle, adding even more convenience."

He added that those at the company believe the produce industry is heading into more safety-conscious practices, including having fewer opportunities for consumers to touch the product.

"It's no longer a matter of consumers picking through a mountain of green beans with their fingers," he said. "We're seeing increasingly more clamshells and bagged items on produce department shelves. Packaged items were a trend for about 15 years, but today it's a fact. Consumers now want their fruits and vegetables in quicker, easier and safer ways."

He said that the same stands true for the organic industry, adding, "It's no longer a trend, but also a lifestyle today."

The company offers an organic line of products that include peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes.

The bags being packed by the new machine carry the "MamaMia" label, just as the company's other products. The logo and design on the bags was created in-house by the company's talented team.

MamaMia Produce has farms and greenhouses in the Dominican Republic and in Mexico. About 27 years ago, the company got its start as World Agro.

"We outgrew that company and reorganized about 10 years ago under MamaMia Produce," said Mr. Sferrazza. "The vision of our two owners, Mike Rozman and Shimon Efergon, have turned the company's infrastructure completely around for the better, including at our farms and greenhouses both offshore and in the U.S."

Referring to the new bagging machine, he noted that it has the capability to pack six to eight loads of avocados or citrus per week, and the company can customize to any retailer's needs.

"Besides bagging by pound, it can also do count-size bags," said Mr. Sferrazza. "We can handle anything from two-count to 20-count bags.

"The minute the word got out about the machine being installed and running, we picked up a new customer: Price Chopper," he continued. "And several other chains in the East and Midwest have expressed interest. Anyone who would like to get involved should know that we would be happy to offer new customers a two-week introduction price, and our existing customers will get their customary six to seven ad pricing opportunities annually."

MamaMia Produce's packaging, Mr. Sferrazza said, has turned the corner in that it makes any produce department look better. The proof of that is the amount of brand recognition that the company has achieved.

"We are always moving forward and looking for new ideas," he said. "Our new bagging machine reduces human labor, which results in lower costs on our end. Those savings are then passed on to our customers and ultimately to consumers.

"Our production and volume has increased because of the machine," he continued. "The customer can now buy four avocados for the same price they previously paid for three. No one is arguing at savings that are on that level."