“Our new ‘Sunset’ brand was unveiled last fall at the PMA [Produce Marketing Association] Fresh Summit expo,” said Chris Veillon, marketing director for Mastronardi Produce, headquartered in Kingsville, ON. “We will now bring this same fresh new look — along with some other new concepts that we have been working on — to the Southeast Produce Council’s 2013 Southern Exposure in Orlando, FL, on Feb. 28–March 2.”

The company refreshed the “Sunset” brand with a new “Inspired By Flavor” theme. The entire “Sunset” line of branded products has received a revamp that includes labels, boxes, bags and all of its supporting materials.

High-graphic photos from Mastronardi Produce are eye grabbing and appealing to kids and parents alike. (Photo courtesy of Mastronari Produce)“We test numerous varieties each year in search of new products to bring to market in order to continually satisfy the needs and desires of consumers,” Mr. Veillon added. “We welcome all visitors to stop by our booth, number 223, at Southern Exposure to see what we’ve been up to and how we are ‘Inspired By Flavor.’ We have long been known as the industry leader for product and packaging innovation, and we lived up to that reputation with this rebranding initiative.”

Besides Mr. Veillon, Mastronardi Produce will be represented at the Southern Exposure expo by Paul Mastronardi, president; Peppe Bonfiglio, key account manager; Dean Taylor, director of food services; Vince Filangeri, senior director of sales; Jason Bucko, key account manager and Joe Sbrocchi, vice president of sales.

Mr. Veillon noted that the company has been a member of the Southeast Produce Council for four years and it has exhibited at the show every year since becoming a member.

“In this competitive market we welcome opportunities to understand retailers’ needs and to offer a wide range of solutions in new varieties, packaging ideas and logistics,” he said. “Being a member of the council, and exhibiting at Southern Exposure, allows us to be at a trade show that is ranked high in attendance that provides us with an opportunity to meet with existing and prospective customers.”

Mastronardi Produce’s team members participate in several of the social events at Southern Exposure.

“We recognize the importance of our customer relationships, which allow us to meet expectations as industry leaders,” said Mr. Veillon. “Therefore we take advantage of and enjoy all of the opportunities surrounding the expo that are offered. We are a Bronze Level Sponsor of the expo and a Golf Tournament Awards Reception Sponsors.”

Mastronardi Produce, he noted, is currently expanding its distribution center. The expansion project will nearly double the size of the company’s Kingsville headquarters.

This year in Ontario, the company will be adding 100-greenhouse-acres in a current expansion project that is 72,000 square feet.

“This expansion is needed to accommodate for the increase in demand four our greenhouse produce items,” said Mr. Veillon.

The company also built a state-of-the-art greenhouse in Coldwater, MI, that was completed last year.

“Our Coldwater greenhouse is now producing tomatoes year round,” said Mr. Veillon. “Besides Michigan, the facility allows us to ship locally grown produce to neighboring states including Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania, thereby reducing overall food miles.”

Mastronardi Produce’s organic program is also year round. It services customers throughout North America with several organic tomato varieties, mini and English cucumbers and red, orange and yellow bell peppers.

The company maintains the highest possible levels of food-safety and traceability certifications.

It is Safe Quality Food Level 3 certified, which Mr. Veillon said the company proudly maintains.