In an announcement Friday morning, United Fresh Produce Association Vice President of Convention and Industry Relations John Toner announced the winners of the first-ever United Fresh New Product Award competition at the Washington, D.C.-based association’s annual convention and expo in Las Vegas, Nev.

All United Fresh 2009 exhibitors were eligible to submit products, and each product was viewed and voted on by attendees at the three-day show. Out of 400 votes cast, winners were recognized in each of five categories. They were:

• Best Food Safety Tool or Service: Ultra Wireless Label, PakSense
  
• Best New Packaging Equipment: Genius Optical Sorter, Best Sorting
  
• Best New Processing Equipment: Broccoli Floret Machine, Charlie’s Machine & Supply
  
• Best New Packaging: Air-O-Films Ventilated Pallet Wrap, West Coast Supplies
  
• Best New Fruit or Vegetable Product: Chiquita Pineapple Bites, Chiquita

"We’re extremely excited to recognize these five products as the most outstanding new items in their respective categories," said Toner. "These companies have been recognized by their peers for their accomplishment and innovation."

The New Product Awards will return to United Fresh 2010, April 20-23, 2010 at the Sands MegaCenter in Las Vegas. More on the winning products can be found online at http://virtualmarketplace.unitedfresh.org.