Attendees to United Fresh 2010 cast their votes Thursday and recognized the winners of the 2010 United Fresh Produce Association New Product Awards. Recognizing new product and process development in six categories, the awards are given out each year at the association’s annual convention and expo.

          "New product development is one of the primary reasons we host a trade show along with the educational programs at our annual convention," said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. "Our goal is to drive innovation and adoption of new technologies to help boost value to the consumer and profitability to the industry. These awards recognize the ability of companies to bring that innovation and new technology to market year in and year out."

          Winners of this year’s awards are:

          Best New Packaging: Fresh Express Artisanal Salads, Chiquita Brands

          Best New Food Safety Solution: VoiceCode, YottaMark

          Best New Processing Equipment: FogTunnel Produce Treatment System, AgSolutions, Inc.

          Best New Fruit Product: Chiquita Fresh & Ready Avocados, Chiquita Brands

          Best New Packing/Processing Equipment: Ulta Bagger (Girbagger) Bagging Machine, Giro Pack

          Best New Vegetable Product: Ready Pac Bistro Seasonal Salads, Italiano & Waldorf, Ready Pac Foods, Inc.

          "New and improved products stimulate the growth and profitability of our industry," said John Toner, vice president of convention and industry relations for United Fresh. "The awards honor the results of years of R&D and the foresight of companies in bringing new innovation to the marketplace. Congratulations to this year’s award winners."