What’s Up With Wawona, August 2024
Industry Trends
The frozen strawberry industry is experiencing notable advancements, particularly with the increasing adoption of Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) technology. IQF allows for each strawberry to be frozen separately, preserving its individual shape and texture, which greatly enhances the fruit’s quality and usability in various applications. This method prevents clumping and ensures that the strawberries maintain their fresh taste and nutritional value. Additionally, there is a rising consumer preference for organic and sustainably sourced strawberries, pushing the industry towards more environmentally friendly farming practices and packaging solutions. Combined with improvements in supply chain logistics and storage, these updates are positioning the frozen strawberry sector to better meet modern consumer demands for quality, convenience, and sustainability.
Frozen Fruit 101
Want to buy frozen fruit but don’t know enough about them? Here’s four facts about the benefits of using frozen fruit and IQF.
- Convenience: Frozen foods are convenient as they can be stored in the freezer and used as needed, saving time and effort in food preparation.
- Nutritional value: Frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh, as they are often frozen at the peak of ripeness and retain their nutritional value.
- Long shelf life: Frozen foods have a longer shelf life than fresh foods, making them a great option for those who want to stock up without worrying about spoilage.
- IQF technology: IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) technology allows for the preservation of individual pieces of food, preventing them from sticking together and making it easier to portion out.
To learn more about the benefits of frozen fruit and IQF, check out The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI).
