Wawona Update

​​Wawona Frozen Foods is gearing up for a busy fruitful season! With the current peach crop production, Wawona is looking at a 2-week delay before our production facilities will run at full capacity! Wawona is anticipating our delicious first of the season peaches will show up for processing the 2nd week of June! 

 Earlier this month, Wawona Frozen Foods celebrated its 60th Anniversary with an Anniversary Gala! Reflecting on our past and celebrating our future, the Wawona team and the Smittcamp Family celebrated the business with family, friends, employees, customers, vendors, growers, and community supporters. It was a night to remember, and we are so thankful for all those who celebrated with us! Cheers to 60 years and here’s to 60 more!

Industry Trends 

The food industry is constantly evolving, and the trends of today are likely to be vastly different from those of tomorrow. In 2023, the food industry is looking to be far more ethical, sustainable, and health-conscious than ever before. 

As consumers become more conscious about health and wellness, they are increasingly looking for healthier options when it comes to their meals. Plant-based proteins, vegan alternatives, organic ingredients, and locally sourced produce have all grown in popularity over recent years as people look for ways to eat better without compromising on taste or quality. Additionally, opting for plant-based proteins instead of animal products helps reduce water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production.

Convenience has also become a top priority for many diners who want ready-made meals that can be prepared quickly and easily at home. By planning meals in advance and using leftovers creatively, we can save money while also helping the planet at the same time.

With all these changes taking place in the food industry, it’s important to stay up-to-date with what’s happening so you can make informed decisions about your diet.

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.  

1. Convenience: Frozen foods are convenient as they can be stored in the freezer and used as needed, saving time and effort in food preparation. 
2. 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. 
3.  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. 
4. 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).

Wawona Update

Wawona Frozen Foods has been in FULL BLOOM the past few weeks as our wonderful orchards have been covered in pink peach blossoms! Even with mother nature’s recent rain storms, our crop is looking good for the 2023 season! Wawona is gearing up to celebrate our growers this month at our annual Grower’s Luncheon, where our over 80 growers will hear from our President and CEO on what our trends, production and crop value will be for the year!

Industry Trends 

As consumers are becoming more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious,  businesses must have sustainable efforts if they want to be successful. According to Food Executive Industry, “It is essential for today’s conscientious customers that the brands they support are making decisions that are positively impacting the environment today and for the future.

What are some ways your business can be more sustainable? Here’s 5 of the biggest practices business have been doing:

1. Prioritize ESG – “Utilizing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is an indispensable part of profitable growth strategies.” 
2. Adopt packaging alternatives – “Brands that implement sustainable packaging alternatives for their products have found that 60-70% of consumers are willing to pay more for less climate impact.”
3. Save water and energy – “In 2023, we will see the accelerated adoption of efficient steaming technology, water reuse systems that reduce the processors’ water, energy, chemical usage, and more.”
4. Reduce food waste – “Technological innovation is necessary to find new solutions to reduce food waste. Technology providers that address this problem through their products create a ripple effect through the supply chain, helping their food and beverage manufacturing customers contribute to a better, more equitable world.”
5. Cell-based protein innovation – “Data from two comprehensive new studies found that cell-based protein could cause up to 92% less global warming and 93% less air pollution, and use up to 95% less land and 78% less water compared to conventional beef production.”

Read more about Food Executive Industry’s ideas for ways to be a more sustainable business here.

Frozen Fruit 101

Looking to add some health-conscious, fruit-filled snacks to your menu?  Nutritionists love frozen fruit because:

• They don’t contain additives
• They retain their nutrient levels
• They are versatile for meals and snacks

By offering healthy snacks, you’ll attract health-conscious customers that appreciate nutritious, low-calorie alternatives. Here are some of our best healthy snack ideas that use Wawona’s fresh frozen fruit:

• Pineapple Mango Sorbet: This healthy snack whips up fast, only needing two hours to chill. Sorbets are a great menu item for in-between courses or as a light, refreshing dessert.
• Freezer Fudge with Strawberries: A healthy take on a decadent treat, this freezer fudge combines frozen strawberries, almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup for a guilt-free snack.
• Berry Yogurt Swirl Popsicle: These sophisticated popsicles blend berries, strawberries, or blueberries with dairy-free yogurt for a cool snack or dessert that caters to the vegan crowd.
• Fruit Smoothies: Combine all of your favorite Wawona fruits and blend to perfection! 
• Frozen Yogurt Bites: A five-healthy-ingredient snack, these frozen yogurt bites can substitute any fruit with honey, granola, and yogurt for a cool and balanced bite.

Wawona Update

Wawona’s sales team is settling back in the office after a great travel down to San Diego, California for the annual AFFI-CON! Every year, AFFI (American Frozen Foods Institute) hosts a convention where our sales teams have business meetings, one on one, from sunup till sundown!  The AFFI-CON gives the Wawona team an opportunity to check in with our current customers, and make new connections and obtain new customers all while planning out our production to meet our customers needs! It’s the catalyst to our year and we can’t wait to get our delicious fresh frozen peachy products out to our customers!

Industry Trends

March is National Frozen Foods Month! The development of frozen foods nearly 100 years ago revolutionized the food industry by keeping perishable items “good” for prolonged periods of time. Starting in 2022, there is a growing trend in consumer appeal for these frozen foods as, “people now also prefer frozen fruits and vegetables, which enable them to enjoy even the seasonal delicacies throughout the year.”

Additionally, in the period of 2022-2027, this industry is expected to grow 3.5% yearly as the “The demand for convenient food products is the major factor driving the frozen food market in North America, as these food items reduce cooking, preparation, and clean-up efforts and time for consumers.” So why not celebrate National Frozen Foods Month by checking out Wawona’s frozen fruits with the highest-quality performance across a range of menu applications.

Read more here: Frozen Food Trends

Frozen Fruit 101

The benefits of frozen fruit are endless. Frozen fruits are a convenient and delicious way to eat fruit, capitalizing on the fruit’s peak nutritious values. We have highlighted the benefits of frozen fruit below:

• Frozen fruits are easy to prepare: Save time prepping and cleaning by ordering pre-cut frozen fruit.
• Frozen fruit reduces consumer food waste: Frozen fruit doesn’t spoil in the freezer, so this fruit can be used for long periods of time. Unused portions can be returned to the freezer to be used at a later date. This reduces food waste and saves money.
• Frozen fruit is nutritious: Fruits are harvested and quickly flash-frozen within hours to lock in key nutrients, vitamins, and minerals like Riboflavin, Vitamins C & E, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Fiber, and Phenolics.

Understand the important role that frozen fruit plays in a healthy eating pattern. For more information, check out The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI).

Wawona Update

Wawona is excited to celebrate February, the month of LOVE! A few reasons to LOVE Wawona Frozen Foods – did you know that one of Wawona’s company pillars is community service? Wawona gives back to its community in a number of ways!

1. Provides fruit cups to almost ALL fundraiser walks, school carnivals and sporting events! Do you want frozen fruit cups at your next fundraising/school event? Reach out to Wawona to see how we can help! info@wawona.com
2. Wawona’s employee’s come together in the fall for an Employee Giving Challenge to support and raise funds for Valley Children’s Hospital!
3. Wawona Frozen Foods hosts the annual Peach Party at the Old Town Clovis Farmer’s Market where we give out FREE samples to our community, family and friends in attendance!

We love Wawona Frozen Foods and we hope you do too!

Industry Trends

Did you know it is Berry Fresh Month?

Berry Fresh Month is celebrated every February. It brings the beauty of berries and their nutritional benefits to our attention and spreads awareness about various types.

Wawona Frozen Foods offers fresh frozen strawberries that are plump, juicy and flavorful. Our strawberries are hand-picked at ripened maturity to ensure a bright color and tender texture of the finest quality of fruit available. We also offer blueberries which undergo the Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) process to seal in the natural flavor and nutrients.

We also have several unique blends of mixed fruit – from traditional 3- and 4-Berry Blends to a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors in the Spectrum Blend.

The flavor and health benefits of berries make it a favorite of foodservice operators. They are a key ingredient in pancakes and breakfast cereals, in baked goods, such as muffins, sauces, glazes for entrees, and smoothies. Wawona is proud to be the premium supplier of different berries, which are all a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.

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.

1. Convenience: Frozen foods are convenient as they can be stored in the freezer and used as needed, saving time and effort in food preparation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).

Happy PEACHY New Year!

Wawona Frozen Foods is excited to celebrate 2023 as the 60^th Anniversary of Wawona Frozen Foods! From what started out as a small 200-acre farm, to being now a 3^rd generation pioneer in the frozen fruit industry shipping more than a 100 million pounds annually! We are excited to take time and reflect on where we started and where we have been, and eager to look forward to seeing where Wawona Frozen Foods will go next! Cheers to 60 years!

Wawona Frozen Foods is excited to be bringing in a new state of the art de-capping machine for our strawberry line. This new piece of equipment will help Wawona Frozen Foods eliminate excess labor forces and increase product yield across the board! With new technologies being developed each day, we are excited to be at the forefront of innovation and look forward to sharing more with you as we move into the installation phase!

 How Long Does Frozen Fruit Last?

Freezing foods like fruit and vegetables extends their lifespan, but do frozen foods eventually go bad? Freezing prevents food poisoning bacteria from growing, so no matter how long frozen food has been in the freezer, it’s still safe to eat, according to the USDA.

Using frozen fruits and vegetables is not only convenient, but it’s also nutritious. Frozen produce may have more nutrients than fresh produce, according to a January 2015 study in the ​Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry​.

So, does frozen fruit go bad? No. Frozen fruit does not expire or go bad. Any frozen food is safe to use because bacteria and other pathogens can’t grow in temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and below, according to the USDA.

To read more, visit livestrong.com.

Frozen Fruit 101

 Looking to add some health-conscious, fruit-filled snacks for 2023?  Nutritionists love frozen fruit because:

• They retain their nutrient levels
• They don’t contain additives
• They are versatile for meals and snacks

By offering healthy snacks, you’ll attract health-conscious customers that appreciate nutritious, low-calorie alternatives. Here are some of our best healthy snack ideas that use Wawona’s fresh frozen fruit:

• Berry Yogurt Swirl Popsicle: These sophisticated popsicles blend berries, strawberries, or blueberries with dairy-free yogurt for a cool snack or dessert that caters to the vegan crowd.
• Pineapple Mango Sorbet: This healthy snack whips up fast, only needing two hours to chill. Sorbets are a great menu item for in-between courses or as a light, refreshing dessert.
• Freezer Fudge with Strawberries: A healthy take on a decadent treat, this freezer fudge combines frozen strawberries, almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup for a guilt-free snack.
• Frozen Yogurt Bites: A five-healthy-ingredient snack, these frozen yogurt bites can substitute any fruit with honey, granola, and yogurt for a cool and balanced bite.
• Fruit Smoothies: Combine all of your favorite Wawona fruits and blend to perfection!

Our sales team is growing! And don’t forget about our Peach Tree Stand!

 Schools! It’s time to MAXIMIZE your entitlement dollars! We have the perfect selection of Peaches, Strawberries and Blueberries with the right USDA code to ensure your school can get the biggest Bang for your Buck! Check out our Schools page to review the commodity calculator to see what products you can use for a delicious fruit cup, fruit pop or straight IQF bagged fruit! Perfect for  Email schools@wawona.com for more information!

Our Wawona Sales team continues to grow! We want to welcome Marci Clark to our Wawona’s Sales team! Marci is Wawona’s new Director of Sales Foodserivce and K12. Marci is coming to Wawona all the way from Washington and will work to help guide our sales team to improve and increase sales for foodservice and in school districts across the US.

The Peach Tree fruit stand is still open amongst construction! With the Well Community Church hard at work building their new sanctuary – the Peach Tree Fruit stand is still open on Thursdays and Saturdays offering delicious frozen treats and frozen baked goods for the holidays! Be sure to stop by and pick up a box of Peach Jewels or Gluten Free Gems, along with our newest holiday flavor, PECAN Jewels!

Frozen Fruit & Vegetable Market Growing Rapidly

The frozen fruits and vegetable market is growing at a very rapid rate because of increasing consumer’s preference for fresh fruits and vegetables. Global fruits & vegetables market is anticipated to expand with more than 5% of CGAR during the forecast period. In addition to that, a shift has been observed globally among the consumers towards frozen fruits and vegetables due to many consumers opting to be vegan.

Further, frozen fruits and vegetables are rapidly gaining traction among consumers as they offer a wide range of advantages over the fresh produce. The technique employed in freezing fruits and vegetables assists in retaining the color, flavor and nutritive value of these products. It slows down the decomposition by turning the residual moisture into ice, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also immune to spoilage that occurs on account of vigorous transportation and exposure to light, heat and dust. They offer numerous benefits which include low cost, easy preparation and availability during the off-season.

To learn more, visit Global News Wire.

Frozen Fruit 101

Frozen fruit has many advantages including nutrition, variety, convenience, and reduced food waste! Read on to learn more:

Nutrition: Frozen fruits and vegetables have the same nutritional value as when they were picked at peak freshness. In fact, studies show frozen fruits and vegetables are as rich in nutrients as their fresh-stored counterparts. Those nutrients locked in place until they’re on your plate.

Variety: Today’s frozen food aisle offers a more diverse selection of ingredients, side dishes and entrees than ever before. From smoothie bowls to grain bowls and everything in between, the frozen food aisle accentuates culinary trends and, in some cases, starts the culinary adventure. There are a variety of ways for you to get your servings of fruits and vegetables.

Convenience: A key benefit of frozen produce is you can portion the amount you want and leave the rest for later. Frozen produce is also pre-cleaned and pre-chopped, allowing for more quality time around the table. Better yet, clear cooking or preparation instructions on the package tell you exactly how to cook or prepare your frozen produce. Having your favorite ingredients just a freezer door away also gives you the freedom to get creative with your meals.

Reduce Food Waste: Have your produce and eat it too! Did you know that frozen food generates 47% less food waste when compared to ambient and chilled food consumed in the home? By only preparing what you plan to consume, not only do you eat more of your produce, you ensure it lasts.

To learn more, visit Have a Plant!

Welcome to the first edition of our new monthly website article, What’s Up with Wawona! This editorial content will include the latest updates on “What’s Up with Wawona”, industry updates and trends, and fast facts about frozen foods.

We are starting to slow down on the fresh production side. To date, we have processed 46,872,893 pounds of peaches across our 3 processing plants – Clovis, Fresno, and Watsonville.

The Valley Children’s Hospital Employee Giving Challenge is under way! Every dollar donated by an employee is matched by Wawona and is also matched by the Smittcamp Family.

Our top priority to close out 2022? Innovation, innovation, innovation! Our R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams are working together on some new frozen baked good items that will rival homemade cookies, cobblers, and pies! These delicious new items could be hitting the shelves this upcoming winter. Stay tuned!

Fast Facts about Fruits and Vegetables from the PBH

We are excited to celebrate October with fast facts about fruits and vegetables from the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH).

Everyone knows how healthy fruits are for us. That’s indisputable. But, what we are starting to understand and appreciate is just how good they can make us feel! There’s a growing body of evidence that eating fruits is predictive of increased happiness, life satisfaction, and well-being. And, PBH’s research indicates that those who eat fruits and veggies most days per week say that they experience physical, emotional, and social benefits now and into the future.

Here are some fruit-related tips to try:

• Adding frozen fruit to oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to the start of your day.
• Did you know cereal is one of the most frequent ways people enjoy fruit? Consider pairing fruit with cereal for a quick and easy, plant-packed breakfast or snack.
• Try frozen berries in your yogurt.
• Think salads are just all about the veggies? Frozen fruit is a sweet, flavorful complement to your favorite greens.

Looking to incorporate more frozen fruit into your dishes? Visit www.fruitsandveggies.org for more information.

Frozen Fruit 101

Frozen fruit is your answer to hit PAUSE on Mother Nature. Freezing fruit at the peak maturity and ripeness holds in all the fresh flavors and natural nutrients that can be enjoyed year-round.

Here are several additional benefits that operators, schools, and consumers can expect when choosing FROZEN over FRESH:

• Cost Savings
  • Frozen fruit can be more than 50% less expensive than fresh alternatives (*Forbes. 2017. Cut Food Costs By Going Frozen, Without Sacrificing Health Or Taste, shorturl.at/hlY05).
• 100% Yield
  • Frozen fruit eliminates food waste, straining time, and produces finished items with no water pools.
• Thaw and Serve Convenience
  • Simply remove from bag, thaw, and serve! Frozen fruit reduces wasted time and adds efficiency to your food prep.
• Available Year Round
  • Frozen fruit allows you to enjoy your favorite fruits even when they’re not in season. Bake a peach cobbler in March or enjoy a strawberry shortcake in January! Frozen fruit offers year-round convenience, consistency, and fresh flavor.
• Health Benefits
  • Frozen fruit is picked at peak ripeness to lock in bountiful nutrients and flavor. In some cases, frozen foods can be even more nutritious than fresh fruit because the freezing process preserves the freshest flavor and highest nutrient content.