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The Produce Moms Podcast


Feb 5, 2020

“You took a non-existent category in the value-added produce section to what today is over 700 million in retail sales.”

Lori Taylor (2:11-2:18)

 

Crunch Pak is Proving that Convenience and Health Can Go Hand-in-Hand.

 

Tony Freytag, Executive VP and co-founder of Crunch Pak, is an absolute legend and pioneer in the produce industry. He took a nonexistent category in the value added produce section and grew it to $700 MILLION is retail sales. Each week, Crunch Pack produces over 250,000 cases of apple products. 

 

Tony was born into the produce family. While he grew up in the city, he was from a family of farmers and each summer would get “shipped off” to the farm. While he grew up immersed each summer in this industry, he decided early in life that agriculture was NOT his career path of choice. However, life came full circle, and eventually he began helping a prominent pear business develop an anti-browning solution. Now he is passionate about getting fresh, delicious produce into the hands of families around the country. 

 

“When it is fresh-cut and ready to eat, it is less likely to end up in the trash, and more likely to be consumed. That is why I never hesitate to purchase things from the value-added section for my family.” - Lori Taylor (22:37-22:52) 

 

What is Crunch Pak? 

 

Crunch Pak provides the most convenient delivery of produce into the hands of your family. Fresh apples and pears, sourced from Washington farms, are sliced, packaged and placed in groceries around the country, giving your family the gift of time. Because, let’s face it, as moms our lives can get pretty hectic. Crunch Pak wants you to snack healthy, without the stress or hassle of fresh food preparation. 

 

Crunch Pak and the Value of Value-Added Foods.

 

Why would we buy a packaged bag of apples when they are easy to slice, or could even be eaten whole? 

 

Easy. In our country, 40% of fresh produce is wasted, and a large portion of this percentage happens in our homes. Produce is purchased with the best intentions, and then life gets in the way. 

 

Crunch Pak, is a simple yet effective way to take control of your grocery efficiency.  Value-added foods, typically located near the bagged lettuce section in your local grocery, takes the work out of produce prep. Crunch Pak’s goal is to help you incorporate more healthy snacks into your family’s diet as easily as possible. 

 

Is Crunch Pak Safe for My Family? Is It Healthy?

 

If these thoughts were rolling through your mind, you aren’t alone. Tony has been asked this question countless times over the years. 

 

The answer is a resounding YES! 

 

Crunch Pak’s anti-browning agent is made of Calcium and Vitamin C. It is a natural, flavorless additive that keeps produce fresh until you’re ready for a snack. 

 

Snacks On Snacks On Snacks

 

The snack category continues to boom, accounting for $2.6 billion each year.

Crunch Pak works hard to provide healthy snacks that have a well-rounded nutritional profile. They are continually innovating to keep their products on trend and appealing to a wide range of consumers. 

 

With more adults doing “deskside dining,” and families constantly on the go, snacks that offer a source of protein go along away to keep your family fueled up. Check out their products page to look at all of the options they have for healthy, convenient snacking. 

 

Crunch Pak has done a fantastic job of partnering with brands that appeal to children. They have proudly co-branded with both Nickelodeon and Disney. Your kids are future consumers. The healthy choices you are helping them make today, will shape the healthy choices they make as an adult. 

 

“Kids are our future customers… The healthier we can make kids today, the healthier they will be later in life.” 

- Tony Freytag (15:50-15:55)

 

It’s no secret that kids are a target demographic. In fact, Crunch Pak’s competition is not other produce companies. There is a beautiful camaraderie between many different companies. The competition comes from the center of the store. The cereal and candy giants who have a fortune to spend on advertising are also targeting the younger demographic. They provide convenience, but will never measure up to the nutritional benefits fresh produce has to offer.  

 

“Everything we do is co-branded because we want strong values and brands to be associated with Crunch Pak. We are co-branding with The Produce Moms because of the value you bring to Crunch Pack.” - Tony Freytag. (10:33-11:22)

 

Exciting News! 

 

Produce Moms is so proud to announce that we are co-branding with Crunch Pak! Crunch Pak is very selective about the businesses they choose to share their name with, which means that this exciting partnership is an incredible honor.

 

Be on the lookout for co-branded Crunch Pak items in a grocery store near you.

 

How to get involved

  • Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! 
  • Reach out to us - we’d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here
  • Find out more about Tony Fretag and Crunch Pak here.
  • Connect with Crunch Pak on Facebook.

 

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