#USA #Puratos #Fruit Experience #Sustainable Baking #Pennsauken

Puratos USA Hosts Fruit Experience in New Jersey

Puratos USA, a leading name in bakery ingredients, hosted its second Fruit Experience event recently in New Jersey, enhancing its commitment to sustainability and innovative food practices. The event, which followed last year’s success in Michigan, focused on apples, a favored flavor in bakery products.

Located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, which is also Puratos’ U.S. headquarters, the Fruit Experience aimed to educate attendees about fruit sourcing, especially in commercial baking. The event showcased how sourcing differs for bakery applications compared to fresh market purchases, illustrating the importance of utilizing second-quality fruit—those that may not meet the aesthetic standards for fresh sales due to minor blemishes. This practice not only reduces waste but also adds value within the supply chain.

Event Highlights

During the experience, participants had the rare opportunity to engage directly with apple picking, thereby gaining insight into the sourcing process. Various discussions unfolded regarding the optimal timing for contracting fruit fillings in line with harvest seasons, giving attendees a better understanding of the agricultural timelines that affect their products. Alongside this, guests tasted an array of fruit fillings and learned about current flavor trends that are shaping both food service and retail sectors.

Puratos also shared valuable insights derived from its proprietary consumer research platform, "Taste Tomorrow." This information shed light on ongoing trends and shifts in consumer preferences within the baked goods market.

Jessica Blondeel, Puratos’ Product Director for Sweet Goods, expressed the company’s commitment to sustainability: "By working closely with farmers and enhancing our sourcing strategies, we not only elevate ingredient quality but also contribute positively to a sustainable food system."

One notable initiative is Puratos’ use of wild blueberries in their fillings, with findings indicating that this choice can lessen the CO2 footprint by 36% compared to traditional farmed blueberries. Puratos ensures a strong distribution network across North America, allowing them to stay connected with their customers while also minimizing transportation footprints, thus further reinforcing their sustainability goals.

A Global Initiative

The Fruit Experience is part of a broader global initiative by Puratos, with similar events being held in countries like Canada, Mexico, Latvia, Belgium, and the UK. Through these events, Puratos aims to provide unique, hands-on experiences that emphasize the importance of sustainable practices in the sourcing and processing of bakery ingredients.

Earlier in the year, Puratos celebrated a decade of its unique Sourdough Library, drawing enthusiasts together for insights into the world of sourdough baking. Additionally, the company facilitates tours of its Cacao-Trace program, accentuating sustainable sourcing practices directly with cocoa farmers.

Join the Movement

As more consumers look to incorporate healthier and more sustainable options into their diets, Puratos is at the forefront of this movement, creating innovative solutions that prioritize health and well-being. The Fruit Experience serves as a platform for connecting all stakeholders in the food supply chain to collaborate effectively in enhancing product offerings.

If you are interested in elevating your bakery goods with more fruit and exploring the extensive range of wholesale fillings offered by Puratos, visit their website for further information.

About Puratos

Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Belgium, Puratos has grown into an international company that provides innovative food ingredients for the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors. Operating in over 100 countries, Puratos is dedicated to helping businesses thrive by turning global food culture insights into new opportunities that support community health and well-being.

To find out more about Puratos and their offerings, visit www.puratos.us.