RUTHVEN, Ontario – Ontario-based greenhouse grower Clifford Produce was the recipient of awards this month at two separate events, the 2011 PAC Leadership Awards Gala at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto, Ontario, and the Coolest Cucumber competition at the Leamington Agricultural Fair in Leamington, Ontario.
On June 21, more than 400 leaders of industry gathered to celebrate excellence in packaging at the PAC Leadership Awards Gala. At the gala, Clifford Produce was honored with the Bronze Award in the “Branded Package Made in Canada” category of the 2011 PAC Sustainable Packaging Competition for its biodegradable eco trays and accompanying recipe booklets. Clifford was the only produce company to win an award in the competition.
Last year, the company introduced the new eco trays, biodegradable trays covered with a breathable film, in a move to embrace more environmentally- and consumer-friendly packaging. The trays are imprinted with high visibility graphics and feature quick response codes that link to the company Web site, allowing customers access to nutrition data and recipes from the convenience of their mobile phones.
Clifford was also recently awarded the People’s Choice Award for Best Cucumber in the Coolest Cucumber competition at the Leamington Agricultural Fair, which took place from June 17-19. The competition was part of a fundraiser, organized by the nonprofit group R.E.A.C.H., to raise money for schools, wells and impoverished children in Uganda. The People’s Choice Award recipient is selected by fairgoers.
Clifford Produce, which first began greenhouse production in 1976, is HAACP and food safety certified. The company specializes in beefsteak, on-the-vine and heirloom tomatoes; red, orange, yellow and green sweet peppers; seedless and baby seedless cucumbers; as well as baby eggplant. Its premium produce is marketed under the Clifford Produce, Paysanne, and the new Family Farms labels. More information is available at www.cliffordproduce.com.
Source: Clifford Produce