Simple Change, Big Difference – Sustainable packaging for Fresher Produce
At BCfresh, our mission is clear: to select packaging that not only maintains the utmost freshness of our produce but also contributes to the long-term well-being of farmers, consumers, and the environment.
Recognizing the diversity in packaging solutions, we’ve learned that subtle modifications can yield significant improvements. Take our potato packaging, for instance. By incorporating cutting-edge light-blocking films, we’ve effectively minimized product “greening” on store shelves, extending the shelf life and reducing food waste. This translates to more fresh vegetables making their way onto every plate, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
However, Warba new nugget potatoes posed a unique challenge to keep them fresh. Harvested before the skin has fully set, these potatoes are prone to oxidation in the same way a peeled potato quickly turns brown. While their thin skin helps make Warba potatoes unique, special packaging was needed to help safeguard their freshness. After a few years of development and testing, we’ve transitioned fully to specialized controlled-atmosphere bags to naturally protect our early Warba potatoes. This simple change has led to a remarkable reduction of 20-50% in food waste due to premature browning of Warba potatoes on retail produce displays. The improved design also uses 20% less plastic compared to the prior film construction.
Extending beyond potatoes, our commitment to innovative packaging extends to a variety of produce. You will also find our Brussels Sprouts, Kalettes, and Green Beans in our controlled atmosphere bags to help maintain optimal conditions, preventing both discoloration and dehydration. Utilizing laser precision perforations, these bags allow just the right balance of oxygen, gases, and moisture, ensuring prolonged freshness.
In our commitment to offer consumers a package-free option, over half of all BCfresh retail produce is shipped in bulk. Notably, four out of ten BCfresh potatoes are sold without packaging, a choice that aligns with our sustainability goals and environmental values.
Keep an eye out for BCfresh Warba potatoes and other BCfresh produce, all packaged with care at your local grocery stores and produce sections across BC and Western Canada.
I purchased a bag of Warba potatoes on June 12 that were packed on May 16 and put them in the fridge. When I opened them the next day I noticed that the bag had a lot of
moisture in it.Some of the potatoes had mold on them, and were slimy. All of the potatoes had small cuts in them and where the cuts were deeper the potato had turned brown right into the flesh. I threw out the moldy ones and washed the others really well. I rolled them around in a towel to get the moisture off and spread them out on the counter to dry over night. I was able to use the larger ones but had to cut the brown spots out. Normally I wouldn’t have gone to so much trouble, but since this was the first time I had purchased them I just had to try them. I truly beleive that the problem lies with the bag not being perforated to allow air circulation and then the moisture accumulates and causes the mold and the slimy feel. The ones that I steam cooked; I enjoyed. Since I order my groceries on line and get them delivered, I have no idea if the potatoes were kept refridgerated at the store. If the potatoes were alternated between storage in a fridge and then room temp. or
just cool a number of times this would cause an accumulation of moisture and no place for it to go or. maybe there were too many days between the time they were packed and the time I purchased them. I just don’t know. This is all speculation on my part.To begin with I wasn’t going to let you know and then as time went by I thought it wasn’t fair to not let you know about the problem I had. I would definately buy them again, but I would have.to leave a note to the store to examine the contents and thats pretty hard to do when you can’t see them.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and be assured that it was sent with only good will.
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with our warba potatoes.
The Warba bag does actually have holes. Rather than the large holes seen on normal potato bags that allow too much dehydration, this bag was designed with laser perforations to allow the perfect transfer of oxygen, CO2, and water to help Warba potatoes last longer. Our warba bags are tested to last for 14 days refrigerated but we count on the store produce team to remove aged product before it ends up in your cart. We will email you to get more details about your purchase. Thanks for taking the time to reach out!