Amazables! microwavable potatoes garner innovation award

Fresh Solutions Network’s Side Delights Amazables! microwavable potato product with recyclable film has won an annual innovation award.

The eighth annual Joe Nucci Award for Product Innovation recognizes advancement in product, packaging and process, according to a news release.

The editors and staff of Produce Business selected a top 10 list of entrants. Readers then voted by ranking selections 1-3 on an online form.

The award was presented at the Thought Leaders Keynote Breakfast during the annual New York Produce Show and Conference on Dec. 11 in New York.

Side Delights Amazables! are gluten-free microwavable potatoes available with two sauces: loaded potato and buffalo ranch. Krisp film technology shrinks around the potato, which gets crips on the outside and fluffy on the inside, according to Fresh Solutions Network (FSN).

The company emphasized the convenience of the product, which can be sold in vending machines in schools, hospitals or business break rooms.

“We developed Amazables! in response to the consumer demand for convenience, quality and sustainability,” Kathleen Triou, FSN president and CEO, said in the release. “We are honored to be the 2024 Joe Nucci Innovations Award winner, which showcases fresh produce options that stand out with health and sustainability in mind.”

Other finalists included the Hot or Cold Teriyaki Salad Kit and Noodle Meal Kits from Fresh Express; Mango Cheeks, ready-to-eat peeled and pitted mango halves from Maglio Companies; and Diamond’s Crunch Nut Toppers, bite-sized pieces of walnuts and pecans to flavor salads, baked potatoes, yogurt and other dishes.

The Side Delights line includes bagged and bulk potatoes, potato kits, petite potatoes, fresh-cut potatoes and organic potatoes.

FSN, the exclusive supplier of Side Delights potatoes and onions, is a group of family-owned potato and onion growers and shippers.