IFCO Launches Marina, Digitally Enabled Reusable Fish Crate
IFCO, a leading provider of reusable packaging containers, has launched Marina, the smart reusable IFCO Fish Crate. Designed in close collaboration with the fishing industry, Marina brings greater protection, efficiency and sustainability to the fresh fish and seafood supply chain. Featuring track-and-trace Bluetooth Low Energy tags and QR codes, the Marina Fish Crate enables real-time data collection, improving the cold chain management of fresh and chilled products along the entire fish and seafood supply chain, from ship to all points of sale.
Single-use expanded polystyrene boxes can break down into microplastic pollution and contaminate the marine food chain and human health, so governments around the world are increasingly tightening regulations and introducing EPS bans. As a result, many producers, wholesalers and retailers in the fishing industry have made eliminating EPS boxes and switching to sustainable packaging a priority. The IFCO SmartCycle pooling system ensures the switch to Marina is simple, seamless and sustainable.
Nestable when empty, securely stackable when full, the Marina Fish Crate saves space on ships and on shore, cutting carbon emissions in transport and improving handling conditions. Its uniform dimensions are compatible with existing supply chains, automated logistics systems and the IFCO Plastic Pallet Dora.
Francesca Amadei, vice President Southern Europe at IFCO, highlights the unique advantages of the Marina Fish Crate: “Marina is the result of intense collaboration across the fishing industry. We’ve taken on board the unique demands of every step of the fresh fish and seafood supply chain in our R&D efforts.”
The Marina Fish Crate offers a sustainable and efficient complete packaging solution. Like all IFCO Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) Marina uses fewer natural resources throughout its life cycle compared to single-use packaging. And, unlike conventional fish boxes made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) that are typically sent to landfills or end up as marine pollution, Marina is 100% recycled at the end of a long service life into new products.
Inigo Canalejo, vice president ESG and strategic marketing at IFCO, highlights the long-term benefits of Marina for the fishing industry and the planet:
“We see it as our responsibility to improve the environmental sustainability of every category of the fresh grocery supply chain. Our Marina Fish Crate is a smart, innovative packaging solution that will have a lasting positive impact on the fresh fish and seafood supply chain. We’re proud to have designed a sustainable and more efficient alternative to harmful expanded polystyrene containers.”
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Season Gives Expo West First Look at New Tuna Line, Rebranding
With a legacy spanning more than 100 years in delivering the highest quality tinned fish, Season reveals a pioneering leap into the future at this year’s Expo West. In a milestone move, the brand is set to introduce an innovative tuna product that promises to redefine industry standards, unveiling a vibrant new brand identity that honors its rich heritage while embracing the future.
As Season embarks on a new chapter, it continues to marry tradition with innovation. The launch of a new tuna product line, combined with a dynamic rebrand, marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s history.
“This dual launch is not just about expanding our product portfolio or refreshing our look—it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the evolution of our brand in meeting the contemporary needs of our consumers,” said Meriem Wadghiri, CEO of Season.
The new Season tuna line is poised to set a benchmark for quality, taste, and sustainability within the seafood industry. Crafted to meet the discerning tastes of modern consumers, this addition exemplifies Season’s dedication to innovation and its promise to deliver only the best. The new tuna product is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection, offering a taste experience that is both authentic and forward-thinking.
For the first time, the brand specializing in sardines and other small but mighty fish will unveil its all-new jarred yellowfin tuna fillets. Officially rolling out this spring and summer, Season brings its same unrivaled standards in sustainability, vetting only the best quality cuts, filleting and packaging incredible flavor to this exciting, breakthrough product. Available in both olive oil and spring water, customers can look for the same iconic Season Sea Maiden – just jarred.
Accompanying the launch of the exciting tuna range, Season proudly introduces a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and packaging design. This rebranding effort celebrates the company’s storied past while steering it into a future filled with possibilities. The new visual identity captures the essence of Season’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and the deep-rooted values that have guided it for over a century.
At this year’s Expo West, Season invites attendees, food connoisseurs, and industry experts to booth #416 for an exclusive first look at the groundbreaking tuna jars and the unveiling of the brand’s vibrant new identity, demonstrating how the brand is stepping boldly into the future, carrying forward the legacy of quality and innovation that has been the hallmark of Season for generations.
The Sea Maiden, named Mira, remains the face of the company, undergoing a revitalized look that tells the story of women pioneers in the seafood business. Mira stands as the Season ambassador, ensuring consumers of a superior product through trust and guidance. The new logo and packaging is more than a visual change. It’s a celebration of Season’s rich heritage, a modern tribute to the enduring trust and unwavering dedication that has been the backbone of the brand, and an ongoing pledge to not just meet, but exceed consumer expectations. It – along with the booth itself – will reflect the bright future with an unmissable, eye-catching yellow background.
For additional information about Season, explore their website online and follow the brand’s journey @seasonbrandofficial on Instagram.
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Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods Announces Leadership Roles
Photo: Chicken of the Sea
Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods has announced the appointment of three new leaders and a promotion within its commercial organization. The company is excited to welcome these industry experts who bring customer-centric expertise to ensure COSFF remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving seafood industry.
Tiffany Hicks has been hired as senior vice president, foodservice and wholesale. Hicks will lead the teams servicing broadline, national/multi-unit chains, industrial and wholesale customers. Before joining COSFF, she led foodservice at Bumble Bee Foods and Danone North America, along with a diverse background in general management and retail roles while at PepsiCo and Pepsi Bottling Group. Hicks is a Society of Fellow’s member at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America since 2022. Tiffany will report to Brenden Beck, executive vice president sales & marketing.
Joining COSFF as senior director consumer, Amanda Duran will oversee club channel activity as well as have key account responsibilities in the retail channel. Before joining COSFF, Duran served as chief revenue officer at Grass Fed Foods and Teton Waters Ranch. In this new role, Duran will also report to Beck.
Seafood veteran Sonia Merges has joined COSFF as sales manager in the foodservice/wholesale channel. Merges started her seafood career with Empress International, prior to the 2009 merger with COSFF. Most recently Merges served as an account manager at Crystal Cove Seafood. Merges will be working across the foodservice/wholesale channel and reporting to Hicks.
“We pride ourselves on our customer relationships and team – both have been crucial in positioning COSFF as a leader in the industry,” said Beck. “We are excited to welcome these talented professionals to further strengthen our organization, expertise and service.”
Additionally, Michael Richards has been promoted to senior vice president, commercial/category and has taken on expanded responsibilities overseeing activities in crab meat and finfish categories, as well as leading the retail channel team.
COSFF is at the forefront of the industry, supporting parent company Thai Union’s pioneering sustainability strategy and market-leading innovation. In addition to these leadership changes, the organization has invested in various sustainability initiatives, and built the most developed quality assurance network in the industry. To learn more, visit b2b.chickenofthesea.com.
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