Puratos US, a global leader in bakery ingredients, recently hosted its second Fruit Experience in New Jersey, home to its US headquarters and flagship plant for clean label and industrial fillings. Following last year’s event in Michigan, this new apple-focused experience highlighted the leading fruit flavor in baked goods.

The Fruit Experience offered an exclusive platform for attendees to deepen their understanding of fruit growing, sourcing and processing while exploring the latest consumer food trends. Participants examined the unique challenges of sourcing fruit for commercial bakery applications, which significantly differ from fresh market purchases.

Participants discussed optimal contracting times for fruit fillings in alignment with harvest seasons, sampled the latest range of fruit fillings and reviewed the newest flavor trends in foodservice and retail. Insights from “Taste Tomorrow,” Puratos’ proprietary consumer research platform, were also shared, highlighting ongoing trends in baked goods. The event included an orchard tour, where attendees engaged with the apple-picking process, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain.

“Our commitment to Food Innovation for Good and sustainability drives our operations at Puratos. By collaborating closely with farmers and optimizing all aspects of fruit sourcing, we enhance ingredient quality while contributing to a sustainable food system,” says Jessica Blondeel, Puratos’ product director for sweet goods.  

The company’s broad network of filling plants across North America allows Puratos to remain close to its customers while also supporting sustainability by minimizing transportation distances.

Puratos’ Fruit Experiences exist throughout the world including Canada, Mexico, Latvia, Belgium and the United Kingdom. This latest event exemplifies the company’s dedication to delivering innovative experiences that highlight the people and processes behind bakery ingredients.