Tag: tostones

Prime Planet Tostones are Certified to Make you Feel Good About Snacking

May 3, 2021

Health conscious consumers these days are hungry for snack options that don’t just taste great but stand out for a variety of other important reasons – with personal health and wellbeing topping the list.

 

According to Marie Gonzalez, Business Development Manager for Miami-based Prime Planet brands, consumers have never been more vigilant about what is in their food, and the impact of food production on the environment, animals, and people.

 

“Parents especially want snacks they can feel good about feeding their families – and the assurance they made the right choice.”

 

As the prevalence of third-party certifications surrounding food production and sourcing grows, Prime Planet sees food certifications as a valuable tool to provide increased transparency to business practices and standards – ideals that more and more wholesalers, distributors, and retailers also appreciate.

 

Prime Planet’s all-natural Tostones are made with care from premium green plantains harvested under the highest quality standards and technology to offer not only delicious flavor, but are a healthier alternative to traditional snacks like corn and potato chips.

 

“Food quality and safety certifications convey to consumers and the marketplace, as well as to key stakeholders, that Prime Planet has successfully met the requirements of a national or internationally recognized best practice approach,” says Gonzalez, “It’s what responsible shoppers want to know!”

 

And apparently she’s right! A recent study shows that three-fourths of consumers see one or more food certifications on a package are important when it comes to choosing which products to buy. What’s more, they are even willing to pay a premium for a product with a certification.

 

So here’s the rundown on top-tier food certifications that Prime Planet has achieved to date:

 

Gluten-Free (GF)

National Celiac Association Certified

With Prime Planet’s displays of this Recognition Seal, customers are assured they are choosing a product that has undergone the most stringent third-party gluten-free certification available for product, processing, and packaging. Excluding gluten for non-medical reasons is not necessarily recommended – but no matter the motivation, Prime Planet Gluten-Free chips are highly recommended for their great taste. Dig in!

 

Vegan Certified

No animal products in our Tostones

By carrying the Certified Vegan Logo on every bag, Prime Planet guarantees its Tostones are 100% vegan. That’s because documentation on each ingredient had to be provided to show our chips are neither animal derived nor tested on animals. Going onto and all plant-based diet can significantly minimize a whole host of illnesses and health concerns. But for vegans, it’s also a matter of principles and conviction.

 

Non-GMO NSF

National Sanitation Foundation Certified

When shoppers put a bag of Non-GMO NSF-Certified Prime Planet Tostones into their cart, they can be assured they’re buying a product uses only FDA-approved raw materials. This key quality of our chips means our products are produced without genetic engineering and its ingredients are not derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). It’s also proof we are compliant with the most stringent provisions for testing, traceability, and segregation.

 

HACCP Certified

Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point

Food safety and hygiene are more important than ever to post-pandemic consumers – and by adopting HACCP’s proactive plan, we can ensure consumers that the products they consume are as safe as science and technology allow. By monitoring and detecting potential problems throughout the entire process, from growing and harvesting, to manufacturing and distribution, Prime Planet can significantly reduced the likelihood of harmful microbiological and chemical exposures.

 

WCA Certified

Workplace Condition Assessment

WCA is a social system certification program that ensures alignment with legal, ethical, and secure manufacturing processes that secure and maintain safe workplace conditions. A globally accepted standard among international customers and retail stores, Prime Planet participation in WCA audits tells the world food-provider community that the overall workplace conditions are monitored, audited, and consistently meet the WCA stringent compliance codes.

Prime Planet is on course to change the face of healthier-for-you snacking across the world

April 14, 2021

With its growing line of unique and delicious Tostones, Prime Planet is determined to build the best possible relationships with customers by providing value and quality – while making great inroads to the mainstream American snack market.

 

Promoted as a “better for you” product, Prime Planet  is a natural snack brand made from fresh green plantains sourced from Ecuador, hand-crafted, and packaged there on the spot following strict production protocols. What results is a fresh and flavorful plantain chip that’s packed with all-natural ingredients – and an irresistible crunch.

 

“We took our time to find the best possible quality ingredients because anything else simply wouldn’t do,” says Marie Gonzalez, with Prime Planet Business Development.

 

Prime Planet Tostones come in a range of flavors, from Lime and Sweet Chile to Habanero and the Original salted variety.

 

The History of a Chip

Initially operating under the heading of Prime Fresh Products, Prime Planet launched in 2016 – and almost immediately set a trajectory toward success. After testing the waters with its initial line of Tostones in the Miami/South Florida market, and recognizing that the popularity of this new snack was taking off, by 2018 the time was right to further grow this fledgling division.

 

One of the first steps was to introduce a new slogan, “A Natural World of Flavor.” This creative tag line was conceived to drive home the point that by using simple yet innovative ingredients, snacking can be incorporated in a balanced diet while delivering to consumers the tastiest flavors on the planet.

 

Concurrently, in response to consumer testing and other key market factors, Prime Planet rolled out a new and improved version of the original thicker chip. Now lighter and crispier than ever, the reengineering of the product made them taste even better.

 

Says Gonzalez, “We are the pioneers of converting green plantains into all natural and ready-to-eat chips, and so perfecting the formula for production and widespread distribution was key. Essentially, we took a good chip and made it a whole lot better. In fact, when compared with the original chip, existing customers overwhelmingly loved the newer product.”

 

Prime Planet Tostones were also made easier to spot on grocer shelves. As a result of meeting certain standards that allowed the product to be re-designated a “mainstream snack,” Prime Planet made the critical move from the ethic section of stores to the official snack aisle.

 

 

The Prime Planet Difference 

Prime Planet continued its mission to strike a difference between other traditional banana chips or plantain chips on the market. By 2019, the manufacturer doubled down on the growing demand for their significantly better-tasting, better-textured chip, by aggressively touting the product’s multiple health benefits.

 

Turns out, nearly 50 percent of U.S. consumers say that natural ingredients and non-added sugar are the top reasons for adding snack items to their shopping baskets. So, not only do consumers get to enjoy a top-selling all-natural snack product with no added sugars or preservatives, they are also comforted to know Prime Planet’s unique plantain chips are also certified low sodium, NON GMO, GF, BASC, and RSPO palm oil.

 

What better way to call out these essential qualities than to prominently position the insignia for each across the front of every bag. And a packaging redesign in 2019 did just that, allowing health-conscious consumers to quickly spot the healthier snack benefits they desire.

 

Reaching for Regional Growth

As one of Prime Planet’s earliest retail distributors, Publix Supermarkets now features the highly popular chip brand in more than 900 grocery store locations across Florida and five other states in the Southeastern U.S.

 

“Additionally, we’ve been growing distribution and marketing of our product via Central Market in Texas, Safeway stores in Northern California, Burlington Stores in the Northeast U.S., and multiple other independent grocers,” says Gonzalez, noting that Prime Planet also is now the preferred Tostones snack brand in Puerto Rico and The Bahamas.

 

“During 2020 and 2021, our focus also included expanding our presence in e-commerce market through alliances with Amazon, Kroger Marketplace, Walmart Marketplace, and other online services. Tostones are also available from the Prime Planet online store.

 

Looking Ahead

Going forward, Prime Planet as a brand will continue to pursue opportunities to grow partnerships with many of the biggest names in retail food distribution, in order to make its outstanding product available in multiple new markets nationwide.

 

The company is also busy developing new and natural snack products and flavors – ensuring that Prime Planet stays ahead of the wave in the ever-changing and highly complex U.S. snack food market.

 

Prime Planet Roots

Based Prime Planet is the youngest entity among Miami-based Prime Group. As an innovative international food company, Prim Planet’s corporate mission is simply to bring delicious, nutritious, and healthier products to people’s lives.

 

Prime Planet’s roots stem from the formation of its parent company that was founded in 2001, managing the export of fresh-cut flowers from Ecuador to the U.S. Over two decades, the company has grown to become on of the most trusted suppliers of perishables and other retail and wholesale foods, while at the same time establishing its high standards of customer service and quality products all across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

 

Knowledge, expertise, and direct access to leading global logistics and retail/wholesale food distributors are the prime benefits of being affiliated with its sister companies under the Prime Group umbrella, whereby allowing Prime Planet to find the shortest and most efficient commercial routes for ideal product placement.

 

Other successful Prime Group companies include Prime Fresh Handling, PrimeAir, and Prime Logistics.

 

Contact Us

Prime Planet is located at 1301 NW 84th Ave. Suite 127, Miami, FL 33126 USA. For information, visit www.primeplanet.net; or contact Marie Gonzales with Prime Planet Business Development at 305-592-2044; or via email at bdm@primefreshproducts.com.

 

CEO IMAGE

Wherever You Are, Prime Group Is Here for You

September 3, 2020

As the international turmoil of the pandemic continues, Prime Group remains steadfast in its support of our customers as they respond to the global need for essential commodities and healthcare supplies and equipment.

Nowhere near the end of this storm, and still not knowing what the “New Normal” will bring, for the present we will continue to do what we normally do – provide expert logistics support and services for our customers when they need it, where they need it, and get the job done right.

Our long history of service in the perishables business has prepared us well for this inflection point. We’re nimble, ready, and reliable. After all, when dealing with time- and temperature-sensitive commodities, it is all about precision and preparedness – because at any moment anything can go off track. And it usually does, which is why we’ve learned to always be ready with a plan B, C, and D.

World Service

Deemed an “Essential Business” early on, Prime Group companies were immediately front and center serving government agencies, world health organizations, and other customers integral to the global distribution of personal protection equipment (PPE) and crucial medical material. We’re proud of the part we played then and stand ready to continue to serve in this capacity as COVID-19 persists.

Successful missions to date have included managing numerous charters with PPE from Asia to the U.S. and Latin America. In addition, we continue moving multiple containers of needed material by ocean from Asia to the U.S., where we then transfer it to Latin America by air – always with an eye on cost and efficiency.

We also did 18 charters between Quito and Amsterdam with Emirates SkyCargo using B777-300s PFs (passenger freighters) to support the local growers and the flower industry in general.

And with so many people these days in self-isolation – and in need of better-for-you-snacks to help get them through – we successfully managed a doubling of sales of our Prime Planet Tostones, crafted and exported from Ecuador to retail markets all across the U.S.

New Directions

During this heightened period of activity, we also implemented a new marketing strategy that is effectively getting the word out regarding the wide range of new and existing services available through the Prime Group.

This major effort will allow us to build upon our existing strengths, while also moving us in new directions.

As we consider the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we are monitoring market forces that are shaping the future development of multiple industries and regions across the world. With our global network of offices and expert representation, we are continually finding new opportunities to answer the call for service – and to deliver.

Prime Group is eager to play a crucial role in supporting the major industries that today are facing the biggest logistics challenges – with FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) and healthcare products leading the way. However, we are closely eyeing automotive, energy and utilities, industrial machinery and equipment, and other industries that are expecting new growth in the post-pandemic economy.

Although it may take another 18 months for things to “normalize,” whatever form that may take, the Prime Group will remain vigilant to changing customer needs and to delivering on our commitment to excellence in all we do.

The challenges before us are many. The opportunities are wide open. Wherever you are, we are here for you.

Home sweet home – with a bag of Tostones!

April 8, 2020

If you’re stuck at home right now with a bag of Tostones, you’re not alone.

As the nation struggles due to the spread of the Coronavirus, many companies, including Prime Fresh Products, have dispatched staff to work remotely at home.

While this may present whole new set of “workplace” challenges, the employees here are as committed as ever to being responsive to customers, especially to retailers of Prime Planet Tostones. Because they’re really taking off these days.

It appears homebound consumers are looking for a healthier chip while working or watching the kids all day – and they are finding Tostones irresistible.

With orders for all four varieties on the rise, one might say we are doing our part to help people snack their way through this crisis.

“We have seen an increase of more than 40 percent in orders for April,” says Marie Gonzalez who heads up business development for Prime Fresh Products and the Prime Planet brand.

“This may be due in part to a big spring promotion, and the introduction of our Tostones in Puerto Rico and Orlando, but it is also clear that this COVID-19 situation has nudged end costumers who desire a really good healthy snack.”

Historically, during emergency situations such as hurricanes and major snowstorms, there is a precipitous increase in demand for cookies, basic chips, and other salty snacks due the families remaining at home.

But because consumers are being more health conscious these days, they are looking for alternative, better-for-you snacks. Add to that the fact that Americans are increasingly more multicultural, so they also are open to trying new products.

“Clearly the big selling point is its appeal as an all-natural product,” Gonzalez added. “Not to mention the overall quality and flavor of our crunchier chips when compared among competitors.”

She says the other standout is the wide range of flavors available, with the sweet chili variety being the latest to be introduced. This delicious chip serves to complement the existing lineup of popular flavors that includes Habanero, Lime, and the Original chip.

One last point is that at a time when many people are staying at home and self-isolating, they are looking for products that not only taste great, but also have a long shelf life.

About Prime Fresh Products
Founded in 2016 PFP finds the finest food products from around the world and then import, distributes, and transports them on to the shelf in the U.S. Prime Planet is a brand of PFP that that focuses on the production of ready to eat green plantain chips, called Tostones, for the retail and wholesale industry.

PFP is a division of Prime Group Holdings, located at 1301 NW 84th Ave. Suite 127, Miami, FL 33126 USA. For information, visit www.primefreshproducts.com or contact Marie Gonzalez at 305-592-2044 or via email at bdm@primefreshproducts.com.

Stop Being Afraid of What Could Go Wrong And Think of What Could Go Right

April 6, 2020

Right before our eyes, the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 is changing the world as we know it – and along with it, the cargo and logistics industry.

As the coronavirus continues to be profoundly disruptive to the global supply chain, few companies have been able to escape its devastating impact, and many may not survive.

Prime Group will not be among them.

On Course
Long before anyone had ever heard of COVID-19, Prime Group had already charted a course of successful diversification. So although our core business of shipping fresh cut flowers is taking a big hit right now, we’ve been able to trim our sails and swiftly move into supporting the logistics needs of myriad other specialized industries.

And right on time.

As long-time experts in handling perishables, fortunately we’ve been able to stay busy helping to meet the worldwide demand for fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish. After all, people still need access to food supply.

And not to make light, they also have to snack while at home all day self-isolating. So our product line of Tostones is coming in quite handy for that.

But more than anything, because of our agility as a company and our well established ability in handling highly specialized pharmaceuticals and other commodities related to the medical field, this is where we are now putting great emphasis.

Doing Our Part
I know I speak for the entire Prime Group team, when I say we are very proud to be able to play this important role in helping countries across the world get access to the essential goods they need right now.

This pandemic doesn’t look quite like anything we’ve seen in our lifetime. Trying to plan or make predictions in a time of such uncertainty is really hard.

But what I do know is, as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the people of Prime Group will continue to be there for you, our customers.

Protecting Our Team
In order to maintain the highest levels of service while protecting the health of our team, many of our employees are currently working remotely. A small staff remains in the office, where there is restricted access for all non-essential employees and visitors. Also, as our warehouses are still receiving and dispatching as normal, rest assured, we are in accordance with local health mandates and advisories.

The dedication exhibited by our team, many of whom are also facing immense personal challenges at this difficult time, has been truly remarkable.

I am confident will we make it through this trying time and come out on the other side stronger, healthier, and more resilient than ever.

I believe it was Tony Robbins who once said, “Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and think of what could go right.” So, please stay calm, think positively, and be healthy my friends.

~ Roger Paredes – CEO

Prime Planet Tostones are an odds-on favorite at Vegas snack show

March 19, 2019

Prime Fresh Products is taking its new and improved Prime Planet Tostones on the road – most recently to the ECRM Snack Food Show in Las Vegas, where it quickly became a big winner.

U.S.-based Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing Company, or ECRM for short, brings efficiencies to the buying and selling process by optimizing product assortments and enhancing supplier-buyer collaboration.The show at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Feb. 19 – 21, focused on presenting new snack items and promotional opportunities to buyers from across all retail channels.

It was here that Prime Planet, the tropical better-for-you snack line of Prime Fresh Products, had an opportunity to meet with big buyers such as CVS, Walgreens, BJ’S, 7-Eleven, Kmart, Burlington’s, and many others.

It was also here that the company’s crunchy green plantain chips became, in the parlance of the Las Vegas scene, an odds-on favorite.

According to Marcia Tipiana, Operations Coordinator for Doral-based Prime Fresh Products, the three-day conference netted meetings with more than 50 retailers.

“We made sure that those in attendance walked away with all the information they needed to make sound decisions on our product line. And in the case of Prime Planet Tostones, this strategy worked.”

 

Behind the Scenes

In the months leading up to this show, consumer response to Prime Planet Tostones at grocery stores in South Florida had gotten so strong that it became clear the time had come to expand product reach nationwide, beyond just the Latino market.

“But to do so, we had to change our packaging in a way that it would look more mainstream American. We also tinkered with the recipe by reducing sodium and making it more nutritious,” said Tipiana.

They also invested in the process of obtaining a wide range of special certifications in order to market the chips as Kosher, cooked in better oils, gluten free, and non-GMO.

With those exciting new changes in place it was time to head West, to talk with directly with national U.S. buyers in Las Vegas – and to realize they had a big winner on their hands.

“When it came down to it, buyers tended to like our chips more than other similar snacks at the show because they are heartier and more crunchy than standard plantain chips. Everyone was impressed,” she added.

 

Change is Good  

The strategic planning meeting with Prime Planet’s existing Publix rep during the show was especially promising. Up to this point, they were marketing and positioning Prime Planet Tostones solely in their stores’ ethnic food sections.

“But as soon as Publix recognized we changed the packaging and other key aspects of the product, they saw a clear and present need to move our Tostones into to the main snack aisle.”

This shift, she says, opens the door to a bigger base of Publix customers and distribution across their entire system, not just in Latino-centric South Florida markets.

More stores and higher visibility means increased volume. Change is good!

For sales and distribution to succeed elsewhere across the country, particularly in the Northern U.S. markets, the challenge will be to market the chips in a way to get consumers to try something they’ve never even heard of.

“But, we have found that once a new consumer digs into a bag of our Tostones, they absolutely love them,” she said. A marketing and advertising plan is now in the works to broaden the appeal of Prime Planet snacks across the board.

Another recent change with the product is the launch of new flavors. Today, the line includes the Original chip, Lime, Habanero, Yuca, Pinton, and Sweet Chili.

 

Prime Planet’s launch

Prime Fresh Products launched its better-for-you Tostones in 2019, to meet the growing trend among nutrition-conscious consumers who want to lead a wellness-oriented lifestyle.

“We are number one in quality and taste because our Tostones are processed naturally under the highest quality standards – and because they’re a delicious alternative to other typical snack chips”

Operations Coordinator Marcia Tipiana may be reached at 786-956-0080 or via opscoordinator@primefreshproducts.com. For general information, visit www.primeplanet.net