Are you ready to join the thousands of companies who rely on Blue Book to drive smarter decisions We’d love to show you what Blue Book can do for you Drop us a line– we’ve been waiting for you Israel – Innovative Modified Atmosphere/Modified Humidity (MA/MH) packaging developed by StePacPPC is facilitating the transition away from ice-filled polystyrene and waxed carton boxes for packaging fresh broccoli.. Israel – Innovative Modified Atmosphere/Modified Humidity (MA/MH) packaging developed by StePacPPC is facilitating the transition away from ice-filled polystyrene and waxed carton boxes for packaging fresh broccoli and other vegetables for long-haul shipments in both the US and Japan The Otofuke Agricultural Cooperative in Japan (JA Otofuke) —a major broccoli producer—is already benefiting from StePacPPC’s Xtend® MA/MH bulk bags for shipping broccoli on its land journey from Hokkaido to Yokohama Polystyrene foam boxes filled with ice have been widely used for the domestic transport of many vegetables in Japan While such packaging has excellent insulation properties and helps maintain low temperatures it is not an environmentally friendly packaging material Polystyrene foam is becoming increasingly shunned by retailers concerned about the ease with which it fragments its persistence in the environment and the fact that it is non-recyclable Polystyrene generates significant disposal challenges prompting calls for it to be phased out and be replaced with more eco-friendly alternatives Many countries have already banned polystyrene entirely Japan is placing growing regulatory emphasis on reducing the use of non-recyclable materials including certain types of polystyrene foam waterproofed waxed carton boxes used for iced broccoli shipments are increasingly unwelcome Their wax coating renders them unsuitable for paper recycling landfilled waxed cardboard can produce methane have placed local bans on non-recyclable containers Studies have shown that at any point in time the amount of microbial colony forming units on iced broccoli is higher than on broccoli packed in MA/MH packaging numerous studies have shown that as the ice melts It also can be physically unsafe: Melting ice is not only messy “In our efforts to move away from polystyrene foam with ice and its inherent contamination risks we considered various alternatives for maintaining freshness without using ice,” explains Akio Yamagishi Manager of the Fruit and Vegetable Sales Department of JA Otofuke “We tested various modified atmosphere packaging films After inspecting the condition of the broccoli upon arrival Xtend outperformed the rest in both appearance and quality.” The Xtend packaging films are built with modified atmosphere and moisture control properties These work to slow respiration inside the packaging inhibit ethylene (a plant hormone that promotes yellowing of broccoli) and slow the growth of microorganisms on broccoli Its mode of action may also reduce the risk of foodborne illness associated with pathogens such as E “We discovered multiple benefits to iceless Xtend packaging,” continues Otofuke’s Yamagishi allowing us to transport 66% more broccoli per container This slashes carbon emissions and transport costs especially significant given the recent rises in shipping costs each box holds only 6kg of broccoli; without it making it more resource-efficient and eliminating the need for extra handling The ability to transport ice less fresh broccoli across the continent on weight-constrained trucks has led to a net reduction in costs of more than 30%.” Xtend is also being widely adopted in the U.S for supplying fresh broccoli to the food service sector “At a time when flexible plastic packaging is under the spotlight together with researchers at the Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group at Wageningen University demonstrated that our functional ‘lean and green’ packaging solution reduces the carbon footprint by approximately 40% in shipments from Salinas Valley on the West Coast of California to New York on the East Coast demonstrating a positive environmental impact,” informs Gary Ward “It also has proven capabilities for preserving both the quality and nutritional value of fresh broccoli during prolonged storage and enhancing food safety,” Ward concludes “Our Xtend bulk packaging also successfully preserves other produce traditionally shipped on ice StePacPPC specializes in functional packaging for fresh produce Its globally recognized brands include Xtend® Xflow™ and Xbloom™ modified-atmosphere/modified-humidity packaging solutions while prolonging storability and shelf life They are supported by a wealth of post-harvest expertise for enhanced performance and sustainability Get access to all the news and analysis you need to make the right decision --- delivered to your inbox G&R Farms launches its 2025 Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) program featuring in-store Vidalia promotions and displays is recalling 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers The Chilean/Peruvian offshore season will wrap up over the next four weeks Expect pricing to increase as the offshore season winds down The Foundation For Fresh Produce held its annual Consumer Connection Conference April 28-30 tangy refreshment of California-grown grapefruit and introducing a new way to enjoy it Gourmet Curry Cafe Passing through a residential area in Otogari-cho you will reach "cafe Jorro" marked by its red retro roof Cafe Jorro is a famous Tokachi café that will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2023 It was created by renovating a 60-year-old old house nestled in the woods The name "cafe Jorro" was chosen with the idea of "planting trees and watering them" so that squirrels will come back to visit the woods behind the house is a travel enthusiast who has been to India It is fun to read the books in the store that give a glimpse of her love of travel and just looking out the window at the scenery is relaxing as well Cute furniture that she has collected little by little through various connections This is a great place to talk with friends Listening to relaxing music and surrounded by good old furniture and cutlery made by artists you will feel that time spent relaxing alone is luxurious and will make you think The bookshelf at the entrance of the store is lined with books of interest We are proud of our three types of soup curry You can enjoy a refreshing tomato-based red curry as well as the amount of rice and spiciness and the curry he makes is an original combination of many things His skills from working at soba noodle restaurants and curry shops as well as his travel experience in India and other countries Black Curry (Black Shrimp and Vegetable)" 1,300 yen Black Curry is a nourishing curry with a broth made from kombu (kelp) and bonito and is a solid application of the experience gained from working at a soba noodle restaurant so please try them and see which one you like best Have you ever had the experience that when the lunch is good Drinking an original chai after a curry is a special experience The coffee is made from Sapporo "Morihiko" coffee beans made even more delicious by Shiori Shimizu's mug Original coffee "Jorro Blend" can be taken out with beans but that's why they are so freshly made and delicious The pancakes are made with Kitano Kauri wheat from the Shoji Farm in Otoso-machi which gives them a chewy texture and a rich wheat flavor Three types of pancakes are available: "Whipped Butter & Maple Syrup" (1,050 yen) "Chocolate Sauce & Fresh Cream" (1,150 yen) and "Hokkaido Vanilla Ice Cream & Maple Syrup" (1,150 yen) Location: 1-11 Kino Shinmachi, Ondo-cho, Kawagoe-gun, Hokkaido Business hours: 11:00-17:00 Closed: Sunday and MondayFor more information about cafe Jorro, click here. She is a gourmet media editor turned hunter She is affectionately known as "Deer Woman Mayamon With the motto of "taking life in a delicious way," she handles the entire process from hunting to butchering deer designing and producing logos and pamphlets [7 minutes walk from Sapporo Station] Enjoy hot springs A comfortable stay at the 605-room "Sapporo Hotel by Granbell" Running a "Neo Community Center" where people and things from Kushiro come together | Kotoe Kimura recommends three "special things" in Kushiro [2025 Latest] Top 15 ramen shops in Sapporo recommended by locals The hot soup with the aroma of dried sardines will soak in your mouth Try the "Eifukucho-style Chinese noodles" at "Daikokuken" in Nanae-cho Sapporo's lunch buffet (5) Not only the food but the view and service are also top-notch The ever-evolving classic buffet JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo Restaurant & Bar "SKY J" It looks delicious!" Did you know that in Sapporo you can only get "Rokkatei's fresh cakes" at their directly managed stores? Seasonal “news” of Hokkaido can be checked by category You can check the information of your “town” in one place Events” held throughout the province are easy to find and can be saved This page has been automatically translated by Google Translate service Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker) we are relying on revenues from our banners So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.Thanks StePacPPC's Modified Atmosphere/Modified Humidity (MA/MH) packaging is facilitating a shift away from ice-filled polystyrene and waxed carton boxes traditionally used for transporting fresh broccoli and other vegetables over long distances in both the U.S The Otofuke Agricultural Cooperative in Japan (JA Otofuke) is already benefiting from StePacPPC's Xtend MA/MH bulk bags for shipping broccoli on its land journey from Hokkaido to Yokohama Polystyrene foam boxes filled with ice have been widely used for domestic vegetable transport in Japan due to their excellent insulation properties and ability to maintain low temperatures polystyrene is not environmentally friendly and persistence in the environment have led to significant disposal challenges and Japan is placing increasing regulatory emphasis on reducing the use of such materials waterproofed waxed carton boxes used for iced broccoli shipments are increasingly unwelcome due to their inability to be recycled and the potential to produce methane in landfills ice-filled boxes create conditions conducive to microbial decay as the ice melts Studies show that broccoli packed in MA/MH packaging has fewer microbial colony-forming units compared to broccoli packed with ice melted ice can leach vitamin C from broccoli and create physical hazards due to spills and slippery surfaces "In our efforts to move away from polystyrene foam with ice and its inherent contamination risks we considered various alternatives for maintaining freshness without using ice," explains Akio Yamagishi Manager of the Fruit and Vegetable Sales Department at JA Otofuke "We tested various modified atmosphere packaging films Xtend outperformed the rest in both appearance and quality." The Xtend packaging films slow respiration inside the packaging inhibit ethylene (which promotes yellowing of broccoli) Its innovative properties may also reduce risks of foodborne illness from pathogens like E Cost and environmental benefits"We discovered multiple benefits to iceless Xtend packaging," continues Yamagishi This reduces carbon emissions and slashes transport costs particularly given recent shipping cost increases The ability to transport ice-free fresh broccoli across the continent on weight-constrained trucks has led to a net cost reduction of more than 30%." For more information:Mrs. Hila Nagel StePacPPC Tel: +972.4.612.3500Email: [email protected]www.stepacppc.com Frontpage photo: © Dariusz Szwangruber | Dreamstime FreshPublishers © 2005-2025 FreshPlaza.com Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report Hokkaido--A herd of mares in foal galloped across a snow-covered track here on Jan 16 for wintertime exercise to improve their health and prepare for a safer the horses covered a couple of laps on the 800-meter track belong to a research stock farm run by the National Livestock Breeding Center The pregnant horses are given opportunities for regular exercise particularly in the winter when they tend to become inactive The horses’ exercise sessions are open to the public on weekday mornings until Feb The mares are expected to give birth between the middle of February and the end of April Niigata farm rescues retired racehorses from sad homestretch Video game fuels movement to save retired racehorses Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission Event Hokkaido in December is full of winter-only events where you can enjoy Christmas illuminations and seasonal flavors Here are 10 recommended events for December from festive Christmas events to gourmet events where you can taste local specialties Image source: Sapporo Promotion Corporation Image source: Hokkaido Tourism Organization Image source: Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association Image source: Hiroo Town Tourism Association Image source: Tokachi Regional Development Bureau Image source: Tokachigawa Onsen Ryokan Association Image source: NPO Rumoi Tourism Association Would you like to share the wonderful activities of those of you who are active in Hokkaido with more people Posting an event on Domingo takes just 5 minutes and is free and easy for anyone to do Not only can you widely disseminate your activities and ideas but you also have the chance to be selected by Domingo to be featured in articles and on street visions in Sapporo If you're a beginner, you can easily get started here Expanding the circle of exchange in Minami-ku a community market created by students together with the local community [Updated for 2025] A complete guide to accessing Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome) and nearby hotels Enjoy seasonal spring gourmet food and Golden Week 10 recommended events in Hokkaido [May 2025] 5 recommended events in Sapporo [May 2nd - 6th 5 easy-to-participate social good events in Hokkaido [May 2025] [2025 Edition] 16 Flower Events in Hokkaido: Cherry blossoms Town Driving Spots is home to many attractive hot springs that will soothe the fatigue of travelers we introduce hot spring resorts within an hour's drive from the center of Sapporo Please refer to this list as a reference for your driving hot spring trip to heal both body and soul Located approximately 26 km from downtown Sapporo in Shikotsu-Toya National Park Jozankei Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido and is also called "the backcountry of Sapporo The spring is a sodium chloride spring (neutral hypotonic high hot spring) The salinity of the spring prevents evaporation of sweat and warms the body from the core the hot spring resort stretches out between valleys and shows its seasonal changes It is also known as one of the best places in Hokkaido to view the autumn colors of the leaves and it is a sight to behold as the entire town turns into a brocade of colors the onsen town has long-established onsen manju and ramen noodle stores gelato stores and bakeries have also sprung up making it a great place to enjoy eating and walking around Jozankei Onsen Town dyed in autumn leaves ■About 26 km from the center of Sapporo Location: Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chome, Minami-ku, SapporoClick here for details and map information of "Jozankei Onsen a hot spring spot in the port town of Otaru This hot spring resort is easily accessible from Sapporo and can be used as a base for sightseeing in Otaru cottages and campgrounds are available for a variety of occasions Located at the foot of the Asato Dam and surrounded by mountains The spring water is a chloride spring containing sodium and calcium It is soft to the touch and effective for rheumatism and muscular pain many historical buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras remain visit "Otaru Yatai Mura" where you will find a variety of restaurants such as sushi ankake yakisoba (fried noodles with starchy sauce) ■About 35 km from central Sapporo ■Location: Asarigawa Onsen, Otaru CityClick here for details and map information of Asarigawa Onsen. conveniently accessible from New Chitose Airport The Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Hyotou Festival is held in late January every year Enjoy the ice sculptures of various sizes made of lake water and warm your cold body in the hot springs The specialty of the restaurant is "Shikotsu-ko-tip" which is a trout grown in the clear water of Lake Shikotsu You can taste various styles of Hime-masu such as tendon Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Hyobaku Festival" attracts many tourists even in winter The famous hime-masu trout is grilled with salt About 50 km from the center of Sapporo City Location: Lake Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose CityClick here for details and map information of "Lake Shikotsu Onsen which has been around since the early Edo period (Hakodate City) Known as one of the three major hot spring villages in Hokkaido Yunokawa Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that was used by Takeaki Enomoto during the Hakodate War after the Meiji Restoration The spring is a chloride spring and is effective for cuts The area is close to the center of the city Hakodate Airport is only a 5-minute drive away a hot-spring inn with a historical appearance Nearby tourist spots include "Yukura Shrine," famous as a power spot and "Hakodate Atami Botanical Garden," where monkeys enjoying the hot springs can be seen in winter we recommend visiting a coffee shop with a comfortable retro atmosphere or a dango shop to enjoy sweet treats where monkeys also take a bath in hot springs in winter Approximately 6 km from the center of Hakodate City Location: Yukawa-cho, Hakodate CityClick here for details and map information on "Yunokawa Hot Springs 5 "Sounkyo Onsen" (Kamikawa Town) with great nature and activities Sounkyo Onsen is a hot spring resort town located in a large valley about 24 km northeast of the Daisetsuzan mountain range which was created in the motif of a Canadian mountain resort will make you enjoy an extraordinary experience including "simple hot spring" called "hot water for beautiful skin," "bicarbonate spring" that refreshes the skin and "sulfur spring" that is effective for skin problems You can enjoy different qualities of spring water at each inn Open-air baths with a spectacular view of the snow There are many activities to enjoy nature and visiting the souvenir stores is also an exciting experience The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival is held at the end of January every year Sounkyo Hot Spring Ice Fall Festival" with beautiful ice formations illuminated by lights About 71 km from the center of Asahikawa City Location: Sounkyo, Kamikawa TownClick here for details and map information of Sounkyo Onsen 6 "Asahidake Onsen" (Higashikawa Town) with a view of the magnificent Daisetsuzan mountain range Asahidake Onsen is located on the opposite side of Sounkyo Onsen across the Daisetsuzan mountain range the area is crowded with visitors viewing the alpine flora and autumn foliage The buildings are designed in consideration of the landscape and the atmosphere is characterized by a relaxed atmosphere The spring water is a sulfate spring that is effective for cuts 30 minutes south by car is Tenninkyo Hot Springs which boasts a history dating back to the Meiji Era The columnar cliffs formed by volcanic activity about 30,000 years ago are a favorite photo spot for many photographers a hot-spring resort complex supervised by architect Kengo Kuma known for his design of the New National Stadium The warmth of the wood used in abundance in the design ■About 44 km from the center of Asahikawa City ■Location: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa TownClick here for details and map information of "Asahidake Onsen 7 "Utoro Onsen" (Shari-cho) for a break in the town where drift ice drifts ashore also known as "Shiretoko Onsen," is the sightseeing base of the Shiretoko Peninsula and has many lodging facilities ranging from large hotels to small and medium-sized guest houses and inns The quality of the hot spring is "sodium bicarbonate salt spring" with a high salt content visitors can enjoy nature tours of Shiretoko's wilderness with nature guides and other unique nature experiences that can only be enjoyed here The seafood of Okhotsk is famous for being one of the best quality in Japan due to its environment Visitors can fully enjoy the fresh seafood landed locally The word "Shiretoko" comes from the Ainu word "Shirietoku," meaning "the end of the earth Soaking in a hot spring in such a town is sure to be a special experience You can also see the strange rock "Godzilla Iwa" up close Approx. 37 km from the center of Shari Town Location: Utoro, Shari-choClick here for details and map information of Utoro Onsen loved as a medical treatment spring since ancient times Kawayu Onsen is a hot spring resort overlooking Lake Mashu which is said to be the second clearest lake in the world The spring is said to dissolve a five-sided nail in a week if it is soaked in this highly acidic hot spring which dissolves dead skin cells and makes your skin smooth and beautiful Known since ancient times as a therapeutic spring it is believed to regulate the functions of the autonomic nervous system and hormone secretion system Strongly acidic hot water stronger than lemon Teshikaga is famous for its ramen noodles such as "Mashu's pork bowl," which has become famous in the media and fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Okhotsk and off the coast of Kushiro Lake Mashu's beautiful water is also called "Mashu Blue About 44 km from the center of Shari Town Location: Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga TownFor details and map information on Kawayu Onsen, click here. 9 Experience Hokkaido's Heritage "Mole Hot Spring" "Tokachigawa Onsen" (Otoe Town) Tokachigawa Onsen is known for its "mall hot springs The brownish hot spring water is produced by hot spring ingredients that are extracted from ancient plant sediments and contain organic matter-derived components Because of the precious quality of these springs from a global perspective they have been designated as a Hokkaido Heritage Site The spring water is expected to have a variety of beneficial effects such as neuralgia and has been known as a representative hot spring resort in East Hokkaido since the Showa period (1926-1989) Tokachigawa Onsen is located almost in the center of the Tokachi Plain visitors can enjoy sightseeing unique to Tokachi such as Banei horse racing and ballooning experiences ■About 11 km from the center of Obihiro City Location: Tokachigawa Onsen, Otoe-choClick here for details and map information of "Tokachigawa Onsen Magazine/Book Editor & Writer Kyohei Yamashita While working as a program producer at a radio station he began producing mini-comm magazines and writing for magazines he joined a publishing company as an editor and has worked on various articles "It's too good..." Record of a trip to the northernmost remote island of Japan Video filmed by university students becomes a hot topic: "It's youth" "Amazing view..." It's like another world A photo taken in the "city of steel" Muroran is a hot topic: "It's overwhelming" "I never knew there was such a wonderful place." It's like a magic school A fantastic photo taken in Kushiro is cool "Beautiful like a dream" - like a painting Biei's fantastic winter scenery is a hot topic "It makes me want to go to Hokkaido"