CASTROVILLE, CALIF. — Ocean Mist Farms received the Joe Nucci Innovation Award at the 2024 New York Produce Show & Conference for its Roastables ready-to-roast meal kits.

“It’s a very special honor for us to win this award, which is voted on by our industry peers, making it all the more poignant,” said Chris Drew, president and CEO of Ocean Mist Farms.

Mark Munger, senior director of marketing of Ocean Mist Farms, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“Accepting this award on behalf of Ocean Mist Farms is very special to me, both personally and professionally,” Munger said. “Joe Nucci was a friend and someone I greatly admired, and receiving an award bearing his name is deeply meaningful.”

The Roastables kits feature halved Brussels sprouts in three different flavors: Sweet Sesame, Lemon Caesar, and Sun-Dried Tomato. The flavors were available to sample at the show.

Following the successful launch, Ocean Mist Farms plans to expand the Roastables line to include other fresh vegetables grown exclusively on its farms. The company is planning launches for the spring and fall of 2025.

“We’ve made a significant investment in product innovation during our milestone centennial anniversary this year,” Drew said. “Receiving this kind of recognition reinforces that we’re on the right track as we continue innovating into the future with time-starved consumers in mind.”