February is American Heart Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the number one killer of Americans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 659,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year, which translates to one in every four deaths.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In the most recent AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. The 2021 update reports that nearly 18.6 million people across the globe died of cardiovascular disease in 2019, the latest year for which worldwide statistics were calculated. That’s a 17.1% increase in death over the past decade.
During American Heart Month, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.
Heart-Check Certified
In support of American Heart Month, West Pak is proud to showcase its full line of bagged avocado brands, each featuring the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check symbol. But what is this bold red check, and what does the symbol mean for retailers and consumers?
Designed to help consumers make informed choices about the foods they purchase, the American Heart Association Heart-Check Food Certification Program uses the Heart-Check mark for consumers to easily spot heart-healthy foods in the grocery store or when dining out.
When the Heart-Check mark is displayed, people know the product has passed a robust certification process. The Heart-Check program complies with ten different health claims in 13 food categories and has been guiding shoppers to healthier choices since 1995.
According to the American Heart Association, over 75% of consumers recognize the Heart-Check symbol and express that they are more likely to purchase foods that feature the certification mark.
The Highest Standards
West Pak earned the American Heart Association’s (AHA) coveted Heart-Check mark designation in 2017 by meeting strict dietary criteria for healthy foods. The requirements for certification are based on the sound science of the American Heart Association regarding healthy dietary recommendations, including food categories, specific product ingredients, and nutrient values.
Today, this Heart-Check mark is prominently displayed on all West Pak Avocado packaging, merchandising and marketing materials, and product support material used in the United States.
Bagged Avocado Brands
West Pak provides a variety of avocado offerings, including bulk and bagged brands. The most popular bagged brands include:
California Gold
Harvested from the fertile, sun-soaked hills of the golden state these premium avocados offer a buttery smooth texture. With a wealth of healthful benefits and local-grove goodness, taste the difference California makes.
Lil’Cados
The perfect portion superfruit for single-serve meals, these mini-sized avocados are brimming full of flavor. Each serving offers on-the-go goodness and a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and vital plant nutrients. The just-right no-waste size for savoring singly, Lil’Cados are the ideal solution for your noshing needs.
Party Pak
Celebrating every occasion, this bagged avocado brand is the perfect pak for every party. With a scannable party guac recipe right on the packaging, these jumbo-sized avocados are your new party favorite.
The AHA Heart-Check designation is essential to West Pak, as it continues to supply fresh, wholesome avocados to retailers and foodservice throughout the United States and beyond. By helping to educate others about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, the hope is to minimize the occurrence of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable health issues.
To learn more about any of these healthy avocado offerings, feel free to reach out to West Pak’s sales and marketing team.
About 659,000 Americans die from heart disease each year – that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
Source: CDC
