Tip of the Iceberg Podcast: Recent Episodes
PMG
Tip of the Iceberg features conversations between members of the fresh produce industry and the editors of trade publications The Packer and PMG. Topics will include current events and provide insight into the opportunities and challenges for different segments of the industry today, including growers, marketers, wholesalers, foodservice operators, retailers and more.
Circana’s Jonna Parker outlines why the fresh produce industry must focus on digital storytelling and rich product data to ensure agentic AI engines seamlessly discover and recommend their items to shoppers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following an unexpected surge on social media, founder Adam Stager explains how massive public interest drives global demand for agricultural automation and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical sprays.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dante Galeazzi joins "The Packer Podcast" to share why ignoring the trade pact will trigger a damaging domino effect of soaring inflation and small harvests.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rochelle Bohm of CMI Orchards discusses the threat that extended producer responsibility laws pose to the fresh produce industry and why the high cost of sustainable packaging will be passed on to consumers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recently celebrating its 15th anniversary, Gotham Greens co-founder Viraj Puri and new CEO Craig Stevenson discuss moving past proof-of-concept, navigating the recent shakeout CEA, and why the future of the category relies on operational excellence over tech hype.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yiannas joins "The Packer Podcast" to discuss the potential for machine learning to turn food safety from reactive to predictive and its tangible benefits for the fresh produce industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Barbara Ruhs, director of nutrition affairs and communications for Pears USA, explains how the produce industry can use her "science sandwich" method to leverage viral TikTok movements and reach younger consumers to share the benefits of a diet rich in fresh produce.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emphasizing that certainty is an economic necessity, NCAE President and CEO John Hollay discusses the critical role of the H-2A program and why growers must press Congress for permanent legislative fixes rather than relying solely on regulatory shift
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ahead of the West Coast Produce Expo, Ruth Villalonga explains why the $2.8 trillion Hispanic market is no longer a niche and how retailers can capture this high-spending demographic through authentic storytelling and cultural connection.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Potato Council CEO breaks down the push for a more resilient Farm Bill and why targeted relief is essential for the future of specialty crops and U.S. growers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With labor costs reaching up to 50% of production and a massive gap in infrastructure, the CEO of South Mill Champs explains how robotics and AI are transforming North American mushroom farming from a manual craft into a 24/7 high-tech operation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The International Fresh Produce Association's vice president of sustainability shares how this new strategic path will standardize metrics and streamline efforts across the global supply chain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Cymbal, co-founder and chief marketing officer for Molly’s Grape & Citrus Co., explains how ditching the commodity mindset for a CPG strategy is helping the brand win over consumers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Circana's vice president of the fresh foods group says the fresh produce industry is poised for a record-breaking dollar growth in 2026, but cautions the industry must move away from a commodity mindset toward data-driven consumer insights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The executive director of the Equitable Food Initiative shares how the organization works to promote trust and collaboration among different stakeholders to enact real, tangible progress toward its goals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us for this special episode of The Packer Podcast, sharing some of the most interesting and entertaining answers from our "fresh take" segment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hashim Amin, head of grocery and retail for North America at Uber, shares how the company leverages its platform to offer convenience and on-demand services and how its unique marketplace experience competes against Amazon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heather Sterrett, director of events and expos with Farm Journal, gives a snapshot of some of the exciting plans in store for attendees of the January event.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Steve Mantle, founder and CEO of innov8.ag, offers insights to help growers overcome agriculture's complexities, boost tech adoption and use real-time, actionable data for improved operations and future readiness.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Food research expert Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, shares why Millennials and Gen Z are driving fruit consumption while vegetable sales decline.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tara Murray, vice president of marketing for Fresh Innovations and Yo Quiero Brands, shares how brands can respond to consumer trends in flavor and snacking and the opportunities in the industry for innovation and disruption.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association president shares how vital trade agreements are to the success of the entire fresh produce industry, changing Canadian shopper mindsets and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin Hamilton, Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications at the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, shares how he aims to highlight blueberries’ true differentiators and merge health messaging with emotion to fuel consumers’ future purchases.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nico Cabral, director of marketing for labor management software company FieldClock, discusses how simple efficiency tweaks through the use of technology can have a big impact on a farm's bottom line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Randy Asadoor, CEO of Keystone Packing, and Sabrina Thakkar, director of the California Association of Food Banks's Farm to Family program, share the unique partnership between their organizations and the ever-growing need for fresh produce at food banks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, highlights this year's award, and shares the critical role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry and why it's important to recognize them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Ross, IGA CEO, shares his company's strategy to transition to 2D barcodes and the benefits the barcodes hold for the fresh produce industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matthew Aronson, chief revenue officer at Verdant Technologies, shares how his company deploys 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) in a new and innovative way to offer better produce to retailers and cut down on the use of ice in shipping.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lucelena Angarita, director of food supply chain visibility at GS1 US shares why it's never too early to start preparing your fresh produce business for the Food Traceability Final Rule, which goes into effect on Jan. 20, 2026.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Mike Hemman, senior vice president of the North America Division of the drip irrigation solutions provider Netafilm, highlights some of the innovative ways his company integrates recycling into its drip irrigation products.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the director of marketing and communication for the Equitable Food Initiative to share ways to celebrate the vital role of farmworkers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shay Myers, CEO of Owyhee Produce, is a third-generation farmer and also known as @shayfarmkid. Myers shares how he uses his social media platforms to talk about agriculture, why getting in front of the camera is important and how to connect with tho
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of the Food Bank for New York City discusses how the fresh produce industry contributes to feeding those in need.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Darren Seifer, industry advisor for consumer goods and foodservice insights for Circana gives us a sneak peek of his GOPEX 2025 presentation, focusing on today's organic produce shopper and what drives their loyalty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeana Cadby, director of environment and climate for Western Growers talks about a working group with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to address the changing produce packaging requirements imposed by governments and retailers and just how far the fresh produce industry has come in its use of sustainable packaging.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Santiago, CEO of FloraPulse, shares how his company's easy-to-install water sensor can help specialty crop growers better recognize what's happening to the plant during the growing season.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Steve Statler, chief marketing officer and head of food safety with Wiliot, shares the benefits that artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide the produce industry, especially in traceability.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cristie Mather, vice president of food at Curious Plot shares some insights learned of the company’s 2024 Consumer Curiosity Report and how retailers can use that intel to tap into new opportunities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
James Nichols, a third-generation pistachio grower and president of HotSpot Ag, shares how data and innovative technology can help deploy water where its most needed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The CEO of Zag Technical Services joins the podcast to discuss why ag is one of the most vulnerable business segments to cyber attacks and what business owners can do to be better prepared.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stephanie Teclaw, quality program manager with RPE joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, to talk about how a sustainability course from EFI provided the resources and framework to analyze the company's current sustainability state and ensure a supportive culture and vision were in place.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Pawelski, a fourth-generation farmer, returns to the podcast to discuss the importance of advocacy, how growers can get started and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amalia Zimmerman-Lommel, director of social responsibility with GoodFarms joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Equitable Food Initiative to share how her understanding of social responsibility has evolved in the 10 years since GoodFarms became EFI certified and the benefits of certification.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joelle Mosso, associate vice president of science programs for Western Growers, sits down with host Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about the conflicting needs of sustainability and food safety in fresh produce.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom Adams, co-founder and CEO of Pairwise, a food and agriculture company that utilizes gene editing and CRISPR technology to transform plants and production systems, joins host Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer on this latest episode of “Tip of the Iceberg” to talk about gene editing and its potential role in the future of the produce industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Delbert Bland, founder of Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms and recent inductee into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame, sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to share his favorite way to eat Vidalia onions, the importance of a federal marketing order and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, who is set to retire this year after 35 years with the organization, joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to share memorable moments, his favorite pears and the challenges to marketing the fruit.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Danielle Downey, executive director of the nonprofit Project Apis m. joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to talk about hive growth in the news, challenges still facing the honeybee industry and the critical role honeybees play in food production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A.G. Kawamura, former secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, joins Christina Herrick, The Packer’s produce editor, at the Sustainable Produce Summit to talk about where agriculture is headed in the state and the changes he’s seen during his career in farming.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the produce industry prepares for the Food Traceability Final Rule, Frank Yiannas, the former FDA Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy and Response and Steve Statler, chief marketing officer and head of food safety with Wiliot share how technology can help those in the produce industry become more efficient in this “Tip of the Iceberg” episode.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Sandwick, director of marketing with Hess Bros. Fruit, talks about the introduction of Wild Twist and the challenges of marketing new apple varieties in a competitive market.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summary: Chris Pawelski, a fourth-generation farmer, grassroots public policy advocate and the subject of a recent documentary titled “Muckville” joins Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about the challenges modern farmers face and the intersection of farming and mental health.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission who will retire this year after 18 years leading the organization, joins Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about where the apple industry is headed and his career highlights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maisie Ganzler, author and strategic advisor for Bon Appetit Management Company, joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, to discuss how companies can get started on creating a sustainability plan.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get the inside scoop of the educational sessions, activities and events for The Packer’s upcoming West Coast Produce Summit and Sustainable Produce Summit.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elizabeth Mitcham, Ph.D., professor of cooperative extension and the emeritus director of the Postharvest Technology Center, joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer to talk about the innovations in postharvest technology, the challenges to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables and the future of postharvest research in this podcast sponsored by AgroFresh.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ali Cox, CEO and founder of Noble West, an agriculture marketing consultancy sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to look at how specialty crop growers utilize regenerative ag currently, its benefits and its potential for the future.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ray Hatch, CEO of Quest Resource Management joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer to talk about the importance of reducing food waste and the solutions his company provides to help reduce the amount of produce in landfills.
How to connect with The Packer and PMG magazine:
- Websites:com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email:news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG:Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- TX:@produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, sits down with The Packer's produce editor, Christina Herrick, to talk about the barriers to implementing technology, how his company's LaserWeeder cuts down on sprays and the importance of data in the future of agriculture.
How to connect with The Packer and PMG magazine:
- Websites:com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email:news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG:Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- TX:@produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Collin Juurakko, founder of Advanced Agriscience, sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer to share how his research as a doctoral candidate led to some interesting discoveries about how frost crystals form and how he’s parlaying what he’s learned into a potential solution for tree fruit growers across the globe.
How to connect with The Packer and PMG magazine:
- Websites:com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email:news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG:Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- TX:@produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jasna Kovac, Ph.D., associate professor of food science and a professor of food safety at Penn State University, shares insights into her research on foodborne pathogens in packinghouses. Kovac shares actionable items to take to reduce risks in packing facilities.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jim Bair, president and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to talk about the conversation surrounding rising food prices, slowing grower returns and the current challenges to maintaining a profitable apple business.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kam Quarles, chief executive officer of the National Potato Council, Bob Mattive, president of the National Potato Council and a potato grower from Monte Vista, Colo., and Kelly Turner, manager of the Potato Growers of Michigan, sit down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, and talk about the importance of potatoes in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the economic impacts of the potato industry and more.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sean Sundberg, business integration manager for John Deere, sits down with The Packer’s produce editor, Christina Herrick, to talk about the collaboration with Sonoma County Winegrowers and how the technology utilized in the “vineyard of the future” will benefit other specialty crop growers.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Omer Davidi, CEO and co-founder of BeeHero, a beehive technology platform talks with The Packer’s Produce Editor Christina Herrick about how his company’s innovations can help maximize crop yields for the produce industry’s most important resource.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington Tree Fruit Association sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about some of the legislation that directly impacts the fresh produce industry in his state and what this could mean for the rest of the country.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marissa Dake, vice president of brand and people for DNO Produce, joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, to discuss the age-old adage, if you’re not at the table you’re on the menu. Dake shares how everyone in the fresh produce industry can be an advocate and outlines the small steps to get started.
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kieran Ficken McNeice, director of sustainability programs with Measure to Improve, shares the trends she sees making a big impact on sustainability in the fresh produce industry this year and how to make the most of them.
To find us:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You’re more vulnerable than you think, says Eric Regnier, vice president of operations at Zag Technical Services on the latest Tip of the Iceberg podcast, who shares ways produce businesses can prepare for threats.
To learn more: visit zagtech.com
To find us:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During her state of the industry address, Cathy Burns noted that we are experiencing a global human energy crisis and attributed it to a lack of employee engagement. Louisa Clarke from Confidently There coaches individuals and teams around the importance of and skills needed to have difficult conversations. In the podcast, she shares tips for creating workplaces that have the right balance of challenge and kindness and takes us back to our school days to understand what that looks like in practice and the overall impact it has on organizational culture and individual performance. She shares what you can look for to know if you or your organization need to have more difficult conversations and how managers can keep an openness for employees to approach them.
To find us:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does the industry move from endorsing responsible labor practices to taking action?
Peter O’Driscoll, executive director of Equitable Food Initiative, and Kim Combs, supplier verification manager with The Kroger Co., explore the topic, along with EFI Director of Marketing Communications LeAnne Ruzzamenti, in this “Tip of the Iceberg” podcast brought to you by EFI and The Packer.
To find us:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To learn more: visit zagtech.com, joeproduce.com, joeproducesearch.com, joejproresumes.com
To find us:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn how to make your supermarket a destination for fresh from Rob Nickels, who handles category management, procurement and merchandising of fresh produce and floral for Giant Food. Part of Ahold Delhaize USA, Giant Food has stores in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area. In our case, it’s fresh produce. Nickels covers several areas of focus: variety, quality, value, local, consistency and floral. And he never forgets the taste, which is what it’s really all about.
To find us:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if every college student hated wasting the excess meal credits on their dining card enough to figure out a way to share it? And what if that eventually meant that a major produce wholesale market could cut its organic waste by 50% — while feeding people who can’t afford to buy the food they need? Evan Ehlers asked these questions and then tackled the problem — with sustained, practical action. And it’s becoming a movement. Learn about Sharing Excess and the latest milestones of this inspiring organization. An outpost could be popping up near you, wherever you are in the U.S.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are AI prompt engineers, besides some of the highest-paid people these days? What tech skills do job seekers need to thrive in their search? Addressing these questions and more is the president of Joe Produce, an online job center for produce, agriculture and related companies and produce people across the entire food chain — from seed to store. In this ZAG Tech-partnered episode, Rex Lawrence of Joe Produce talks about how tech influences his company and how it affects job seekers and recruiters in the produce industry.
To learn more: visit zagtech.com, joeproduce.com, joeproducesearch.com, joejproresumes.com
To find us:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this partnered episode with Equitable Food Initiative, learn about an innovative approach to increasing sustainability on farms from special guest Lilian Autler, EFI’s organizational and workforce development manager.
Autler lead a project that placed multi-disciplinary teams on three different California farms to address waste management — something that helps meet the state’s newer SB 1383 bill that requires organic waste reduction by 2025.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn from Vonnie Estes, vice president of innovation for International Fresh Produce Association. She talks about her career trajectory that led to her position today, and the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator program she started, how companies can apply and what the benefits are. She also shares her favorite parts of the fast-approaching IFPA Global Show in Anaheim, Calif.
To find resources mentioned in this episode:
- Vonnie Estes on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vonnieestes/
- International Fresh Produce Association: freshproduce.com
- ZAG Technical Services: zagtech.com
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Description:
Learn all about Joseph Bunting of United Supermarkets in Lubbock Texas: What makes him tick? How did he get into produce? Who did he meet at the checkout register? How was he mentored and how does he lead and introduce new ideas? And join us at 2 p.m. Oct. 20, at The Packer and PMG booth No. 2937 at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif. We will present the award, along with marketing awards, and celebrate.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You will hear an overview of the state of the agtech industry from our two partner hosts from ZAG Technical Services and Full Tilt Marketing, the most pressing issues and all about a coming report that will benchmark how this sector of the produce industry is doing with its technology know-how and implementation.
To learn more: ZagTech.com
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s collaborate to better secure our companies from cyberattacks, says Johnny McGuire, director of Information Technology at The Nunes Co., a California-based vegetable grower with the Foxy label. Learn how this Silicon Valley tech guy turned into a Salinas Valley farm guy, helping create cybersecurity guidelines for produce companies large and small, and the work he’s doing on Rule 204 of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
To find out more about the companies mentioned:
- ZAG Technical Services: zagtech.com
- Full Tilt Marketing: fulltiltmarketing.net
- The Nunes Co.: foxy.com
- ProduceSupply.org
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn from Blanca Acosta, director of care and culture at Abundant Harvest Organics, which grows for Homegrown Organic Farms. Acosta shares how taking care of your produce employees means listening to — and acting on — their day-to-day needs in their specific working environment. That can mean ladder sleeves to prevent field falls, picking up fruit in walking areas to prevent packing shed slips, warm-up exercises before shifts and placing feminine products in restrooms for female employees on their menstrual cycles.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn from Dennis Donohue, director of Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology, an agtech startup incubator, on how agriculture has matured with its approach to technology. He dives into water, economics, next-generation agriculture workers, robots and more.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What to do about DEI? This Equitable Food Initiative-partnered episode explains with a helpful chat. A produce industry veteran for more than 25 years, Vic Clark shares his advice and perspective as the industry expands its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, initiatives. “The only thing I’ve seen change in the last 25 years in this industry is the calendar,” he said about DEI change. He believes that the food industry has closed itself off from Black people and other minorities in ways that other industries have been embracing. Learn why. And learn how you can help create some positive change in your own company. Spoiler alert: One way is to build relationships with young people as they are pursuing their education.
Links to resources mentioned:
- MANNRS
- IFPA DEI Statement
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Giant Food’s healthy living merchandising manager, Emily Massi serves as a liaison between the worlds of retail registered dietitians and retail merchandising. Learn why this role was created, how she’s bridging the two worlds and how it benefits consumers as well as produce retailers.
To find Giant Food’s Healthy Living team and resources:
- Healthy Living by Giant Podcast
- TikTok: @HealthyLivingByGiant
- Facebook: Healthy Living by Giant
- Website
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guideand The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s going to happen with cybersecurity, labor, data and all the other ways a produce company can be more competitive today and in the future? Longtime cybersecurity and ag expert Greg Gatzke, founder of ZAG Technical Services, explains.
To find ZAG Technical Services: zagtech.com
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn in this EFI-partnered episode why one multinational produce company slashed the requirement of drug screenings and background checks, hiring chronically underemployed people — all ways Bonduelle Fresh Americas (home of the Ready Pac Bistro brand) earned B Corp Certification to become a profitable “Benefit for All” company that consumers can trust. What did it take to do this?
To find the companies discussed in this episode:
- EFI: equitablefood.org
- Bonduelle Fresh Americas: bonduelleamericas.com
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Description:
The CEO of Agtools has an almost dizzying depth of knowledge on how the global produce industry works, from field to shelf. Let’s learn a little from Martha Montoya.
To find Agtools: ag.tools
To find ZAG Technical Services: zagtech.com
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn from Cristie Mather, vice president of food at marketing agency Curious Plot, what kinds of activities on social media can provide results for produce companies and retailers, and what the return on investment looks like for this marketing tool.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn what data your company already has, what to do with it, and the steps necessary to jump into the AI game for your produce and produce-adjacent business.
To find ZAG Technical Services: Visit zagtech.com, especially the data software services solutions page.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn from this sunflower seed and nutbar company founder when (and why) a nut bar belongs in the produce department. Why are produce buyers asking for them? How does this help produce sales at retail or the overall basket ring?
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Explore with Andy Tudor, president of AT Ag Consulting, the simplicity of ag tech in solving problem – that it isn’t always actual “computer tech” but any kind of new technology that solves a problem, from robot palletizers and sorting machines to organic apple coatings and what it means for labor.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn about the problem of produce promotion execution at the store level, and what you can do about it.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to a new partnered series with ZAG Technical Services, where you’ll learn about the challenges and solutions for tech side of fresh produce and produce retail business.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn how an award-winning partnership between Firework and The Fresh Market is inspiring shoppers to buy produce and other grocery ingredients while — and after — attending live virtual cooking events where they can join the conversation.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you use shopper data to personalize the shopping trip, making it a better experience for your customer, and a more profitable experience for your business?
To find us:
- Our websites:producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email:news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn the major takeaways from several produce leaders in this final episode of a 12-part series with Equitable Food Initiative. You gotta love a “best of” episode.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn how one food retailer handles its digital shopper program and ensures the people picking the consumer’s produce order know what to do.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hey, produce industry: Do you even know Farmworker Awareness Week exists? Yes, there is a day, a week, and a month for everything. But this is a chance to spotlight the essential workers who form the foundation of your business—and all of our daily nutrition needs. It’s mainly for you, retail and produce marketers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you think about agtech, you don’t think about farmworkers first. Often, tech startups and venture capitalists come to mind. But what if the farmworker’s perspective, ideas and needs were placed front and center while these necessary innovations propel our produce industry forward?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why can’t walnuts be fresh and cool like pistachios and almonds? They can be, and Roger Verloop has a plan to increase sales and consumption.
To find us:
- Our websites: thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com, www.producemarketguide.com
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This family business began with one man and a produce pushcart in the 1920s and has since grown to 12 Cingari Family ShopRite supermarkets across Connecticut, part of the Wakefern Food Corp. And now they’re modernizing, with environmental sustainability in mind. Tom Cingari, vice president of produce, floral and e-commerce, explains.
To find us:
- Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During his time in retail, Matt Rogers from AgSocio developed a deep sense of the labor supply chain and saw a need for labor providers, or farm labor contractors, to be more to workers and growers. He walks us through some of the things that shaped his perspective and shares what everyone in produce needs to be thinking about when it comes to H2A and labor providers.
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who plants, cultivates, harvests, cleans, grades, sorts and packs those little NatureSweet Cherub tomatoes in those clear plastic dome containers in so many grocery stores? Just look under the label and you’ll see. It’s part of NatureSweet’s Associates Under the Label program.
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two workers at Misionero — Araceli Miranda and Eduardo Adina — share with us why adding lights to the parking lot was important to employees and how they overcame the challenges of no electrical access, lighting all necessary areas. This has been a common request brought up by workers at numerous Equitable Food Initiative-certified facilities, and it’s a pretty easy project to provide safer working environments.
To find us:
• Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
• Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
• LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
• Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
• Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
• Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maybe you think you know what makes a good supermarket produce manager. Well, let’s see if your preconceived notions match the reality of one winner in a nationwide contest of the best.
This episode spotlights an award-winning produce manager. Chris Jorgensen, a 23-year veteran of Food Lion, was one of only 25 winners in International Fresh Produce Association’s 2022 Retail Produce Manager Awards. Considering there are more than 1,000 produce managers in Food Lion stores alone, that’s a small number. Lets hear his story, what he does, and what he expects for the future, plus produce department tips.
SHOW NOTES
To find us:
- Our websites: thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actual effective change — like sustainability that actually means something — comes from the bottom up, rather than top-down. We’re thinking, orchard ladders with 10-inch steps and stability teeth, says Vernon Peterson, a fourth-generation tree-fruit grower in California.
This episode marks the sixth of a series we’re doing with Equitable Food Initiative, often called EFI, which works with retailers and growers to create a transparent supply chain, a safer food system and healthier work environments. These episodes will focus on the improvements companies and their people make that elevate workers and create better working conditions.
To find us:
• Our websites: producemarketguide.com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
• Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
• LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
• Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
• Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
• Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sure, sustainability matters. But how do you make these changes amid all the economic pressures companies face? Listen to two company leaders share their experiences and advice.
To find us:
- Our website: www.ThePacker.com, www.ProduceMarektGuide.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find Equitable Food Initiative:
- Facebook: @EquitableFoodInitiative
- Instagram: @EquitableFood
- Twitter: @EquitableFood
- LinkedIn: Equitable Food Initiative
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They’re calling it co-location, and it means Square Roots lettuces and herbs will be much, much closer to retail customers — significantly shortening the supply chain.
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/unfi-co-locate-square-roots-indoor-farms-distribution-centers-nationwide
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A naturopathic doctor makes the case for cooking with fresh pumpkins the rest of this fall while supplies last. She provides actional takeaways for consumer health and tastes, as well as the produce professional, to increase sales.
To find us:
- Our websites: thepacker.com, producemarketguide.com and ProduceEDU.com
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What labor shortage? We’re going to unpeel the layers of why one sweet-onion grower has to turn away workers. What are they doing right?
Today’s episode is conducted by Equitable Food Initiative and is about driving worker morale and engagement by building personal relationships.
Jessica Pedroza, office and human resources manager of Pacific Agra Farms in Walla Walla, Wash., shares her approach and beliefs about how starting relationships with workers from a place of respect and building personal relationships over time has yielded many positive results for their farming operation. Although it's a short sweet-onion growing season of only 2.5 months, they have many employees return each year and have to stop taking applications because they get more than they could possibly need — while many of companies nationwide have experienced the pain of labor shortages the last couple years.
This might sound like a simple solution, but it’s not an easy one. Building and maintaining real relationships takes dedicated time, consistency and a true caring nature.
Kindness and respect can really make a difference in your staff satisfaction and performance; company culture; and ultimately — bottom line.
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find Equitable Food Initiative:
- Facebook: @EquitableFoodInitiative
- Instagram: @EquitableFood
- Twitter: @EquitableFood
- LinkedIn: Equitable Food Initiative
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s episode is about a big retail win for AeroFarms, — hint, it has to do with Whole Foods Market. The company is part of the growing sector of high-tech indoor-agriculture companies. With AeroFarms, it’s never just one thing though. You’ll learn about USDA partnerships, research, solving the world’s problems, what’s happening in Abu Dabi, in public schools, at celebrity restaurants, and with Tom Stenzel. It’s just so much.
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find AeroFarms:
- Website: com
- Facebook: @AeroFarms
- Instagram: @AeroFarms
- TikTok: @AeroFarms
- Twitter: @AeroFarms
- LinkedIn: @AeroFarms
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode marks the third of a series we’re doing with Equitable Food Initiative, often called EFI, which works with retailers and growers to create a transparent supply chain, a safer food system and healthier work environments. These episodes will focus on the improvements or advancements companies and their people are making that elevate workers and create better working conditions.
That sounds like a healthy endeavor to me.
LeAnne Rhodes Ruzzamenti, EFI’s Director of Marketing Communications, chats with Marylu Ramirez, HR Manager, GoodFarms - also known as Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce. The company grows berries and tomatoes.
SHOW NOTES
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find Equitable Food Initiative:
- Website: org
- Facebook: @EquitableFoodInitiative
- Instagram: @EquitableFood
- Twitter: @EquitableFood
- LinkedIn: Equitable Food Initiative
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s episode marks the second of a series we’re doing with Equitable Food Initiative, which we in the industry call EFI. The organization works with retailers and growers to create a transparent supply chain, a safer food system and healthier work environments.
These episodes will focus on the improvements companies and their people are making that elevate workers and create better working conditions.
LeAnne Rhodes Ruzzamenti, EFI’s Director of Marketing Communications chats with Tony Pacheco, health and safety and temporary foreign worker manager at Windset Farms in Delta, British Columbia.
He talks about the Health & Safety Team and drills down on bringing water fountains into the greenhouse — a project that sounds simple in concept, but is not easy to implement. He also discusses the importance of being heard as a worker and not just heard – but having your suggestions acted on. It’s important that workers feel like the higher-ups care about them.
SHOW NOTES
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest:
- Website: https://equitablefood.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquitableFoodInitiative
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equitablefood/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EquitableFood
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equitable-food-initiative/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode marks the first of a series we’re doing with Equitable Food Initiative, often called EFI, which works with retailers and growers to create a transparent supply chain, a safer food system and healthier work environments.
These episodes will focus on the improvements or advancements companies and their people are making that elevate workers and create better working conditions.
LeAnne Rhodes Ruzzamenti, EFI’s Director of Marketing Communications, chats with Maggie Torres, Manager of Learning & Development and Senior Business Partner for Stemilt Growers.
They delve into traffic safety - adding stop signs and speed limit signs around the operation to make workers safer.
SHOW NOTES
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest:
- Website: https://equitablefood.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquitableFoodInitiative
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equitablefood/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EquitableFood
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equitable-food-initiative/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re delivering fresh takes on living a healthy lifestyle full of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the ins and outs of the business world that make that possible.
In this episode, we chat with Katie Seawell, the chief commercial officer of Bowery Farming based in New York City. She dives deep into where high-tech, indoor farming is headed and what it means for retailers and shoppers. An indoor vertical hydroponic farm company, Bowery is expanding locations, expanding varieties of produce and categories of produce-getting into fruit. We talk about how the company expands access while balancing it with the desire for premium experiences, future strategies, where the CEA Food Safety Coalition is headed, and how all this fits into what Gen Z and millennial shoppers and eaters want.
SHOW NOTES
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest:
- Website: com
- Instagram: @boweryfarming
- LinkedIn: Bowery Farming
- Twitter: @BoweryFarming
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we learn all about hatch chile season at how this retailer makes it a big-time event at his grocery stores.
Grown in New Mexico, the hatch chile promotions seem exclusively for the lucky shoppers in the Midwest and West of the U.S., so I seriously have some FOMO, or fear of missing out. But it’s a great inspiration for all our regions, how we can take a limited-time produce item that grows in your area and really generate excitement and urgency. So who is the guest on this episode?
We talk with Scott Wiggans, the produce director of California-based Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres Natural Market and New Leaf Community Markets, all part of Good Food Holdings. He confirms where the heat is really stored in the chile, how the texture is so buttery — yes, buttery — and how his retail company transforms shoppers into bonafide hatch heads.
SHOW NOTES
To find us:
- Our websites: com, thepacker.com and ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest:
- Website: com, NewLeaf.com, LazyAcres.com
- Facebook: @bristolfarms, @newleafcmarkets, @lazyacresmarket
- Instagram: @bristolfarms, @newleafcmarket, @lazyacresmarket
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bolthouse Farms finalized the purchase of a popular juice brand from Starbucks, adding even more to the Bakersfield, Calif.-based carrot grower’s stockpile of premium juice products.
By August 1, the company closed the deal to acquire Evolution Fresh from Starbucks, including the brand, business and employees supporting Evolution Fresh,
Uniting the two brands is another way for Bolthouse Farms to meet the growing consumer demand for functional nutrition in the fresh produce department and gain more leadership in the premium juice and refrigerated beverage categories in retail.
“Evolution Fresh is a business and a brand that we have long admired,” said Chief Customer Officer Phil Kooy,” in this Tip of the Iceberg podcast episode.
- Our websites are www.producemarketguide.com, www.thepacker.com and www.ProduceEDU.com.
- Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com
- LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
- Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide
- Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
- Twitter: @produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest:
- Website: https://www.bolthouse.com/
- Facebook: @bolthousefarms
- Instagram: @bolthousefarms
- Twitter: @bolthousefarms
- Pinterest: @bolthousefarms
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we cover the often-overlooked, brushed-under-the-rug issue of the need for farmers and produce professionals all along the supply chain to pay attention to their mental health. Amy Sowder talks with Marshal Sewell, who lost his father to suicide after mounting farm tragedies in Florida. Today, Sewell is the strategic accounts manager for open fields of Bayer Vegetable Seeds.
He created a platform, Mind Your Melon, to provide resources and support to people working on the farm and beyond to maintain their wellness, manage stress and find help.
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com
LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest and for more resources on mental wellness:
Mind Your Melon website:https://mindyourmelon.org
Instagram: @mindurmelon https://www.instagram.com/mindurmelon
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, We're focusing on someone who means a great deal to people in the fresh produce industry, and to the public at large, although the general public probably has no idea how much this man’s work has influenced their lives. Tom Karst and Amy Sowder talk with Tom Stenzel, who has been co-CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association with Cathy Burns. The big news is Stenzel has recently retired from his leadership role at the association — which is huge, considering he has helmed a produce organization for almost 30 years. Stenzel was the president and CEO of United Fresh Produce Association for more than 28 years, before it combined with Produce Marketing Association. Anyway, Stenzel has formed a new company that will keep him helping the industry, which in turn, will affect all of us who want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
This guy has really made some big changes and fought for our industry over the years.
What we also want to know, is what was this produce world like 30 years ago, what were the big challenges, wins and of course — what’s coming up?
Show notes:
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com
LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest:
Tom Stenzel on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-stenzel-b1152b7/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I talk with Adriane Rippberger, group account director from Curious Plot marketing agency, which handles The Mushroom Council’s highly successful promotional campaigns, including partnerships with celebrity chefs, Food Network and being called the “it” food in New York Times trends lists. The Blended Burger Project, or The Blend, has even converted mushroom avoiders like me. I’ve learned I love the savory flavor of mushrooms, and when they’re minced and sauteed, the spongy, slippery texture is gone — so now I am a fan of blended burgers and other innovative ideas for incorporating mushrooms into my diet.
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com
LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guests:
The Mushroom Council website: https://www.mushroomcouncil.com/ and also https://blenditarian.com.
Instagram: @MushroomCouncil https://www.instagram.com/MushroomCouncil/
Facebook: @MushroomCouncil https://www.facebook.com/MushroomCouncil
Twitter: @MushroomCouncil https://twitter.com/MushroomCouncil
Pinterest: @MushroomCouncil https://www.pinterest.com/MushroomCouncil/
YouTube: @Mushroom Council https://www.youtube.com/c/MushroomCouncil
TikTok: @TheMushroomCouncil https://www.tiktok.com/@themushroomcouncil
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does plant-based, plant-forward, or plant-centric mean to people, or the flexitarian diet? For that matter, do most people really know the difference between what vegans and vegetarians eat? And knowledge is great and all, but many of us have a head full of it but no energy or time to follow through with the produce-filled way we want to eat in our busy lives.
In this episode, I talk with registered dietitian Danielle Magnus, who, with her sister and fellow registered dietitian Lea Loveland, founded Plant-ish, a plant-focused meal brand based in Rye, N.Y. The business delivers and is also found in local retailers and farmers markets.
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com
LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guests:
Plant-ish website: https://www.plant-ish.com/
Instagram:@plant_ishfoods
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Beth Keeton, CEO of Elephant House PR, on her success and challenges in the Texas International Produce Association's Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge.
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com
LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guests:
Elephant House Public Relations:https://elephanthousepr.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethkeeton/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/elephanthouse/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine: Using drones to detect and remove landmines at Ukrainian farms. Or to deliver lettuces to a salad bar in North Carolina and pick apples from a commercial orchard in Wisconsin. What about drones to spray and weed a California farmer’s strawberries, monitor the health of plants and livestock in Kansas and help with inventory management at the New Jersey distribution center?
That’s the plan for Zenadrone. Or at least, part of it. There are many plans.
It’s like the Jetsons or Futurama or some such sci-fi cartoon is coming true. We’re almost at flying cars. Several drone companies are coming up these days as industries seek to solve problems along the supply chain that inch up prices at the store and restaurants for all of us.
We talk with three company leaders about ZenaDrone, their intelligent, unmanned aerial vehicle that incorporates machine learning software and artificial intelligence. Created to help farmers, it’s evolving into a multifunctional drone for different industries.
Labor problems? You may see drones picking your fruit soon. Too many sheep dying? Well, there’s a drone for that. And what about that last order of wilting lettuce? There’s a crisp new answer flying in on the horizon.
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com
LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guests:
ZenaDrone
Facebook: @Zenadroneofficial
LinkedIn: ZenaDrone,Inc
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we talk with an exotic fruit expert. We learn about the strangest, coolest, unusual fruits, where to get them, and why it matters to try unfamiliar foods.
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
To find our guest: Instagram:@AngelaScarfia TikTok:@AngelaScarfia Many other links for her are on Linktr.ee
Thanks to our sponsors Potatoes USA!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Improving your health is a multi-faceted goal – one that I know I will always be working on in one way or another for my lifetime. It can be a bumpy road at times, and we can all use some help sometimes to find the right path, get back on that path, adjust our course as needed or some other road metaphor.
This week, I talk with a family meal planning expert. With rising prices eating into our budgets more lately (pun intended), how do we keep prioritizing fresh, whole foods in our diets when our wallets are shrinking? What’s realistic?
Our websites: producemarketguide.com and thepacker.com
LinkedIn:PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer
Instagram:@packernews and @producemktguide
Facebook:@ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews
Twitter:@produceretailer and @thepacker
Healthy Family Project
Facebook: @HealthyFamilyProj
Instagram: @Healthy.Family.Project
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amy Sowder, retail editor and Brooke Park, digital strategist, both of The Packer and Produce Market Guide, talk about how working in the fresh produce industry has helped them transition to a healthier way of living. They touch on all things fresh and want to know, how do you live fresh?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we dive into that rabbit hole called social media. You love it, you hate it, you love to hate it.
Even so, you might be able to admit that these platforms can really boost business and awareness of your brand if used wisely. Speaking of using it wisely, social media can be a real-time waster, or worse still, possibly even degrade your business’s public image if you don’t know what you’re doing.
But often, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook can be real benefits.
Moxxy Marketing president and CEO Karen Nardozza shares with us the advice she gives her produce clients, including some surprising advice.
We hope it helps you and your company navigate your social media strategy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we hit on a hot topic that’s on EVERYONE’s minds, inside and outside our industry: Price inflation.
Ben Reich, founder and CEO of Datasembly, tracks billions of grocery retail prices from every store at hundreds of retailers so you can follow pricing trends at a hyperlocal level for every item you sell. In our case, we focus on fresh produce prices.
He shares insights on how these prices are changing, where, why, and on which items.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we talk with John Purcell, CEO and president of Unfold, a seed genetics company launched in 2020 to help specifically vertical indoor farms. Seeds for these farms have different needs with such tight, controlled environments. Plus, whatever can be done to keep costs down with all those upfront infrastructure costs and energy expenditures, I’m sure is welcome.
We’ll learn how retailers are responding and what vertically grown products besides leafy greens are most likely to appear on store shelves next.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk with Matt Schwartz, the co-founder and CEO of Afresh, which uses its artificial intelligence-powered app on iPads to work with fresh produce managers to better manage inventory and ordering, minimize waste and maximize profit. Albertsons is the latest of several retailers that have signed on to use their service. They’ve transformed the technology traditionally used for more shelf-stable products found in the center of the store to help fresh produce and other fresh foods catch up. After all, the perimeter of the store is the showpiece, and often the competitive factor in the most successful retailers. Of course, there is so much more to it than that.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk with Shay Myers, CEO of Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, Oregon and Parma, Idaho. He’s also known for his short explainer reels as ShayFarmKid on TikTok and Instagram.
Shay provides some insight on how the logistics are going now, since some retail produce and staff shortages shortly after the New Year. What’s still happening? What will likely last and what can suppliers, shippers, buyers and produce managers do about it?
He also talks about why produce companies, especially grocery retailers, should use social media to improve awareness and business. And how. It doesn’t have to be all glossy and perfect. The clincher? Just do it. And keep doing it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk with Mike Mauti, managing partner of Execulytics based in the Toronto area. He gives us a glimpse of what retailers are dealing with right now in the greater Toronto area, including higher demand as the Ontario province has shut down indoor dining in restaurants again, plus trucking woes, especially across the U.S. border.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk with Zak Karlen, general manager of farms for Bolthouse Farms, known for carrots. The 2,400 employees grow, process, package and market fresh carrots, value-added versions and CPG. Consumer Packaged Goods include buzzworthy carrots dogs, Bolthouse Farms juices, smoothies and jolt shots that act as immunity boosters, and carrot noodle kits for quick carrot-centic meals.
We talk about how the company has adapted to pandemic health and supply chain issues, including labor availability, freight, prices, weather and more.
Also, hear from our sponsor Potatoes USA, providing some merchandising data and insight into the fresh potato industry.
Enjoy!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Tip of the Iceberg The Packer’s editor, Tom Karst and Amy Sowder wanted to introduce you to two new editors on staff, Melissa Treolo, and Ed Boling. Then, we will share our excitement about the coming Global Organic Produce Expo (GOPEX) in South Florida. And finally, Amy delves into some top retail news about the product and people shortages we’re hearing about nationwide.
Read more here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, The Packer editor Tom Karst and I chat with Dan O’Connell, FoodMix Marketing Communications on his company’s food industry predictions for 2022. For our purposes, we focused on four trends that affect the produce industry.
And yes, a lot of predictions don’t pan out the way we expect ‑ hello late 2019 predictions for 2020~ but there’s 30 years of experience behind this company, plus some proprietary research that gathered a lot of data.
Read more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we chat with Elad Mardix, CEO and cofounder of Clarifruit, based in Israel, about his partnership with Dole in rolling out what he says is the world’s first artificial intelligence-powered quality control software solution.
Read more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Packer editor Tom Karst and I chat with Emily Trogdon, public relations and marketing specialist, and Kurt Aken, vice president of business development, of AmplifiedAg and its Vertical Roots brand. We discuss some not-so-common retail packaging initiatives they’re doing, plus what they do, why and how — in such a growing high-tech indoor ag sector of our industry. Grown in shipping containers, this is a different version of CEA, or Controlled Environment Agriculture, a sector that makes up less than 10% of the salad greens category, but has a surpassing growth rate.
Read the article: Container-grown Vertical Roots’ holiday packaging, charitable giving a sign of the times
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s no secret that indoor-agtech farm companies can grow leafy greens fast and ship them to retailers nearby.
Still, it’s surprising to hear Abby prior, chief commercial officer of Irvington, N.Y.-based BrightFarms say that Loudon, N.H.-based lēf Farms, which grows on only 1 acre, is the No. 4 indoor grower of salads in the U.S.
Well, that must’ve been attractive to BrightFarms, which acquired lēf Farms this past summer and is building 12 additional acres on the property.
Read more here.
Our sponsor - SunView Marketing
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More and more consumers can use their health insurance to buy fresh produce online and have it delivered to their homes, and now those who qualify can supplement that by using their SNAP/EBT cards online.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Farmbox Direct’s healthcare initiative, FarmboxRx, to offer its fresh produce delivery nationwide to people whose health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid plans, have this food benefit as part of the plan. That includes the Over the Counter, or OTC Network.
Read more: Health insurance, SNAP benefits can pay for produce online via FarmboxRx
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The pandemic was very good for organic produce demand, and new research from Rabobank looks at the reasons behind that surge and what may be next for the sector.
Rabobank fruit, vegetable and nut analyst Almuhanad Melhim authored the October report called The State of North American Organic Produce: A Closer Look at Post-Pandemic Trends and Emerging Issues.
In the report, Melhim considered why the growth rate of retail organic food sales will likely decline after the pandemic effect wanes. Even so, Melhim’s analysis indicates retail organic sales will remain higher than the pre-pandemic rate.
Read more:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Lightfoot, founded his controlled environment agriculture business or CEA business BrightFarms in Irvington, New York, and also spearheaded the CEA food safety coalition to create food safety standards and labeling unique to this indoor ag sector. That labeling will help retailers and shoppers make purchase decisions, and also protect consumers, as well as reduce confusion among CEA companies. But Lightfoot has been working on several other initiatives. We talked about his negative food’s newsletter. It's actually a positive thing, foods that can be produced in a way that they have a negative carbon footprint on the environment and humanity, not just minimizing your carbon footprint or having a neutral carbon footprint, but venturing into the negative.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 61 of the Tip of the Iceberg Podcast takes a turn toward a road less traveled and features a small farmer with a big digital presence: Liset Garcia of Sweet Girl Farms in Reedley, Calif., where the family has a fruit, vegetable and flower farm with a farmstand open year-round, with online ordering available with in-person pickup.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast Amy Sowder Retail Editor of Produce Market Guide and Tom Karst Editor and Chief of The Packer speak with Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and CEO of Produce for a Better Health, regarding shifting the focus beyond produce sales to consumption. She also discusses PBH's Have a Plant Nation and its Ambassadors.
Visit The Packer to learn more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 59 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Mike Mauti, managing partner of produce consulting firm Execulytics in Canada. Mike discusses what’s coming for fall produce at retail, merchandising and marketing, as well as Thanksgiving and the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 58 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Michael Smith, a senior at Lincoln University agriculture major and president of the school’s MANRRS chapter.
Smith discusses how the local chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) is helping to create inclusion and diversity in Agriculture.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 57 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with David Magaña, a senior analyst for Rabobank who specializes in fresh produce. David discusses the company's recent report Setting the Table for Table Grapes, which covers topics including export trends, growth of licensed varieties, demand in emerging markets and much more.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 56 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Bill Bishop, chief architect of retail consulting firm Brick Meets Click, about Instacart’s new deal with Fabric that allows the company to expand its ecommerce offerings to include microfulfillment.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 55 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Mike Mauti, managing partner of Execulytics, about assortment, merchandising, operations and more in the melon category.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 54 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation between The Packer's editor-in-chief Tom Karst and Desmond O’Rourke, an economist and longtime apple industry observer. O’Rourke is also the founder and CEO of Belrose Inc. Karst and O'Rourke discuss the changes in the apple industry over the last 50 years and what opportunities and challenges lay ahead.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 53 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with three folks from Auburn University – Desmond Layne, head of the department of horticulture; Daniel Wells, associate professor of horticulture; and Glenn Loughridge, director of campus dining and concessions – about how students are growing produce in shipping containers for use in the university's campus dining program.
They discuss how the partnership originated, what the response has been from students participating, how Auburn markets this hyperlocal produce on its campus, and much more.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 52 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Stonehill Produce CEO Keith Slattery on the creation of the company's Market Pulse report and how it’s become a differentiator for Stonehill; examples of how getting strong information leads to better buying; and how Mexican avocado supply and demand are looking currently.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 51 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Kristina Lorusso, business development director for Giumarra, about the company's recent tests of autonomous trucks and aircraft to move fresh produce. Lorusso discusses the opportunities presented by autonomous transportation, how Giumarra found partners in these areas, the process of testing this technology, how the company is evaluating the technology, and what the takeaways have been from the tests Giumarra has done so far.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 50 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features two conversations. The first is an interview with Louis DeMaso, sustainability and operations analyst for Lipman Family Farms, Immokalee, Fla. The Packer's editor-in-chief Tom Karst visits with Louis about Lipman’s work in sustainability and what drivers have played a part in their initiatives. The second conversation is a discussion between The Packer's editors Tom Karst, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder about industry topics including TEFAP, PLU stickers and Peruvian avocados.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 49 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features two conversations. The first is a conversation between our editor-in-chief Tom Karst and Amanda Griffin, vice president of education and program management for the United Fresh Produce Association. As listeners of this podcast probably know, United usually has its annual conference and expo in June, and this year it was slated to be in Los Angeles, so it couldn’t happen as scheduled due to the pandemic. Part of what United is doing instead is hosting a slate of 25 education sessions across five topic tracks in the month of June, and so Tom talked with Amanda about what folks can expect from that programming. The second conversation you’ll hear is with Michael Schutt, director of produce and floral for Raley’s. With summer coming up right, we talked about point-of-sale material, online grocery, seasonal produce and more.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 48 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission. She joined the commission in August 2020, and before that, she served as managing director of the North Carolina State University Executive Farm Management Program. The Packer's editor Tom Karst talked with Michelle about her time so far at the commission, the challenges and opportunities she sees for the state’s sweet potato industry, and the 60-year anniversary celebration of the commission this year.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 47 features an interview with John Hollay, senior director of government relations for the United Fresh Produce Association. John discusses the cost and availability issues around pallets due to the ongoing lumber shortage, and he recaps the conversations United has been having with companies across the supply chain and with government to try to help ease the situation.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 46 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features two conversations. First up is an interview with Noah Hoffman, vice president of North American surface transportation for C.H. Robinson, about floral demand and rising truck rates. Second is a recap by editors Tom Karst, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder of The Packer's Women in Produce special section that publishes soon.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 45 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Julie Krivanek, president of Krivanek Consulting. Krivanek is a corporate strategist, strategic planner, board member and M&A consultant. She describes the big three drivers of change going forward, gives the produce industry a grade in each area, and discusses how technology is changing the business and what companies should do to respond.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 44 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Chelsea Consalo, vice president of produce operations for Consalo Family Farms. Chelsea is one of The Packer's 2021 Women in Produce. Each year the publication honors eight influential women for their contributions to the industry in a special section of the paper. The full lineup of 2021 honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 43 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation between The Packer's editor Tom Karst and four members of the Texas International Produce Association board of directors and Viva Fresh steering committee (Brett Erickson, Tommy Wilkins, Craig Slate, Ed Bertaud). They discuss how the organization pulled off the first in-person trade show in the produce industry in nearly a year with Viva Fresh 2021, from changes implemented for safety, to the experience of the event, to takeaways that will be used to improve future shows.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 42 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Sandor Nagy, group vice president of supply chain for Driscoll's. We talk with Nagy about Driscoll's signing on to the New Plastic Economy Global Commitment and how the company plans to use less plastic and use plastic better in the years ahead. We cover alternative packaging, differences between the U.S. and European markets, stakeholders key to the process of using plastic differently, and much more.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
A few recent episodes that have been particularly popular are a discussion about how the industry can lessen the influence of the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list; a deep dive on the economics of greenhouse growing; and a discussion on merchandising fresh produce online, particularly generating impulse sales, with Scott Crawford, chief merchandising officer for online grocery retailer FreshDirect.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 41 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation with Roberta Anderson, executive vice president of GLOBALG.A.P. North America. We spoke with Roberta about how interest in social audits has grown over the years, the collaboration between buyers and suppliers to develop standards and audit frameworks, and more. This interview is part of The Packer's special content series People First: A Spotlight on Social Responsibility.
In case you’re new here, the podcast name is Tip of the Iceberg because this is just a taste of our coverage of the wonderful world of fresh produce. You can check us out on ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com and all over social media.
A few recent episodes that have been particularly popular and that you may want to add to your library are a discussion about how the industry can lessen the influence of the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list; a deep dive on the economics of greenhouse growing with Nick Houshower of private equity firm Equilibrium; and a discussion on merchandising fresh produce online, particularly generating impulse sales, with Scott Crawford, chief merchandising officer for online grocery retailer FreshDirect.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 40 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation between three of The Packer's editors — Tom Karst, Amelia Freidline and Ashley Nickle — about why we cover the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15" lists; why EWG's messaging is damaging both to the industry and to public healthy; and how produce companies can start sapping the power of the lists by proactively communicating about the responsible practices they undertake when it comes to pesticides and their operations in general.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 39 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Aaron Brookes, director of sales and marketing for Jacobs Farm Del Cabo. This conversation is part of The Packer’s new content series People First: A Spotlight on Social Responsibility. Brookes speaks with The Packer's retail editor Ashley Nickle about different areas of social responsibility, the value of certifications, the challenges of a triple bottom line approach, and long-term strategies for social responsibility.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 38 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features two interviews: one with Mary Coppola, VP of marketing and communications for the United Fresh Produce Association, and one with Joe Watson, VP of membership and engagement with the Produce Marketing Association, and Steve Patt, director of business development for Tourtellot & Co.
The Packer's retail editor Ashley Nickle speaks with Coppola about United's upcoming BrandStorm event and the slew of marketing topics that will be covered there, and later in the episode Nickle discusses with Watson and Patt the new Essentials of Produce at Retail training course that PMA has developed for entry-level produce retail associates.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 37 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Hugo Hays, global director of compliance and food safety for Fyffes, on the topic of social responsibility. He discusses the growing consumer demand for good treatment and payment of farmworkers; certifications that provide frameworks for companies to benchmark themselves in different areas; legislation related to social responsibility that will likely influence how companies pay their workers and price their products in the future; and much more. This discussion is part of The Packer's new content series People First: A Spotlight on Social Responsibility.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 36 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview between Tom Karst, editor-in-chief of The Packer, and Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy for the United Fresh Produce Association. Guenther discusses the new immigration reform legislation put forth by the Biden administration, the status of coronavirus relief programs, and how both could affect the produce industry.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 35 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Nick Houshower of private equity firm Equilibrium, a major investor in greenhouse companies including Little Leaf Farms, Revol Greens, AppHarvest and Houwelings. Houshower discusses the factors that are driving private equity interest in greenhouse produce, what makes partnering with private equity attractive for these companies, why greenhouse is so expensive, why Equilibrium has a very favorable long-term outlook for the sector, and much more on the economics of this part of the produce industry.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 34 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview between The Packer's Amy Sowder and Mushroom Council's Eric Davis, who discusses the organization's ongoing promotion of The Blend — now targeting home cooks rather than just chefs as the initiative has gone mainstream — and the council's new #FeedYourImmuneSystem campaign, which promotes more than just mushrooms.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 33 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Scott Crawford, chief merchandising officer for online grocery retailer FreshDirect. Crawford discusses the pre-pandemic and the current demand to buy fresh food online, and he discusses some of the ways FreshDirect has worked over the years to make the e-commerce experience a strong one for customers. Crawford, whose background includes nearly a decade at Whole Foods Market, also discusses merchandising fresh food in the online space.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 32 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview between Ashley Nickle, retail editor of The Packer, and Michael Castagnetto, president of Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Robinson Fresh, about the company's launch of its first-ever consumer brand.
Castagnetto talks about the decision to debut a consumer brand, the benefits the company expects this will bring for Robinson Fresh and its customers, the process of creating the elements of the brand, and and more.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 31 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview between Tom Karst, editor-in-chief of The Packer, and Navina Khanna, executive director of the HEAL Food Alliance.
Recognized with a James Beard Leadership Award in 2014, Khanna has devoted more than 15 years in efforts to transform food systems.
Khanna will speak at the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s 42nd annual conference, set for Feb. 10 to Feb. 15. Registration for that virtual event is available online. Based in Oakland, she also serves on the Board of Richmond’s Urban Tilth, advises the Real Food Media Project, and organizes with #Asians4BlackLives. The “HEAL” in the organization’s name stand for stand for health, environment, agriculture and labor, she said.
Karst asks Khanna about the origin of her early engagement with food and labor issues, the goals of the alliance and how technology fits into that vision.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 30 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features a conversation between The Packer editors Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder about the Texas International Produce Association's Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge. They discuss various systems and approaches to eating more healthfully and the mental hurdles that often make it not quite as easy as it sounds.
Get the latest updates from Amy and other featured participants in the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge here.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 29 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Tom Stenzel, CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association, about the latest COVID-19 relief bill and the programs included that benefit the produce industry. Stenzel also covers assistance opportunities that didn't make it into the package and that the association hopes will be adopted in future legislation. The Packer's Northeast editor Amy Sowder spoke with Stenzel for podcast.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these discussions are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage and analysis provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 28 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview between retail editor Ashley Nickle and Chris Romano, vice president of produce merchandising for The Fresh Market, about trends the company is forecasting for 2021 and merchandising produce in this most unusual time. Chris discusses categories he's excited about in the year ahead, applications for various produce items and how those can inspire shoppers, team member training, ways to engage shoppers in a world (temporarily) without traditional sampling, and much more.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 27 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Jennifer McEntire, senior vice president of food safety and technology of the United Fresh Produce Association, about leafy greens traceability pilots conducted recently to 1) give the industry a better understanding of how traceback works when an outbreak is being investigated and 2) determine the usefulness of the Produce Traceback Template, a resource generated by the industry's Romaine Task Force.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Catch up with the notable news of the week in this conversation between The Packer's editors Tom Karst, Chris Koger, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder.
For more on these topics, check out the following articles:
WATCH: Produce Artist Award Series Fall 2020 Results Webinar — PMG highlighted work from more than four dozen merchandisers and produce managers in the Produce Artist Award Series Fall 2020 Results Webinar, which featured top-notch seasonal display photos and expert commentary.
USDA to reinstate agricultural labor survey — On, off and on again.
New York Produce Show addresses pandemic past, present, future — The virtual New York Produce Show and Conference kicked off with a message from New York Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball, who addressed the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 26 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Roger Pepperl, marketing director for Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers. The Packer's editor-in-chief Tom Karst talks with Roger about his 40 years in the industry — the last 20 with Stemilt after two decades in produce retail — and his upcoming retirement.
Pepperl served on boards for the United Fresh Produce Association, the Produce Marketing Association and the Produce for Better Health Foundation. Pepperl was awarded The Packer’s Marketer of the Year in 2015 and was the first recipient of the United Fresh FreshMKT Achievement Award two years later.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get caught up on key news in the industry with Packer Insight, this week featuring discussion of leafy greens traceability, private equity in produce and the New York Produce Show.
For more on these topics, check out the following articles:
Leafy green pilots reveal value of sharing extended product information — Investigations into foodborne illness outbreaks could be streamlined and conducted more effectively when supply chain partners provide extended product information during tracebacks.
Company viewpoints on New York Produce Show — We asked several company leaders and representatives to weigh in on their experience with the New York Produce Show in years past and the virtual version planned for Dec. 8-11. Here’s what they had to say.
Analyst: Fresh produce continues to draw interest from investors — The planned sale of Bakersfield, Calif.-based Grimmway Farms to Teays River Investments comes less than two years after another carrot giant, Bakersfield-based Bolthouse Farms, sold to Butterfly Equity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 25 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Jim Wiesemeyer, policy analyst with Pro Farmer. Wiesemeyer has covered agricultural issues since 1978, and in this conversation he discusses what to watch regarding the new administration's positions on trade, immigration, climate initiatives and more — all areas with significant implications for the fresh produce industry.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 24 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Rebecca Catlett, director of marketing and communications for British Columbia-based Okanagan Specialty Fruits, about the company's marketing strategy around its bioengineered non-browning Arctic apples.
Catlett discusses terminology — GMO, gene-edited, genetically engineered, bioengineered, etc. — and details how Okanagan has communicated with consumers about Arctic apples, including where bioengineering fits into the story and what questions consumers have had about the process.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 23 of Tip of the Iceberg podcast features a panel discussion between Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers; Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy for the United Fresh Produce Association; and Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas.
The group, in a conversation that debuted at the West Coast Produce Expo last week, talked about how the Trump administration was to deal with when it came to the needs of the produce industry and how its policies affected key areas of business. The panel also discussed its hopes for and reservations about what positions the Biden administration may bring to critical areas like immigration, trade, labor and others.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Packer's Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss key topics of the week, including federal policy and leadership changes affecting produce; insight from multiple produce retail executives at West Coast Produce Expo; and Avocados From Mexico's new Super Bowl strategy featuring Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews.
For more on these topics, check out the following articles:
Leaders look to new political era, hope for immigration reform — Issues that are important to the industry include immigration reform, expanded trade and continuing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is too early, industry leaders said, to predict how Biden will approach those challenges, and if he will be successful.
Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews: Game days call for Avocados from Mexico — The campaign, Make The Big Game Your Bowl Game, is Avocados From Mexico’s first in-store celebrity shopper engagement program and is available for free to all grocery retailers.
Focus on fundamentals, says Rouses produce director — How can retailers engage their communities with events that excite shoppers about produce during a pandemic in its ninth month?
Michael Schutt of Raley's talks e-commerce at WCPE — Michael Schutt discussed at the West Coast Produce Expo his company’s growing online business and his experience with navigating the pandemic as he has transitioned into a new role.
Jeff Cady talks leadership, key attributes for produce roles at WCPE — Jeff Cady shared his takeaways on how 2020 has developed him as a leader, which characteristics are essential for different produce roles, and opportunities he’s taken to continue his development and that of his team.
Consumer retail habits, reshaped by pandemic, aren’t changing soon — The consumer’s wild ride through the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, according to Steve Lutz, senior vice president of insights and innovations for Category Partners.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 22 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview between editor-in-chief Tom Karst and Dante Galeazzi, CEO and president of the Texas International Produce Association. Galeazzi discusses the outlook for winter vegetables and issues related to border traffic, plus how the results of the November election could affect the industry. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Packer's Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss the compelling topics of the week, from election fallout and the implications for produce to the latest from New York to excellent columns from longtime retail executives.
For more coverage of these topics, check out the following articles:
Industry waits for political dominoes to fall — Although legal challenges by President Trump injected uncertainty, the results of the Nov. 3 election were pointing to a victory by Democrat Joe Biden as of Nov. 5.
UPDATED: Trump administration releases new H-2A wage method — Stabilizing labor costs and adding more predictability, the Department of Labor’s H-2A wage rule is winning industry support.
Costa seeks chairmanship of House Agriculture Committee — Costa joined the House Agriculture Committee in 2005. Since then, he has servedon the conference committee for both the 2018 and 2014 Farm Bills.
12 attributes of mentally tough people — “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” That's the produce industry.
You can count on unpredictable NYC demand, says Gabriela D'Arrigo — The fires in California and storms elsewhere, varied COVID-19 regulations state-by-state and even county-by-county, freight carrier availability, and renewed outbreaks in pockets of the city, state and Northeast region and winter are among the challenges right now.
Prepare to win this holiday season — Data shows that people are looking for new menu ideas and products to incorporate into their meal planning, and the holidays present an amazing opportunity to meet those expectations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 21 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview between Northeast editor Amy Sowder and Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt. Hulburt discusses how local produce companies have adjusted to deal with the fallout of the pandemic, how the demand for local produce has increased, and how the Connecticut Regional Market is changing. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 20 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Alvaro Luque, president and CEO of Avocados From Mexico, on his leadership of the organization and how it has been able to increase avocado consumption significantly in recent years through aggressive marketing. Luque recently received The Packer's Produce Marketer of the Year Award. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the audio version of our weekly news recap Packer Insight. Get a quick rundown of the most recent stories of note from The Packer's editors Tom Karst, Chris Koger, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder. For more in-depth coverage of all these topics, check out ThePacker.com. Thanks for listening!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 18 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features a discussion between editors Tom Karst, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder about the experience of Fresh Summit 2020. The group talks about everything from celebrity cameos in the virtual event and takeaways from the education sessions to networking opportunities and navigating another online platform. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 17 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Driscoll's president Soren Bjorn on the growth of the blueberry retail sales in the last 20 years, the issue of seasonal trade protection for U.S. blueberry growers, and alternatives to quotas and tariffs that could help the domestic industry. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This bonus episode of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Mike Browne, chief operating officer of Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce, about the company going public. There aren't a whole lot of publicly traded produce companies, so Mike talks about the process, the reasoning for making the move, some of the company's strengths and goals, and what's ahead. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 16 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy at United Fresh Produce Association, about the organization's recent virtual Washington Conference. Guenther recapped the event and industry involvement and highlighted a few of the key issues United focused on with its education sessions and its extensive lineup of meetings with legislators. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 15 of Tip of the Iceberg podcast features interviews with two industry members on either side of the debate over seasonal trade protection: Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, and Brittany Lee, executive director of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. Jungmeyer shares perspective on behalf of association members who import fresh produce, and Lee speaks from the point of view of Southeast producers. You can find much more reporting on this topic from The Packer's editor-in-chief Tom Karst. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 14 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Chris Keetch, director of produce and floral for Carlisle, Pa.-based The Giant Co., and the banner's sustainability lead Kristin Skovira. Giant recently had four more stores reach the zero waste standard, meaning they’re diverting 90% of their waste from landfills. Chris and Kristin discuss what has to be done at store level to meet that standard, including in produce departments, and how the company is looking overall at sustainability. Chris talks about sustainability efforts in the fresh produce division specifically and about how the company's emphasis on sustainability informs conversations Giant is having with suppliers about what it needs in terms of packaging. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 13 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Jim White, chairman and CEO of Post Harvest Technologies and Growers Ice Co. White recently wrote a book about how the Opportunity Zones Initiative — which he describes as the "Hidden Gem in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" — could provide assistance for produce companies looking to invest in updating their facilities. Companies who put money into projects in the "opportunity zones" can benefit from capital gains tax breaks and other incentives. White has also created a map of these areas so companies can easily evaluate whether their projects could qualify.
In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 13 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy for the United Fresh Produce Association, about the organization's upcoming Washington Conference and its efforts to advocate for policies and programs that help the fresh produce industry. Guenther talks about the combination of initiatives that have helped stabilize the industry and what's needed moving forward to help the industry deal with new costs and really recover from the disruption caused by the sudden onset of the pandemic. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 12 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Shay Myers, CEO of Parma, Idaho-based Owyhee Produce and The Packer’s 2020 Produce Man of the Year. Myers talks about the onion crop, adjustments that have needed to be made due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program on the business. He also discusses reasons for optimism despite the challenges the "new normal" has posed for the industry. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 11 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Jeff Cady, director of produce and floral for Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops Friendly Markets. Cady talks about several of the company's recent moves in support of a more sustainable produce division, including moving all their greenhouse tomato business to a local provider and switching away from foam trays to the extent possible in their produce departments. More sustainable changes are on the horizon, and Cady discusses which areas he is exploring and how he considers cost when making such changes. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 10 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Mike Tipton, vice president of produce for St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets, about the company's new EatWell store format. In this conversation with Ashley Nickle, editor of PMG and retail editor of The Packer, Tipton discusses Schnucks' vision for this new format, how the assortment and ad differs from the traditional Schnucks store to EatWell, what changes the company made in remodeling the location from its former identity as a Lucky's Market, and more. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 9 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with former Walmart produce executive Bruce Peterson, who discusses his expectations for the evolution of produce retail in the coming years. Peterson's predictions include smaller produce departments, fewer SKUs, more packaging and less branding, and in this conversation with The Packer's editor-in-chief Tom Karst he lays out why he thinks these changes will take place. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 8 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Shannon Kyle, who handles sales and marketing for Torrey Farms in Elba, N.Y. Kyle discusses the adjustments the company has made in the face of unpredictable foodservice demand, including packing later in the day since orders are coming in later than normal and no one wants extra inventory. She talks about the need for above-and-beyond flexibility and opines on the value of old-school phone conversations in navigating a very unusual time. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 7 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with industry veteran John Pandol, director of special projects for Delano, Calif.-based Pandol Bros. Pandol discusses how the Mexican grape season turned out and expectations for the California season, and he and Tom Karst, The Packer's editor-in-chief, also talk about adjusting normal work routines — which for Pandol are heavy on travel and store visits — amid the coronavirus. They consider when in-person trade shows might return, and they discuss international trade, online grocery and other topics. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 6 of the Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with retail veteran Mike O'Brien, whose tenure included 15 years as a vice president of produce, on the topic of produce manager succession planning. O'Brien discusses how an organization can identify talent inside and outside the produce department; what kind of structure should be created for developing talent; and how leaders can unlock the potential of their team members. O'Brien also discussed these ideas in a recent column for PMG: https://www.producemarketguide.com/article/succession-planning-produce-managers. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This bonus episode of the Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview with Bert Barnes, account manager and corn commodity manager for Oviedo, Fla.-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods, about how sweet corn supply and quality are looking heading into the Fourth of July weekend. The Fourth of July is to sweet corn what the Super Bowl is to avocados: the biggest sales event of the season. Normally, retailers love to promote sweet corn in conjunction with Fourth of July, but this year the vegetable won't be featured in ads to the extent it usually is because of supply challenges that have increased prices. Bert provides insight into the factors contributing to the situation across the industry. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 5 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Karen Lewis, Washington State University regional tree fruit specialist, about the future of robotic apple harvesting. Lewis discusses the relationship between tree architecture and orchard design to robotic harvesters, the challenges of making a robotic harvester commercially viable, the different types of harvesting robots that have been developed, how a new wave of investment in the technology is bringing it closer to viability, and more. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 4 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features a discussion between editor-in-chief Tom Karst, retail editor Ashley Nickle and Northeast editor Amy Sowder about the industry's first virtual trade show. They review all aspects of United Fresh Live!, including what worked well to what didn't work as well, what they heard from exhibitors, their own experiences with the platform, and what pieces of it might be worked into the "new normal" even as in-person trade shows eventually resume. The team shares examples of exhibitors who got creative in attracting attendees to their virtual booths and discusses the remarkable convention of produce industry leaders not only from United Fresh but also from the Produce Marketing Association, the Western Growers, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and Freshfel, the European fresh produce association, to discuss the state of the industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 3 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Greg Ibach, the USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, about the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Ibach discusses the feedback USDA has received on the program from food banks and others; the awards process; how many boxes USDA has been billed for by contract award winners so far; how many contracts have been terminated; the USDA's audit and review process for contracts; what the USDA is doing to make the program better ahead of the next round of contracts; and more. In case you're new to Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, its name serves as a reminder for listeners that these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage provided by The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 2 of the Tip of the Iceberg podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with Gina Garven, vice president of commercial development and analytics for Robinson Fresh. Her company has done a significant amount of consumer research on what people want in an online grocery shopping experience — a question more relevant than ever since millions were introduced to this option virtually overnight amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gina discusses the functions retailers can add to help shoppers get the same information online that they seek in stores, including information that helps generate impulse and incremental sales. From adding product details to enabling reviews to allowing consumers to connect more closely with their personal shoppers, there is a lot of opportunity for improving the online grocery experience. We call this podcast "Tip of the Iceberg" because these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage from The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 1 of the Tip of the Iceberg podcast, brought to you by The Packer and PMG, features an interview with B.J. Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherries. Thurlby provides a detailed update on the Northwest cherry crop getting ready to hit stores. He discusses volume expectations, fruit size and how weather through the growing period has contributed to both, including how it will influence where the bulk of the cherries will be this season. He addresses the retail demand for the fruit both in the U.S. and export markets, including China, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Thurlby also details some of the safety measures being put in place by growers to protect their harvesting crews from COVID-19, and he talks expectations for labor availability this season. We call this podcast "Tip of the Iceberg" because these conversations are just a taste of the vast produce industry coverage from The Packer newspaper, PMG magazine and always-updating websites for both brands: ThePacker.com and ProduceMarketGuide.com. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.