Latest News From Tina Caputo

How retailers are making strides toward diversity in leadership roles
How retailers are making strides toward diversity in leadership roles

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives aim not only to increase diversity in entry-level positions, but also to provide concrete pathways for employees to advance into leadership roles.

What’s trending in organic produce
What’s trending in organic produce

Here's what recent retail sales show and what experts see shaping 2024.

Growers spotlight top sustainability challenges to know for 2024
Growers spotlight top sustainability challenges to know for 2024

While most produce industry players recognize the benefits of operating sustainably, they also face numerous challenges in such efforts. Here's what growers and allied businesses recently told The Packer.

How the winter crop is shaping up for California vegetable growers
How the winter crop is shaping up for California vegetable growers

When snow blankets much of the country’s farmland and temperatures drop to single digits, growers in California’s desert regions shift into high gear with their winter vegetable crops.

Organic produce sales still on the rise in spite of inflation
Organic produce sales still on the rise in spite of inflation

Despite higher food prices, consumers who typically include at least some organic fruits and vegetables in their grocery carts are not giving up on the category — and some are increasing their purchases.

Why packaged salads and greens continue to entice shoppers
Why packaged salads and greens continue to entice shoppers

Convenience and an ever-expanding array of varieties keep consumers coming back for more.

High quality, good sizing and healthy yields forecast for California pomegranates
High quality, good sizing and healthy yields forecast for California pomegranates

If the largely favorable 2023 growing season and recent sales figures are any indication, this should be another good year for the coral-red fruit with leathery skin and jewel-like arils.

Back-to-school essentials: Healthy, kid-friendly options abound from bite-sized items to snack packs
Back-to-school essentials: Healthy, kid-friendly options abound from bite-sized items to snack packs

Suppliers and grocery retailers are working together to provide convenient, healthy options for children and families in the produce aisle — perfect for school lunches and on-the-go snacks.

Ample supply and lower prices reported for 2023 Peruvian avocado crop
Ample supply and lower prices reported for 2023 Peruvian avocado crop

While Mexico remains the U.S.' main international supplier of avocados, Peru is playing an increasingly important role in filling the supply gap.

Demand for greenhouse produce fuels sales surge, innovation
Demand for greenhouse produce fuels sales surge, innovation

As climate change presents farmers with serious challenges in the field, from prolonged drought periods to heat waves, the greenhouse produce business is booming.

California avocado growers expecting a slightly smaller yield, with larger fruit sizing
California avocado growers expecting a slightly smaller yield, with larger fruit sizing

Although the industry faces serious challenges such as drought conditions and water restrictions, the Golden State's avocado growers are reporting good quality, increased sizing and healthy yields for the 2022-23 season.

Do you know your papayas?
Do you know your papayas?

Here’s the lowdown on some of the most common varieties.

What's so magical about (edible, culinary) mushrooms?
What's so magical about (edible, culinary) mushrooms?

Packed with savory flavor and nutrients that many other types of produce don’t have, shoppers need to be reminded that mushrooms are a tasty and healthy addition to all kinds of dishes and cuisines. 

Make way for imported berries
Make way for imported berries

Market conditions are making berry imports even more desirable for retailers.

How fruit and vegetable companies are doing their part to reduce food waste
How fruit and vegetable companies are doing their part to reduce food waste

Reducing food waste isn’t just good for the produce industry’s bottom line, it also helps combat food insecurity and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. 

Sustainability, innovation in packaging rising throughout the industry
Sustainability, innovation in packaging rising throughout the industry

Consumer demand for sustainable produce packaging has never been stronger, despite differing opinions on what the term “sustainable” actually means, says John Paap, brand and packaging manager at Jac Vandenberg.

Montreal produce industry stands up to continuing challenges
Montreal produce industry stands up to continuing challenges

As Canada’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, the province of Quebec is home to 650 vegetable growers and more than 3,500 businesses devoted to fruit and vegetable production.

Consumers remain committed to organic fruits, vegetables
Consumers remain committed to organic fruits, vegetables

Consumers are not cutting back on their organic produce purchases despite rising costs because of inflation. In fact, shoppers have doubled down on their commitment to buying these fresh fruits and vegetables.

California fall fruit preview
California fall fruit preview

Despite drought challenges, growers in the Golden State predict high quality for grapes, pomegranates and citrus.

Produce packaging goes sustainable
Produce packaging goes sustainable

The produce industry is embracing sustainable packaging as a way to help protect the environment while meeting consumer demand for Earth-friendly products.        

Local produce marketing efforts fresher than ever
Local produce marketing efforts fresher than ever

State agriculture boards, retailers and produce companies work together to meet increasing consumer demand for locally grown.