Packer Insight – Policy, mushrooms, micro fulfillment

The Packer's Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss big topics of the week, from what's on tap for the annual Washington Conference to mushroom updates to the implications of a new Instacart deal.

For more on these topics, check out the following articles:

Guenther highlights top issues for Washington Conference – Infrastructure legislation, food safety, the future of the produce box and labor are four priority issues at the Sept. 20-22 upcoming United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference.

Demand great, supply iffy for mushrooms – Last year, with pandemic shopping at its fullest, mushrooms were among the top three best-performing foods in the produce aisle in terms of year-over-year sales. And now what?

Lawmakers push for USDA help for growers scorched by drought, heat – In a July 27 letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a bipartisan group of lawmakers asked for more relief for farmers, ranchers, shellfish growers, and other agricultural producers in the West affected by historic wildfires, droughts and extreme heat.

Discussing the new Instacart-Fabric partnership with retail expert Bill Bishop – Bill Bishop talks about his reaction to the Instacart-Fabric deal, what the long-term trajectory is for Instacart, how retailers are navigating the growing e-commerce opportunity, how fresh produce fits in, and much more.

 

Latest News

Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 1
Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 1

Flavor and innovation were inextricably linked at this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver, British Columbia, April 23-25.

Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign
Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign

The California Table Grape Commission will focus on health benefits as it launches its 2024-25 global marketing campaign targeting the U.S. and 21 export markets.

Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019
Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019

USDA trade statistics show that Mexico was the largest supplier of mangoes in 2023, accounting for 63% of the value of U.S. mango imports in 2023.

H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus
H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus

The Houston-area complex will be developed in multiple phases, with construction set to begin in late 2024, says the grocer.

Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events
Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events

Circana representatives will be speaking on driving fresh produce consumption at The Retail Conference, as well as webinars planned for May.

Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program
Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program

Continental Fresh LLC, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America is celebrating its Water For All program.