'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast: Meet PMG's 2023 Produce Retailer of the Year

Joseph Bunting of United Supermarkets talks produce with Amy Sowder of PMG and The Packer.
Joseph Bunting of United Supermarkets talks produce with Amy Sowder of PMG and The Packer.
(Photo: Amy Sowder; logo: Farm Journal)

Yes, he loves produce and people — and people who love produce.

But, come on, who really is the man behind PMG's 2023 Produce Retailer of the Year Award? Find out in this raw, uncut interview on the "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast.

 

 

Joseph Bunting grew up on a ranch but turned to plants, growing a family (literally) from the roots he planted at United Supermarkets, based in Lubbock, Texas.

One of our favorite comments reveals a bit of what makes Bunting tick: “There are going to be good times, and there are going to be bad times. I think the defining moments are really how you judge your partnership. I need you there when it's good and when it's bad,” Bunting said.

In this episode, Bunting shares about he started in produce retail, how he met his wife, leading merchandising transformations, handling the unexpected supply variations, promotions, meeting — and exceeding — lofty sales goals, talking to growers, the mentors who've shaped him along the way, his advice to aspiring produce-retail leaders and more.

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