Latest News From Ashley Nickle

A new survey by Oracle Retail found that 93% of U.S. consumers who’ve shopped for groceries online during the pandemic plan to continue doing so post-pandemic.

Fresh produce sales at retail totaled $4.86 billion in October, up 7.5% from the same period in 2019, as consumers continue to stay in their homes more amid the pandemic.

PMG's Produce Artist Award Series wraps up its fall season Nov. 30, so make sure to turn in those awesome Thanksgiving week displays soon by sending them to anickle@thepacker.com.

As the holiday season moves into the new year, however, retailers can inspire shoppers to think beyond brown sugar and marshmallows.

Sampling has largely been stalled due to the pandemic, but taste isn’t the only sense that can be leveraged to interest shoppers in this particular culinary staple.

In 2021, the produce retail game plan for Super Bowl week should include accounting for the likelihood that a larger chunk of customers will be doing gameday grocery shopping online instead of in stores. 

What’s the ultimate marketing asset? How about an expert who can explain business processes and details in such a way that even non-experts can understand and appreciate them?

Ahold Delhaize, along with investment firm Centerbridge Partners, has agreed to purchase online grocer FreshDirect.

Episode 23 of Tip of the Iceberg podcast features a panel discussion between Dave Puglia of Western Growers, Robert Guenther of United Fresh and Lance Jungmeyer of FPAA, moderated by The Packer's Tom Karst.

Below are highlights from a few of the exhibitors at the virtual 2020 West Coast Produce Expo.

The Packer's editors discuss key topics of the week, including federal policy and leadership changes affecting produce; retailer insight at West Coast Produce Expo; and Avocados From Mexico's new Super Bowl strategy.

Here's what exhibitors were highlighting in their booths at West Coast Produce Expo.

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 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.

Episode 22 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast features an interview between editor-in-chief Tom Karst and Dante Galeazzi, CEO and president of the Texas International Produce Association.

How are other stores across the country merchandising avocados? Here's a glimpse of what we've been seeing.

Precise location and efficient operation of stores are among the reasons the grocery industry should be taking seriously Amazon’s new banner, said Bill Bishop, chief architect of consulting firm Brick Meets Click.

The education sessions from The Packer’s recent Sustainable Produce Summit and this week’s West Coast Produce Expo are coming soon to the new Lettuce Learn More Podcast.

The Packer's Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss the key topics of the week, from election fallout and implications for produce to the latest from New York to great columns from longtime retail executives.

Steve Lutz, senior vice president of insights and innovation for Category Partners, will speak Nov. 11 at the West Coast Produce Expo about shifting shopper behaviors present and future amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anabella de Freeman, Walmart's senior manager of sustainability strategic initiatives in produce, will speak at the West Coast Produce Expo on their commitment to regenerative business and what it means for suppliers.

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.

The United Fresh Produce Association is now accepting nominations for its 2021 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program.

Rob Ybarra, director of produce for Rouses, will discuss at the West Coast Produce Expo the challenge of navigating the pandemic and hurricanes while continuing to create enjoyable experiences for shoppers.

Tom Karst, Chris Koger, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle take you through the big stories of the week, from developments related to H-2A wages to company news born from increased demand for online grocery services.

Organic fresh produce sales exceeded $2.2 billion for the third quarter this year, with volume sales up 15% from the same period in 2019 and dollar sales up 16%.

Jeff Cady, director of produce and floral for Tops Friendly Markets — and the 2020 Produce Retailer of the Year — will speak Nov. 11 at the West Coast Produce Expo.

Doug English, the brother of The Packer’s national accounts manager Gary English, set a new record recently for the world’s largest cantaloupe.

Bill Bishop, chief architect of retail consulting firm Brick Meets Click, will speak at the online West Coast Produce Expo about the growth of online grocery, how retailers are responding and what's ahead.

A new survey by Deloitte found that consumers plan to limit their spending, travel and experiences, in-store shopping and time spent shopping during this holiday season.

Scott Bennett, produce sales and merchandising manager for Jewel-Osco, will discuss in at the online West Coast Produce Expo how he has approached continuing to create excitement in stores despite the pandemic.

Scott Schuette with Fresh Thyme Market and Stew Leonard Jr. with Stew Leonard’s will be the featured speakers at an upcoming Organic Produce Network virtual event.

Episode 20 of Tip of the Iceberg Podcast 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.

Curious about the new items in the Season & Steam lineup from Ocean Mist Farms? Retail editor Ashley Nickle and copy editor and designer Amelia Freidline tried them out in this latest episode of Millennials Eat.

Five produce industry veterans who now specialize in consulting will discuss at the online West Coast Produce Expo how company leaders should adapt their business models, strategies and goals for 2021 and beyond.

Get a rundown of the news of the week from Tom Karst, Chris Koger, Ashley Nickle and Amy Sowder on topics from Trevor Suslow leaving PMA to Oleen Smethurst receiving the Canadian Produce Person of the Year Award.

It wasn’t a given 15 years ago that Shay Myers would come back to run the family business after graduating college.

Curious about the new Just Add Chicken salad kits from Dole? Retail editor Ashley Nickle and copy editor and designer Amelia Freidline tried them out for the latest new product review in the Millennials Eat video series.

Curious about the new line of "carrot swaps" that Bolthouse Farms debuted at Fresh Summit? Copy editor and designer Amelia Freidline and retail editor Ashley Nickle tried them out for an episode of Millennials Eat!

A new survey by Deloitte found that consumers plan to limit during this holiday season their spending, travel and experiences, in-store shopping and time spent shopping.

Produce marketers have been keeping COVID-19 and the “new normal” in mind as they prepare to promote their products and support their retail partners this holiday season.

The National Watermelon Board received 220 entries for its annual display contest, and the board has named Powell’s Supermarket in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as the grand prize winner for 2020.

Fresh produce sales at retail totaled $5.04 billion in the four September weeks, up 10.7% from the same period in 2019.

Stephanie Hilton continues to be a student of the produce industry, building each day on decades of experience, including 17 years with her own marketing firm.

Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market projects trends including “epic breakfast” and “basics on fire” for 2021.

Consulting firm 210 Analytics has a new survey out to gain a better understanding of sustainable practices in the fresh produce industry.

Grocery industry veteran James Harris has been doing formally for a while now what he had been doing informally his whole career: helping retailers find and develop local and minority suppliers.

Curious about the new pink pineapple from Del Monte? Retail editor Ashley Nickle and copy editor and designer Amelia Freidline got to try the limited-edition Pinkglow variety this week.

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 Packer's editor-in-chief Tom Karst, retail editor Ashley Nickle and Northeast editor Amy Sowder recap the final day of the big week of PMA's Fresh Summit, from celebrity appearances to education sessions.