Janice M. Kresin

Indoor packing lines allowed more volume to move through and kept produce out of the heat and elements.

Industry

1894-1919: It took a world war to propel the U.S. produce industry into the modern world, one in which horsepower—the mechanized kind—meant product could be shipped nationwide.

November 13, 2020 12:21 AM

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Janice M. Kresin

In the 20th century, shoppers were accustomed to someone serving them when they purchased food. A&P was among the first to pioneer a market format focused on low prices and a “self-serve” format.

Industry

Retailers Create Monumental Change

Economic hardship and innovation force shift in the industry

November 13, 2020 12:21 AM

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Janice M. Kresin

Food Safety

Food safety forces change

1995 - 2019: Outbreak events drive data-driven traceability initiatives

November 13, 2020 12:21 AM

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Janice M. Kresin

As rail lines began to criss-cross the nation, the rural landscape of America opened to commerce and trade nationwide.

Industry

How the railroad evolved the produce industry

Nearly 150 years ago, a railroad spike in Utah Territory linked the U.S. by rail from coast to coast. For the produce industry, railroads changed the name of the game.

November 13, 2020 12:20 AM

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Janice M. Kresin

“Refrigerated” railroad cars of the late 1800s could travel 250-400 miles before they would need to be re-iced to keep produce cold.

Industry

A look back: The rise of refrigeration

Cooling brought year-round supplies and extended shelf life

November 13, 2020 12:19 AM

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Janice M. Kresin

Robotic harvesters, like this one for strawberries, will help reduce labor costs and offer precision picking.

Packer Tech

How has technology transformed the produce industry?

Automation of communication, operations and data push produce into the new millennium

November 13, 2020 12:19 AM

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Janice M. Kresin

Vacuum cooling pulled heat and water from fruits and vegetables immediately after harvest, eliminating the need for ice. Wooden crates that had once been used to support all the ice weren’t necessary, and fiberboard containers emerged.

Sustainability

1944-1969: Propelling the industry through packaged produce

Adding convenience to containers keeps consumers happy .

November 13, 2020 12:18 AM

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Janice M. Kresin

Fruit

Take a world view and focus on fundamentals

Interest in workers’ rights and global farming mean that consumers are getting vocal about a lot of things these days. Thankfully, the product offered by the fresh fruit and vegetable industry is a solid winner. Consumers continue to clamor for fresh produce, and they’re becoming more conscientious about how it’s produced and where it comes from.

November 12, 2020 11:51 PM

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Janice M. Kresin