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Jill Dutton

Jill Dutton, associate editor of The Packer, specializes in retail produce news, market trends and urban farming initiatives. With expertise in the rapidly evolving e-grocery landscape, she provides analysis on how digital platforms are reshaping food distribution. Jill is a prominent voice on sustainability and consumer trends, offering actionable insights that help businesses navigate shifting market demands. Her work explores the full produce journey — from farm to retail — featuring grower profiles, supply chain insights and emerging production models that shape American food systems.

Latest Stories
Agriculture expert Will Westmoreland explains how the Iran conflict has triggered surging prices for fuel, fertilizer and plastics, creating a direct economic bridge between Middle Eastern instability and rising costs in the U.S. produce aisle.
A recent GBAO Strategies poll revealed 68% of Marylanders support a ban on electronic shelf labels, with roughly seven in 10 voters expressing concern the technology will lead to higher grocery prices and predatory surveillance pricing.
Retailers and tech analysts argue electronic shelf labels are a vital response to labor shortages and inventory waste, while labor advocates and lawmakers warn the technology acts as a vital component for predatory surveillance pricing and the elimination of middle-class grocery jobs.
Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina, founded by a former Marine, is helping veterans rebuild purpose, community and direction through hands-on agricultural lessons.
Jeff Tkach’s new book reveals his personal healing journey and asserts that regenerative agriculture holds the key to a healthier America.
AmplifiedAg CEO David Flynn is leveraging his military-honed mission of food security to provide incarcerated individuals with nutritious foods and a tangible pathway to decrease recidivism through high-demand ag-tech careers.
With AWG’s rollout of SmartMeals, Harps Food Stores is also deploying the AI-powered personal assistant across 150-plus locations to provide customers with instant, budget-friendly meal plans integrated directly with real-time store inventory.
Jerry W. “JJ” Fleeman Jr. will depart his role as CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA in June 2026 to succeed Todd Vasos as the CEO of Dollar General, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
A Numerator report says the federal government’s inversion of the food pyramid has triggered a $130 billion migration of consumer capital toward the fresh perimeter, forcing the retail industry to replace the high-margin stability of the center store.
By merging cutting-edge automation with sustainable hydroponics, the company says its new Flora facility transforms Mississippi into a major regional hub for year-round, high-volume lettuce production.