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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
The company’s chief business development officer breaks down how its simulation-trained, zero-fruit-contact harvesting robot achieves up to 85% autonomous coverage, with North American commercial operations set to launch early next year.
Engineers have developed a virtual reality system that creates real-time 3D virtual replicates of greenhouses, enabling older farmers, individuals with disabilities and agricultural students to intuitively monitor plant health.
With consumer demand outstripping domestic availability, Rodale Institute’s new “10 Million Acre Solution” aims to scale U.S. organic farmland through research, training and a new $24 million innovation hub.
Deerpoint Group has tapped the agricultural executive as its first chief revenue officer to oversee the expansion of its automated irrigation and crop nutrition technology into new regional markets across the U.S.
Marking a historic shift in healthcare nutrition, Tampa General Hospital has become the first in the nation to sign the federal Make Hospital Food Healthier pledge, an initiative that overhauls inpatient menus with fresh, chef-inspired local meals.
With over half of American households adopting food-saving habits, food retailers have a prime opportunity to align their inventory, packaging and promotional strategies with consumer demand for affordability and waste reduction.
While major retail chains gamble on generic chatbots, independent grocers are deploying a custom, inventory-driven AI that turns seasonal produce and beverage pairings into highly personalized basket builders.
To drive produce sales, Zespri’s new “Jam-Packed” campaign equips retailers with vibrant, character-driven displays and distinct varietal flavor profiles that simplify whole-food nutrition education and help shoppers easily increase their weekly plant intake.
While nutritional claims and sustainability certifications have their place, fresh produce shoppers primarily buy with their eyes, making early consumer research essential for designing packaging that balances product visibility with retail scannability.
The donation will help nourish families affected by the disaster; Amazon continues weekly humanitarian relief flights.