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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 Taylor Farms census reveals a highly regionalized retail landscape where search data for bold, functional and “swangy” flavor profiles provides a roadmap for grocery leaders to tailor their fresh assortments to the “30 plants per week” consumer movement.
Jesús Gutiérrez Manuel is a distinguished farmworker leader who combines 15 years of agricultural expertise with a background in nursing to advocate for innovation, food safety and the holistic well-being of his peers.
Magaly Alfaro Avalos is a veteran harvest leader and aspiring agronomy engineer who has spent 18 years at NatureSweet, blending elite technical performance with a deep commitment to community advocacy and the mentorship of women in agriculture.
The Equitable Food Initiative and The Packer have revealed the the top five nominees for the third annual award, recognizing the essential leaders who ensure the success and safety of the fresh produce industry.
A new poll reveals that 65% of New Jerseyans favor legislation to ban electronic shelf labels, fearing that the technology enables retailers to use personal data for predatory, instantaneous price hikes.
While the California Walnut Commission’s marketing efforts continue to reposition the nut as a fresh staple for younger demographics, the industry faces a complex pivot as the war in Iran disrupts export routes and drives farm input costs to record highs, Verloop says.
This annual honor shines a spotlight on nine visionaries shaping the future of the supply chain through leadership, legacy and inspiration.
Retailers can capitalize on 2026 AHA dietary guidance by positioning the hass avocado as a smart fat swap for consumers, leveraging peer-reviewed research to turn heart-health science into a simple, plant-based shopping solution.
Avocados From Mexico is celebrating a historic 3% increase over the company’s 2023 record-breaking imports by partnering with actor Diego Boneta to launch a bold new guac collection and a Guaco Truck pop-up in New York City.
While water scarcity often dominates the conversation, emerging data suggests that deteriorating water quality and overfertilization are becoming critical vulnerabilities that threaten crop health, soil longevity and the long-term financial viability of specialty growers.