2022 Year in Produce: Happy New Year – a look back at all the good from 2022
While 2022 had its share of challenges from labor and supply chain shortages to drought and other devastating weather-related events, the year also offered much for which to be thankful. As we head into 2023, The Packer staff takes a look back at stories that brought us joy throughout the year.
2022 Fresh Trends report reveals top 20 fruit and vegetables
March 17
By Jennifer Strailey
The pandemic had a profound impact on the way in which consumers shop for food — including fresh produce. And now, despite shoppers returning to in-store purchasing, dining in restaurants and other pre-COVID-19 habits, some pandemic effects continue to linger. Specifically, rising inflation and food costs related to the pandemic are now influencing consumer purchasing habits in new ways.
To explore how shopping patterns have changed and which fruits and vegetables are in greatest demand, The Packer presents its annual Fresh Trends 2022 report. Based on a survey of more than 1,000 consumers conducted last fall, the report shines a light on the latest consumer buying trends in fresh.
The Giant Co. creates buzz, welcomes 30,000 honeybees to headquarters
June 21
By Jennifer Strailey
The Giant Co. is getting back into the pollination promotion business with the addition of two new beehives — housing 30,000 honeybees — near the company’s seven-acre pollinator-friendly solar field at its corporate headquarters in Carlisle, Pa. The new bee acquisition comes after the theft of some 60,000 bees from the grocer earlier this year.
Giant said it will continue to add to the colony over the next several months and will ultimately house 450,000 honeybees in nine beehives by next year.
Hunts Point Produce Market to receive $110M federal grant for ‘critical modernization’
Sept. 21
By Amy Sowder
The market that supplies 25% of New York City’s fresh produce is getting another financial shot in the arm toward solving the challenge of redeveloping the hub’s outdated infrastructure.
Hunts Point Produce Market, which distributes more than 8.5 billion pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables a year to the city and surrounding metropolitan areas, will receive a $110 million federal grant to upgrade and improve its facilities.
Behold the Bootstrapper: How one entrepreneur’s journey inspired many
Oct. 31
By Sara Schafer
At age 19, Sarah Frey had landed herself a distribution deal with Walmart. She was on the verge of supersizing her homegrown produce route. This pivotal moment taught Frey a lesson that still guides her today. You reach success when luck and preparation meet.
Missions accomplished: A Q&A with produce exec Chelsea Consalo
Dec. 15
By Jennifer Strailey
Chelsea Consalo’s heart is full. She is the executive vice president of her family business, Consalo Family Farms and The Fresh Wave Fruit & Produce. Consalo also recently became the vice president of a faith-based organization on a mission to end food insecurity in her hometown of Vineland, N.J.
But in some respects, this is just the beginning for Consalo. She is headed to Harvard Business School in January to study agribusiness with the goal of further growing her family business.
