Packer Insight – Policy, mushrooms, micro fulfillment

The Packer’s Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss big topics of the week, from what’s on tap for the annual Washington Conference to mushroom updates to the implications of a new Instacart deal.

From top left: Amy Sowder, Ashley Nickle, Tom Karst
From top left: Amy Sowder, Ashley Nickle, Tom Karst
(The Packer)

The Packer’s Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss big topics of the week, from what’s on tap for the annual Washington Conference to mushroom updates to the implications of a new Instacart deal.

For more on these topics, check out the following articles:

Guenther highlights top issues for Washington Conference – Infrastructure legislation, food safety, the future of the produce box and labor are four priority issues at the Sept. 20-22 upcoming United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference.

Demand great, supply iffy for mushrooms – Last year, with pandemic shopping at its fullest, mushrooms were among the top three best-performing foods in the produce aisle in terms of year-over-year sales. And now what?

Lawmakers push for USDA help for growers scorched by drought, heat – In a July 27 letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a bipartisan group of lawmakers asked for more relief for farmers, ranchers, shellfish growers, and other agricultural producers in the West affected by historic wildfires, droughts and extreme heat.

Discussing the new Instacart-Fabric partnership with retail expert Bill Bishop – Bill Bishop talks about his reaction to the Instacart-Fabric deal, what the long-term trajectory is for Instacart, how retailers are navigating the growing e-commerce opportunity, how fresh produce fits in, and much more.

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