Opinion | Packer

All produce needs sometimes is a push

Apr 17, 2019 by Armand Lobato

I hear the most interesting things while shopping.

When making a deal, understand what you can offer

Apr 15, 2019 by Mike Mauti

“I’ll have to get back to you.”

To millennials and beyond: The Packer reaches back and looks ahead

Apr 12, 2019 by Tom Karst

As strange as it seems, millennials will someday be yesterday’s news.

Rusty Blade versus the new retailer

Apr 10, 2019 by Armand Lobato

I was doing some spring cleaning when Russ T. Blade emerged from behind some folders. “Rusty,” as readers know is the miniature imaginary produce manager who occasionally drops in to talk shop.

FPAA's tomato suspension agreement confusion

Apr 05, 2019 by Michael Schadler

Groups such as the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and the Border Trade Alliance continue to make misleading statements about the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement in an apparent attempt to muddy the waters and stoke fear among other agricultural sectors in the U.S.

Florida Tomato Exchange's request unfair

Apr 05, 2019 by James Munguia

The Florida Tomato Exchange is making an unreasonable attempt to change the rules of how produce can be sold in order to eliminate its competition and unfairly control the market.

Produce and crisis management

Apr 03, 2019 by Armand Lobato

Ah, those lovely interruptions — not catastrophes, yet mini crises all the same.

Romaine Task Force seeks input on recommendations

Apr 02, 2019 by Tom Stenzel and Cathy Burns

In February we committed to sharing the progress of the Romaine Task Force, and we’re seeking stakeholder input on the task force recommendations.

Beyond iceberg: New spins on the traditional salad

Apr 01, 2019 by Tim York

It’s no longer just iceberg lettuce and blue cheese crumbles on the salad menu these days.

The art of the deal evolves

Mar 29, 2019 by Craig Carlson

People often ask me what business practices I would reintroduce to the modern produce industry. Put simply, I would bring back the “art of the deal.”

Attracting young talent to the produce industry

Mar 25, 2019 by Alex DiNovo

How is the produce industry doing in attracting talented young people to the business?

Don’t close up shop too early

Mar 22, 2019 by Armand Lobato

One warning about getting too ahead of the game? Don’t neglect your customer.

Take down the Dirty Dozen

Mar 22, 2019 by Ashley Nickle

The Environmental Working Group delivers its annual “Dirty Dozen” list with lots of spicy sound bites and minimal context.

How well do you understand irrigation water risk management?

Mar 19, 2019 by Doug Grant

As we all know, food safety outbreaks have a massive effect not only on growers, but on all stakeholders throughout the fresh produce supply chain.

In making a deal, know what you can disclose

Mar 18, 2019 by Mike Mauti

You know your company well. In fact, many people might consider you an expert on the elements of your business that put you at the head of the pack in your corner of the industry.

Everything in produce is a 'main ingredient'

Mar 18, 2019 by Armand Lobato

The message every store manager drives home to the produce manager? Keep everything in stock.

Practice gratitude to enrich your life

Mar 15, 2019 by Amy Sowder

“What if I focus more on what is right in the world than what is wrong? What if I focus more on the positives of this industry, rather than the challenges?”