Packer Insight — Politics and produce, H-2A, Hunts Point and stellar columns

The Packer's Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss the compelling topics of the week, from election fallout and the implications for produce to the latest from New York to excellent columns from longtime retail executives.

If you're on the move, you can also listen to this conversation on Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular listening platforms.

For more coverage of these topics, check out the following articles:

Industry waits for political dominoes to fall — Although legal challenges by President Trump injected uncertainty, the results of the Nov. 3 election were pointing to a victory by Democrat Joe Biden as of Nov. 5.

UPDATED: Trump administration releases new H-2A wage method — Stabilizing labor costs and adding more predictability, the Department of Labor’s H-2A wage rule is winning industry support.

Costa seeks chairmanship of House Agriculture Committee — Costa joined the House Agriculture Committee in 2005. Since then, he has servedon the conference committee for both the 2018 and 2014 Farm Bills. 

12 attributes of mentally tough people — “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” That's the produce industry.

You can count on unpredictable NYC demand, says Gabriela D'Arrigo — The fires in California and storms elsewhere, varied COVID-19 regulations state-by-state and even county-by-county, freight carrier availability, and renewed outbreaks in pockets of the city, state and Northeast region and winter are among the challenges right now.

Prepare to win this holiday season — Data shows that people are looking for new menu ideas and products to incorporate into their meal planning, and the holidays present an amazing opportunity to meet those expectations.

 

Latest News

Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 1
Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 1

Flavor and innovation were inextricably linked at this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver, British Columbia, April 23-25.

Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign
Health benefits at the heart of table grape campaign

The California Table Grape Commission will focus on health benefits as it launches its 2024-25 global marketing campaign targeting the U.S. and 21 export markets.

Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019
Value of U.S. mango imports rises 32% since 2019

USDA trade statistics show that Mexico was the largest supplier of mangoes in 2023, accounting for 63% of the value of U.S. mango imports in 2023.

H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus
H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus

The Houston-area complex will be developed in multiple phases, with construction set to begin in late 2024, says the grocer.

Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events
Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events

Circana representatives will be speaking on driving fresh produce consumption at The Retail Conference, as well as webinars planned for May.

Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program
Continental Fresh spotlights Water For All program

Continental Fresh LLC, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America is celebrating its Water For All program.