Packer Insight — Produce and politics, retailer insights, AFM

The Packer's Tom Karst, Amy Sowder and Ashley Nickle discuss key topics of the week, including federal policy and leadership changes affecting produce; insight from multiple produce retail executives at West Coast Produce Expo; and Avocados From Mexico's new Super Bowl strategy featuring Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews.

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

Leaders look to new political era, hope for immigration reform — Issues that are important to the industry include immigration reform, expanded trade and continuing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is too early, industry leaders said, to predict how Biden will approach those challenges, and if he will be successful.

Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews: Game days call for Avocados from Mexico — The campaign, Make The Big Game Your Bowl Game, is Avocados From Mexico’s first in-store celebrity shopper engagement program and is available for free to all grocery retailers.

Focus on fundamentals, says Rouses produce director — How can retailers engage their communities with events that excite shoppers about produce during a pandemic in its ninth month?

Michael Schutt of Raley's talks e-commerce at WCPE — Michael Schutt discussed at the West Coast Produce Expo his company’s growing online business and his experience with navigating the pandemic as he has transitioned into a new role.

Jeff Cady talks leadership, key attributes for produce roles at WCPE — Jeff Cady shared his takeaways on how 2020 has developed him as a leader, which characteristics are essential for different produce roles, and opportunities he’s taken to continue his development and that of his team.

Consumer retail habits, reshaped by pandemic, aren’t changing soon — The consumer’s wild ride through the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, according to Steve Lutz, senior vice president of insights and innovations for Category Partners.

 

Latest News

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 the health benefits as it launches its 2024-25 global marketing campaign, which will target 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 development will be developed in multiple phases, with construction set to begin in late 2024.

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.

The impact of postharvest research on produce quality and flavor
The impact of postharvest research on produce quality and flavor

Elizabeth Mitcham, director emeritus of the Postharvest Technology Center, talks about innovations in postharvest technology, challenges to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables and the future of postharvest research.