Opinion
Fretting over the impending quarter-end inventory? Columnist Armand Lobato offers a few ways to ease the stress.
The industry has spent decades perfecting how to grow and ship a commodity and almost no time building a brand around it, says guest columnist Ruth Villalonga of Villa Communications, who offers advice on what produce can do to fix that.
Retailers shouldn’t rush a fall transition in the produce department, as the sales window for high-margin summer favorites extends longer than you might think, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Person-to-person relationships are the heart and soul of the produce industry, but getting through the door to make those initial connections sometimes requires perseverance — and a little something extra, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Columnist Armand Lobato says he’s been known to test the knowledge of produce managers and clerks when the opportunity arises, and the answers are often quite revealing.
Even subtle daily changes that take only a little time to invest make all the difference to impact your sales, says columnist Armand Lobato.
There are many reasons why August is a prime time for shrink. Columnist Armand Lobato offers solutions so that your store doesn’t get dragged down.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares daily organizational traits common among produce managers who kept their cooler in order.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares thoughts on some colorful characters who also had stellar reputations for managing busy, organized and well-run produce departments.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares a phased strategy for grand openings that prioritizes disciplined scheduling and expert oversight to prevent exhaustion.
When individual challenges arise, produce professionals have their own way of rallying together, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Stacking or pouring produce in displays? Columnist Armand Lobato discusses the rare exceptions to the rules.
Columnist Armand Lobato explains why nonproduce chatter — and the three B’s — are valuable tools that can help build key relationships.
What exactly goes into writing an effective labor schedule? Columnist Armand Lobato offers insights he used to coach a produce manager in the process.
Columnist Armand Lobato notes that in the ongoing battle of attaining or deducting labor hours in the produce department, one question often goes unasked: How will this affect produce department standards?
Displaying fruits and vegetables in their natural state helps instill the idea to customers that your store is indeed fresh, yet produce departments rarely make the effort.
Just as the industry itself has evolved, so have technological advancements — even if it takes some time.
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls a trip to the Northwest highlighted by rolling hills and a “water park” for packing fresh cherries and shares how the small fruit has a big impact on the produce aisle.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares how a simple moment helped unlock a big idea.
With produce volume set to peak, those who aren’t diligent in securing and properly training extra hands could pay the price, says columnist Armand Lobato.
There are no secrets when produce buyers work from closely packed desks, but it did provide camaraderie and other benefits, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
Not all jobs are memorable for good reasons. Columnist Armand Lobato details his worst roles and explains how they ultimately prepared him for better opportunities.
Before the time of celebrity food influencers on social media, columnist Armand Lobato recalls an attempt to engage a younger generation with practical food know-how.
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls a tale of a produce clerk trickster and an opportunity too good to pass up.
As “The Produce Aisle” column reaches a significant mark, columnist Armand Lobato has an eye on continuing to stay sharp.
Potatoes? Bananas? Columnist Armand Lobato offer his breakdown of value and versatility on this top pick and shares resources to make the most out of it.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares a cautionary tale of how one produce manager fudged the facts so he could report the result he thought the company wanted to hear.