Opinion
One of the big questions for the balance of this year is how inflation will influence consumer spending on groceries and fresh produce.
The recent Tops supermarket shooting brings to mind memories of my one-time coworker Dan, who was, sadly, also shot and killed 27 years ago in the grocery store where he worked.
The Packer’s Tom Karst wants to know what you think makes for the most efficient fresh produce packing operation today?
“Troubling but temporary.” That’s what I called McDonald’s decision to remove salads from its menu during the early days of the pandemic.
It’s important we keep an open mind to evolving employee expectations, consider the uniqueness of particular industries and positions, and remember both the pros and cons of traditional work environments.
Just as going through the motions in courses may not accomplish much, the same can be said for the produce aisle.
When manufacturing people talk about swing shifts, it’s typically an early afternoon until midnight-type of shift.
Movement is down and prices are up for fresh produce compared with this time a year ago.
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was a lot like any other time.
The growth of the CEA industry has been driven by predictions that we will need 20% more land to feed the planet using current farming practices.
Truckers are sounding off against the idea of speed limiters on trucks, and fresh produce is being invoked as one point in their arguments against the devices.
It’s all hands on deck for produce crews to stock and keep up with demand. That is, again, if you’re willing to give the extra effort.
From all that we are all told by marketing pros, consumers love the idea of “getting to know” growers, the folks who put food on their plates.
Knowing the origin of food is important for a certain segment of consumers, especially in developed countries. This trend will gradually gain strength until it becomes a basic requirement.
A wise produce manager once told me, “Always be extra-kind to kids. They are tomorrow’s customers.”
Western Growers launched the Global Harvest Automation Initiative. One of the deliverables was a report that took a look at how harvest innovation is impacting growers. The first report is here.
Reducing food waste is the responsibility of all parts of the supply chain and a central tenet of sustainability goals.
Packaging for produce reflects the complexity and range of the fruits and vegetables our industry brings to market every day.
Other than the Fed raising interest rates a fraction, what can be done about inflation?
We’ve all heard the expression, “You only get one chance to make a good first impression.” I venture to say that’s not entirely true. Here’s why.
Amid our country’s decades-high inflation, some are predicting interest rates will skyrocket, as well. It reminds many economists of the same situation that occurred in the late 1970s.
You have seen the billboard on the side of the highway: “One (insert state name) farmer feeds X number of people and YOU.”
One of The Packer’s first mentions of sustainability and packaging (apart from some back-and-forth banter about RPCs and corrugated cartons) appeared in coverage from the 2005 PMA Fresh Summit event.
Advertised produce specials, or “ads,” have always been powerful marketing tools. Exactly how is not always so clear.
When Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine in 1953, he was feted in a New York ticker tape parade and hailed as the “great doctor-benefactor of his time.” Compare that to today.
The California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay recently penned an op-ed highlighting the impacts of inflation on the state’s agriculture and specifically, stone fruit industry.
Holloway President Vard Terry was an agvocate five decades before the term existed, and I’m not sure there’s a better advocate of the industry today.
Years ago, I, along with another produce specialist, supervised a 66-store chain.
When I stop into just about any retail or service operation, chances are I’m going to encounter “the trainee.”