Opinion
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls taking a much-needed break from the constant demands of being a produce buyer.
Produce clerks’ courteous interactions with shoppers can enhance the in-store experience, but they should also know when it reaches a counterproductive point, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Are overnight graveyard shifts common in the produce aisle? No, but there’s a place for overnight shifts, and with them come many benefits, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Every season is ripe for coming up with ideas to push sales with secondary displays, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Dismiss fruit baskets as obsolete if you will, but shopper demand says otherwise, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
From supply chain optimization to compliance workflows, AI is starting to influence how fresh food is grown, packed and moved.
While many lessons lie ahead, it’s also key to emphasize that quality is first and speed comes later, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Everyone wins when it comes to supplying kids with healthy meals, Jordan Grainger, vice president of sales and business development for Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, says in this opinion piece.
Every display can be an eye-catcher if given the right touch and proper care, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Even with a solid background in management in another area, the success of someone in charge often comes down to having hands-on produce know-how, says columnist Armand Lobato.
While a manager can admire everything that’s done right in their produce aisle, a consumer’s view can offer a humbling — and needed — perspective, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Football season is here, and it’s always been a good theme to help promote fresh produce, says columnist Armand Lobato.
These events, pairing growers with buyers, provide a trove of valuable insights and good memories, says columnist Armand Lobato.
When is comes to addressing a dissatisfied shopper, the lesson is clear for any retailer, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
Scheduling can be rough at times in odd-shift occupations, but there are points in favor of sticking with work in the food industry, says columnist Armand Lobato.
As the high point for produce shrink approaches, columnist Armand Lobato highlights the main culprits and offers ways to help keep these losses in check.
AI may deliver great advances in many aspects, but it’s the produce manager who holds the upper hand when it comes to applying common sense in the grocery business, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Don‘t want to waste time or money when a truckload of fresh produce arrives? Get organized with these recommendations from columnist Armand Lobato.
Even with a comprehensive produce manual to offer direction, store results depend on the produce manager’s approach to preparing a crew and holding them accountable, says columnist Armand Lobato.
It’s a season to showcase sweet corn, and columnist Armand Lobato has advice for handling and merchandising to maximize sales.
When developing a team, keep an eye out for those eager to learn more about the business, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Some memories from the produce aisle stick around, even in dreams, and make for good times when reconnecting with colleagues, says columnist Armand Lobato.
By providing essential details efficiently, buyers help produce managers operate more effectively, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Most employees want to do their job well, but not all do, and it’s up to the manager to set the tolerance level for excuses, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Be more than a store people visit just for a specific item or two. Columnist Armand Lobato shares tips for being the primary destination for consumers’ food purchases.
Is this selling term best determined by a state boundary or specific mileage? Columnist Armand Lobato discusses both methods — and an alternative.
With stakes at an all-time high for both buyers and sellers, it is more important than ever for both parties to align values, motives, principles and outcomes for mutual success, says columnist Joe Watson.
When the boss is in a pinch and asks if you can come in to help, there’s really only one answer, says columnist Armand Lobato.
For a company to thrive, skilled and qualified individuals have to take on greater roles, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Ineffective effort is money wasted. Setting and maintaining daily organization is a must for produce managers, says columnist Armand Lobato.