Opinion
Columnist Armand Lobato shares a message of thanks, reflecting on the demanding work to prepare for pre-Thanksgiving shopping — sharing a burden and bond with co-workers.
Investment in vertical farming was down in 2023, but there should be optimism about the future of the CEA leafy greens industry — and tech has a role in it — strategy consultant Craig Carlson says in this guest column.
Mishandling an inbound produce load can make the work done before its arrival all for naught — and it’s a recipe for rapidly declining quality, unsatisfied customers and increased shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Summer merchandising is ripe with opportunity. Columnist Armand Lobato shares some must-have steps and display tips to make the produce department stand out to shoppers this season.
Produce managers are quintessential coaches, whose words and leadership choices can motivate crew members and elevate the performance of everyone on the team, says columnist Armand Lobato.
We’re now on the threshold of the most intense two to three months of fresh produce sales, says columnist Armand Lobato, who offers guidance on making the most of your summer setup.
The fresh produce industry needs to build its future food safety workforce. Guest columnist Gretchen Wall discusses how the International Fresh Produce Association is inspiring and developing young professionals.
When a challenge arises in produce, hesitation and inaction can lead to an undesirable outcome. Sometimes the best option is to “just lower your head and push,” says columnist Armand Lobato.
Think no one buys fruit baskets anymore? It’s more about a lack of inventory rather than a lack of shopper interest, says columnist Armand Lobato. A little foresight and preparation can nab additional holiday sales.
An impressive produce lineup at the front entrance can elevate customer expectations for what they’ll find further into the store, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Are you eating five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day? Produce department staff can easily surpass that while on the job and be better prepared to educate customers about items, says columnist Armand Lobato.
While attending industry events requires taking time away from regular business, there is a return on investment from being involved — and a cost of missing out, says columnist Joe Watson.
Not only are product requirements and sustainability factoring into flexible packaging decisions, but potential regulations could play a significant role in the future, says guest columnist Aaron Fox of Fox Packaging.
Any retail grocery chain is susceptible to regress and failure. The produce department figures prominently in customer satisfaction, store profits — and the future of a store or chain, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
Quality inspectors are the eyes of a fresh produce operation, spotting issues that can lead to shrink at any point. They can also report on quality, which helps in promoting and marketing, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Bad routines drag a produce department down into lethargy. Good routines make all the difference in the world, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A busy travel and work schedule is one reason columnist Armand Lobato says he doesn’t have a backyard garden. And the other reason …
Just like home, something always needs to be maintained in the produce department. If not done in a timely manner, things only get worse — and shoppers will notice, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Despite the portrayal in a recent Netflix documentary, leafy greens producers have made great strides in food safety — and are committed to further progress, says California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement CEO Tim York.
Despite the environmental benefits of compostable packaging, there are some prevailing myths distorting the truth and creating misunderstanding about them, says Daphna Nissembaum, CEO of the packaging company TIPA.
Columnist Armand Lobato explains how adhering to the meaning of this French phrase can help optimize labor scheduling, product ordering and merchandising.
Dumping produce onto a fixture may make for a quick and easy display, but that “shortcut” ultimately costs a department in terms of sales, increased shrink and lower customer satisfaction, says columnist Armand Lobato.
How much is a good produce professional worth? Columnist Armand Lobato takes a look at how labor market conditions and employee intangibles factor into pay.
With merchandising and labor demands for March Madness, spring break, Easter and more on the horizon, produce managers should analyze the challenges like a chess grandmaster, says columnist Armand Lobato.
When pursuit of a sought-after position doesn’t go as expected, Plan B isn’t necessarily a lesser option. Columnist Armand Lobato shares the lessons one produce pro learned in taking a step down in order to move up.
Want to make summer sales sizzle? Columnist and Joe Watson offers some advice from an industry expert on how to prepare for promotions.
Produce departments need advocates to ensure there’s ample room to properly and safely receive, stage, break down and prep a load of product, and that ultimately helps a store’s life span, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Most produce departments’ busiest period will begin around Memorial Day, and every business is looking for help amid a labor shortage. And if you have the people, there’s more still to do, says columnist Armand Lobato.
When a store’s produce operations turn into disaster, “savior” managers are needed to right the ship — but their methods and personalities aren’t what some expect from a department leader, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls how attending an industry gathering helped during a bleak time and reinforced why the camaraderie is beneficial to produce professionals.