Opinion
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.
While some think produce retail specialists stop by only to criticize, a manager can seize the chance to tap into a valuable resource with experienced eyes, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Assumptions about covering for veteran clerks on vacation can backfire. Columnist Armand Lobato explains how to secure commitments for that vital extra help.
A misguided approach to pricing can cost you loyal customers. Columnist Armand Lobato discusses how to achieve sales goals and keep shoppers satisfied.
From sights, sounds and smells, stores have a variety of methods to entice shoppers, and produce has its own toolkit to capture maximum sales, says columnist Armand Lobato.
All produce buying trips are educational, but some more memorable than others, says columnist Armand Lobato of visiting grape growers and shippers in Chile.
The start of workday can be an experience that benefits the produce aisle and its people, says columnist Armand Lobato.
On a recent early winter afternoon, I stared down a lineup of five juices. Some were green. Others were orange.
The United States Department of Agriculture plan to eliminate broad-based categorical eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is drawing tons of comments and criticism.
Why is it that we so closely associate Valentine’s Day with strawberries? I mean, sure, the fruit is sweet. It’s beautiful. It’s red. It’s more or less heart-shaped.
Proper training and clear direction from management can help clerks avoid looking ahead while falling behind, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Not every job requires using every tool on hand; however, having well-planned “toolkit” can keep productivity rolling, no matter the tasks that arise, says columnist Armand Lobato.
It’s a given that managers want to avoid overtime, but skimping on regular-hour scheduling can be counterproductive, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Overnight produce receiving isn’t for everyone, but it can solve many problems for stores with once particular issue in their layout, says columnist Armand Lobato.
It’s nice to have a great idea, but it’s even better to execute the plan at some point. Columnist Armand Lobato has advice for getting over the hump.
Like chess or any good board game, making sure that all the merchandising pieces fit together requires planning and anticipation, says columnist Armand Lobato.