Opinion
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.
Don’t let a tight labor pool quash your great idea to boost seasonal sales. Retailers can find win-win opportunities with volunteers looking to earn money for their organizations, says columnist Armand Lobato.
During a recent string of Thanksgiving holidays, romaine lettuce has not been in any news related to foodborne outbreaks. And that hasn’t happened by chance, says guest columnist and former FDA official Frank Yiannas.
Want to increase business? Start by taking exceptional care of the customers you already have. Otherwise, it’ll be costly to mend that relationship — if it can be done at all. Columnist Armand Lobato explains more.
The people serving in this vital role often come with a multitude of unique characteristics, as well as expertise and ideas, but some stores fail to tap into that resource, says columnist Joe Watson.
With all the work to do in a produce department, it can be tempting to skip breaks — but ensuring workers and managers keep to their scheduled stoppages is vital to any operation, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Few produce subcategories create more shopping appeal and more benefits than the cut-fruit section, says columnist Armand Lobato, who offers insight about making the most of a summertime opportunity.
The journey for a new produce manager typically begins at a lower-volume store with fewer resources. Columnist Armand Lobato offers some thoughts on handling the challenges — and the opportunity to aim higher.
With the time crunch of operating a produce department, it can be tempting to hurry that next order — but it will cost you even more time and money if you don’t take proper inventory first, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A leader who gives what is needed to succeed often sees a return in worker moral — and optimal sales, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Produce managers may not have to dive deep into accounting, but they’re not off the hook when it comes to understanding the books; they should know enough to assess department performance, says columnist Armand Lobato.
There’s a lot of critical work that happens in the produce department’s backroom, but many do not have an inside perspective of how much happens there — and when it occurs — says columnist Armand Lobato.
There are signs that water is the new oil as water rights turn into water fights across the western U.S., says columnist John Phipps. He thinks it’s a battle that could only heat up in the coming years.
The Center for Produce Safety shares insight from its Research Symposium this year, where food safety stakeholders gathered with researchers to discuss how to apply their findings.
The price-friendly potato is nutritious and versatile in meals — but be sure to maximize your opportunities when advertising a sale, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A pre-proposal that aims to regulate packaging in Canadian grocery stores should have the attention of the entire U.S. produce industry, says Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia in this guest column.