Opinion
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.
It’s Potato Lover’s Month, and what’s not to love about the budget-friendly, nutritious potato? Tell customers how to handle this produce rock star’s sensitive side to ensure the spuds they’re buying don’t go to waste.
Foodborne illness risks remain a concern for the industry, both in terms of consumer safety and potential damage to food businesses. Expert Francine L. Shaw shares tips on building a culture that prioritizes food safety.
Signs are everywhere in the produce aisle, but what you express, how you present them, when you place them and why you choose the information conveyed can make a big difference, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Gross profit margin improvement is never easy or fast. Here are a few tips to set your plan up for success, from columnist Armand Lobato.
A roasting station for Hatch chili peppers can add some sizzle to your store’s offerings. Columnist Armand Lobato offers insight on doing it right.
For the Center for Produce Safety: North Bay Produce Food Safety Manager Kinsey Clishe talks about efforts to validate cleaning and sanitizing procedures — and the importance of discussing the “why” behind practices.
Clarifruit CEO Elad Mardix says artificial intelligence could help optimize supply chains, reduce waste and enable the industry to balance ever-increasing demand and a need to significantly reduce emissions.
Other produce part-timers made excuses to avoid this messy late-shift routine, but columnist Armand Lobato says he thrived on it.
That hodgepodge of fixtures collecting dust in storage can be a merchandising vault that can help reset a produce department, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A produce manager should encourage staff to do not only what’s expected, but exceed expectations, to benefit themselves, other shifts — and customers, says columnist Armand Lobato.
In this guest column, Minor Crop Farmer Alliance Chair Jim Cranney says new specifics on an EPA policy indicate the agency is taking a “act now, address questions later” approach to its pesticide program.
So often in produce, a merchandising challenge or an issue can be identified by tearing things down to the mat, metaphorically speaking, and starting over, says columnist Armand Lobato.
After a produce show ends, the work begins with developing your new contacts into strong business relationships — and there’s a surefire way to make a great early impression, columnist Armand Lobato explains.
Using duties to replace the suspension agreement that regulates U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes would make things far worse for the U.S. tomato market, says Javier Badillo of the FPAA in this guest column.
Competition checks are an integral part of understanding your business and seeing how other stores are doing. Columnist Armand Lobato offers some observations to include in your checklist.
Pricing is important to shoppers, especially during inflation, but is it the overwhelming factor? Columnist Armand Lobato shares the top grocery store preferences that he’s heard from customers over the years.
Benjamin Franklin (indirectly) offers some advice on reducing shrink in the produce department. Columnist Armand Lobato explains the wisdom of Old Ben’s words and shares steps to cut down on potential losses.
Produce display signing is typically a well-honed program — but easy it isn’t, and sign management can quickly regress into chaos if not handled properly, says columnist Armand Lobato.
While a brix measurement offers a detail about sweetness, going beyond the numbers can keep a customer coming back all summer long, says columnist Armand Lobato.
In-person events in the relationship-based produce business help keep conversations and creativity flowing among professionals who work throughout the industry, says columnist Armand Lobato.
If a grocer is built properly for convenience, with good customer service, a tired shopper is more likely to head to that store at the end of the day, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Having a seasoned produce supervisor handle operations for major store events is good — having additional experienced personnel on hand to deal with the swarm of demands is even better, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Adding these relatively simple showcases can compel customers to spend more time in the produce department — and raise the potential for purchases, says columnist Armand Lobato.