PMG Industry Perspective
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls a trip to the Northwest highlighted by rolling hills and a “water park” for packing fresh cherries and shares how the small fruit has a big impact on the produce aisle.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares how a simple moment helped unlock a big idea.
With produce volume set to peak, those who aren’t diligent in securing and properly training extra hands could pay the price, says columnist Armand Lobato.
There are no secrets when produce buyers work from closely packed desks, but it did provide camaraderie and other benefits, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
Not all jobs are memorable for good reasons. Columnist Armand Lobato details his worst roles and explains how they ultimately prepared him for better opportunities.
Before the time of celebrity food influencers on social media, columnist Armand Lobato recalls an attempt to engage a younger generation with practical food know-how.
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls a tale of a produce clerk trickster and an opportunity too good to pass up.
As “The Produce Aisle” column reaches a significant mark, columnist Armand Lobato has an eye on continuing to stay sharp.
Potatoes? Bananas? Columnist Armand Lobato offer his breakdown of value and versatility on this top pick and shares resources to make the most out of it.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares a cautionary tale of how one produce manager fudged the facts so he could report the result he thought the company wanted to hear.
Columnist Armand Lobato concludes his series on produce management tools, highlighting the importance of sanitation, technology and cross-department collaboration.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares insight about the tools a produce manager should have to succeed.
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls how a temporary head lettuce shortage took on a more dire presentation in a news report.
Some argue that soft openings help stores address problems before the spotlight of the grand opening, but there’s only one real opportunity to showcase things at their best, especially in produce.
Most new store openings get fouled up with wasted, neglected product and labor when overzealous orders block coolers, hallways and prep areas. Here are tips for better orders and plan execution.
Proper and organized signing should be as important as ordering, rotation and sanitation, otherwise it can cost you time, labor hours and sales.
Whatever you do, from store remodels to special orders, first consider how it affects your customers, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Columnist Armand Lobato examines the balance between efforts to prevent waste and fraud and the impact of value-added produce as a practical way to get nutrient-dense food into the hands of those in need.
Columnist Armand Lobato reflects on produce-related travels during his career.
Columnist Armand Lobato shares what he calls a must-read book, just in time for Potato Lover’s Month in February.
Key positions will often expose a lack of hands-on experience, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Columnist Armand Lobato recalls a tale from his time as a produce assistant manager when 24 inches of snow fell in 24 hours.
Columnist Armand Lobato addresses a question that persisted during years of store visits as a produce retail specialist.
Regular culling helps minimize shrink and maximize freshness and quality in the produce aisle, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Slashing prices on the produce essentials customers need for Thanksgiving through New Year’s is critical to the bottom line, says columnist Armand Lobato.
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.