PMG Industry Perspective
Staying receptive to innovation, even after failures, can help retailers find a hit product that defies the odds, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
Scheduling can be rough at times in odd-shift occupations, but there are points in favor of sticking with work in the food industry, says columnist Armand Lobato.
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.
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.
Columnist Armand Lobato takes a trip back to the early ’90s to share a lesson about being the produce “new guy” pushed into checking out one of those newfangled and unnecessary mobile phones.
Where’s the best store for produce shopping? With so many factors to consider, columnist Armand Lobato shares a tale about finding his answer to this regularly asked question.
Effective leaders shouldn’t shy away from a little grunt work to set the example for others, says columnist Armand Lobato.
On March 12, at the 2023 SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas, food and tech leaders discussed how they make good on their promises to customers and make headway on big plans.
Proper training and clear direction from management can help clerks avoid looking ahead while falling behind, says columnist Armand Lobato.
“It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” That’s the produce industry.
Although the pandemic has changed the script a bit in how customers might shop and interact with you or your store staff, having something cool for them to look at, learn from and smile about just might make their day!
New York City-based online grocer FreshDirect has more experience than most retailers when it comes to merchandising produce on an e-commerce platform.