PMG Industry Perspective
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.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The trade show was so huge and so elaborate, it was almost like a theme park at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show. This is what one of our editors saw and learned.
In 2022, we came back together after a long break (too long).
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.
The inclusion of food systems in global climate plans opens a realm of opportunities and challenges, underscoring a need for a thoughtful and nuanced approach, says guest columnist Tamara Muruetagoiena of the IFPA.
It helps to grade well on quality assurance, because when things get out of control, it’s often a downward spiral that follows, says columnist Armand Lobato.
You’re qualified and check all the boxes for a coveted promotion, so why wouldn’t it be yours to take? Columnist Armand Lobato offers a deeper look at some perceived strengths that may not matter as much as you think.
Sorting through our tech advancements reminds me how far we’ve come: I remember my oldest brother holed up in his bedroom in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, somehow “talking” to people worldwide through his computer.
International Fresh Produce Association has announced five winners of the IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Awards Program.
Even after a great success, we have to keep vigilant to avoid a potential crash-and-burn. We must explore out-of-the-box solutions to today’s critical challenges.
I find it telling how resistant people are to calling that big produce industry show in Orlando at the end of October anything other than PMA.
Fifteen produce and floral managers at area supermarkets participated in New England Produce Council’s first Produce Manager Leadership Development Program at NEPC’s Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo.
While CPMA supports improved data collection and a Grocery Code of Conduct, it has “significant concerns” with potential discounts, price freezes, price matching and the development of a Grocery Task Force.
Check out the top 10 most popular podcast chats we’ve had with industry leaders, delving into the hot-hot-hot issues of the day.
Educational sessions at the 2024 West Coast Produce Expo and the Sustainable Produce Summit provided a wealth of information from industry experts. Here’s a chance to take a virtual seat at the presentations.
Though some think higher-ups “don’t know what it’s like” being a clerk, these veterans have plenty of knowledge to share with those aspiring to advance.
Amid times of division, this Thanksgiving message is as relevant today as it was over 160 years ago.
Throughout the produce supply chain, consistency and follow-through are key to building one’s business, reputation and trusting relationships, says columnist Armand Lobato.
August is the highest-shrink month for produce, and managers should focus on critical control points that can affect gross profit margin and help keep shrink in check, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Knowing your produce business is a core management tenet. How well you take notes now — keeping a work diary, if you will — can impact your future sales, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Columnist Armand Lobato reflects on one exceptional trait that set Tom Cagle apart as a leader and mentor.
Is your store skimping on its fresh produce program? Companies that commit to high-quality, prominent and well-executed produce departments are foremost in consumers’ perception, explains columnist Armand Lobato.
NFL coaching legend Vince Lombardi said, “You don’t do things right once in a while. You do things right all the time.” That also applies to ensuring freshness, says columnist Armand Lobato.