In this episode with Patrick Kelly, we’re reporting from Port Charlotte, Florida, at the ROFDA Conference – our first time attending! This episode, powered by Empower Fresh, brings together key voices in the grocery industry to discuss the groundbreaking shifts shaping the future of grocery. Patrick sits down with Jesse Himango from Empower Fresh, Greg Ferrara from the National Grocers Association, and Doug Fritsch of the Independent Grocers Alliance to dive deep into the impact of AI,...

This week on The Produce Industry Network's Fresh From The Field Fridays, join Ross “The Produce Boss” and Dan “The Produce Man” as they welcome Merchandising Account Executive Roberto Bolivar! Roberto will reveal how a top-notch merchandiser can elevate your produce department—boosting sales, driving profits, and building leadership. Discover what an expert merchandiser brings to the table, from training produce managers and staff to maximizing cross-promotions, especially with the holiday...

In this week's episode, we dive into the latest market updates shaping the citrus industry, with a spotlight on Summer Citrus from South Africa’s growing export trends. We also explore Dole’s Go Organic initiative launched in Dublin, Ireland and how it's influencing the organic produce market. Plus, we'll unpack the U.K.'s commitment to a healthy eating initiative aimed at elevating the profile of EU food and beverage products, with a focus on fresh produce and what it means for both...

"Nutmeg, the seed of the tree, was the most coveted luxury in seventeenth-century Europe, a spice held to have such powerful medicinal properties that men would risk their lives to acquire it." - Giles Milton, Nathaniel's Nutmeg In the seventeenth century, a fierce rivalry emerged between the British and the Dutch in the East Indies over the lucrative spice trade. Nutmeg, a rare and highly prized spice native to the Banda Islands, fueled the establishment and rapid expansion of both the...

In a recent live-stream episode, The Produce Industry Network featured a compelling conversation between Chief Dream Maker Martin Casanova of Thx! Dreams and host Patrick Kelly, diving into the lives and dreams of the farm workers who make fresh produce possible. These hardworking individuals, many of whom are migrants, often endure challenging conditions and low wages, especially for imported produce. Martin Casanova and his team at Thx! Dreams are dedicated to uplifting these workers,...

Get ready to pour yourself a tall taste of fall! This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays from the Produce Industry Network, join Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss as they welcome three special guests from River Ridge Cider Company in Sparta, MI. Trish Taylor, RJ Simons, and John Woodall bring the flavors of Michigan’s finest fresh-pressed cider straight to the show, sharing stories of apples grown with care and the rising popularity of Michigan sweet cherries. Ross is beaming...

Join Marlon Kuhl, a third-generation potato grower from Peak of the Market, as he explores the vibrant world of growing potatoes. Each episode delves into the stories, challenges, and innovations within the agricultural industry, featuring insightful conversations with farmers, industry experts, and culinary enthusiasts. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the future of agriculture and the joy of farm-to-table experiences! Choice Sponsor: Peak of the...

In this episode, we delve into the complex tapestry of Salem's early years, exploring how agricultural life intertwined with rising tensions that ultimately led to the infamous witch trials. Join John and Patrick as they recount the arrival of Puritan settlers in 1626 and the ensuing rivalry between the wealthy Porter and conservative Putnam families. Discover how economic disparities, religious fervor, and environmental factors—including the role of contaminated crops—created a fertile...

Join us for an exciting live stream with Albert Perez of Continental Fresh, LLC! Albert and Patrick dive into a packed conversation covering the upcoming IFPA event, the Pico Duarte hike, and their mission to support Water for All. As we gear up for the biggest show of the year, reflect on our annual hike, and prepare to close out 2024, there's plenty to discuss! Tune in for a fun, community-focused chat as Albert and Patrick bring the produce world together. FANCY SPONSORS: Flavor Wave,...

Get ready for an exciting episode of The Produce Industry Network's Fresh From The Field Fridays! This week, Ross and Dan dive into their thrilling experiences at last week's IFPA event. Ross adds some impressive new knives to his collection, sparking a lively discussion about the art of trimming techniques in the produce department. But that's not all—what mystery lies behind the Manzano Pepper that Dan secretly stashed in his travel bag? Tune in as Ross shares some of his favorite snacks...

Join host Juanita Gaglio as she dives into the vibrant world of fresh produce in the latest episode of the Global Fresh Series. In this special recap, Juanita teams up with Dan Avakian host of  Fresh From the Field Friday’s to explore the highlights of the premier Global Produce & Floral Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. From the energetic buzz of day one to the excitement of 14 engaging video booth shoots, they share firsthand impressions and insights from this dynamic event. Tune in for a fresh...

"Coca-Cola is Atlanta, and Atlanta is Coca-Cola." - Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young In our first ever, live in-person event, John and Patrick dive deep into the intriguing history of Coca-Cola, exploring its unexpected ties to fresh produce. Discover how John Pemberton, a pharmacist with a penchant for herbal remedies, transformed his initial concoction of coca-infused wine into the iconic soft drink we know today. Our hosts trace the origins of coca leaves and kola nuts, and their roles...

In this episode, we recap the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Annual Conference, which just concluded in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the course of three impactful days, the event brought together more than 3,000 buyers and attendees from over 70 countries, making it one of the most significant gatherings in recent years. We explore the buzz on the massive trade floor, the largest seen in a decade, and highlight key moments, including new product launches, international...

Join Dan "The Produce Man" and Ross "The Produce Boss" as they go LIVE from the heart of the action at the IFPA Global Floral & Produce Show in Atlanta! 🎙️🍑 In this special episode, the dynamic duo chats about the excitement of being in Atlanta, what they expect from the show, their favorite booth foods 🍕🍇, and more. Whether you're on the floor with them or tuning in from afar, this episode brings the energy and buzz of the produce industry’s biggest event straight to your ears! 🎧

Join Dan "The Produce Man" and Ross "The Produce Boss" as they go LIVE from the heart of the action at the IFPA Global Floral & Produce Show in Atlanta! 🎙️🍑 In this special episode, the dynamic duo chats about the excitement of being in Atlanta, what they expect from the show, their favorite booth foods 🍕🍇, and more. Whether you're on the floor with them or tuning in from afar, this episode brings the energy and buzz of the produce industry’s biggest event straight to your ears! 🎧

In this week’s episode, we delve into the critical impact of the recent port strike on the fresh produce supply chain, examining its brief yet serious ramifications for the industry. We then shift our focus to the Latin American market, exploring the key strategies for successfully exporting fresh fruit to the U.S. Join us for insights that matter as we connect live from The Global Produce & Flower Show floor this week! Choice Sponsor: Peak of the...

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly examines the catastrophic impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the agriculture industry. These back-to-back storms have left farms in shambles, disrupted supply chains, and caused widespread product shortages in stores. Patrick discusses the immediate challenges faced by growers, shippers, and retailers, highlighting key crops that are now out of stock. Join us as we explore the recovery efforts underway, the innovative...

This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays on The Produce Industry Network, Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man are taking the fields into the tech world with Tony Nuovo, founder of Growerstock! Tony and his team are revolutionizing the fresh produce industry by bridging the gap between suppliers, buyers, and logistics brokers with custom software designed to meet the unique needs of the entire supply chain. Get ready for an exciting deep dive into how technology is transforming the...

In this episode, we focus on the pivotal German market, a powerhouse in Europe and a gateway to broader success in the continent. Join us as we sit down with a seasoned subject matter expert, who will share invaluable insights on what it takes to not only enter but thrive as a brand leader in Germany. From qualifying prospects to mastering the art of pitching to German wholesalers and buyers, we’ll explore the essential strategies that can make or break your export ambitions. Choice Sponsor:...

Each year millions of Americans spend their autumn days picking apples from the many orchards that dot the country. But why? And when did this tradition start? In this livestream episode, we explore the fascinating history of apple picking in America, tracing its journey from the introduction of apples by early European settlers to the rise of today’s popular you-pick orchards. Join Patrick and John as they delve into the apple’s transformation from a colonial staple used primarily for...

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly is joined by Jessica Shelly, Director of Student Dining Services for the Cincinnati School District, to explore the exciting innovations happening in school lunch programs. This episode is sponsored by Arctic Apples®, Jessica shares her passion for creating a healthy and engaging dining experience for children, inviting families to "let your kids come dine with us." She discusses the importance of fresh food in schools, her...

Get ready for an exciting episode of Fresh From The Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network! This week, Dan The Produce Man and Ross The Produce Boss are joined by the legendary Quentin Roe from Noble Citrus. Quentin reveals thrilling new citrus varieties that have been in development for decades, giving the Florida citrus industry a much-needed revival after the devastation of greening. Ever wondered how hurricanes impact the groves or how growers navigate the maze of government...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of fresh grapes flying off the shelves in Chinese supermarkets! Our expert guest will unveil the secrets behind what makes these southern hemisphere gems a hit with consumers in China. From the cultural nuances that shape buying behavior to the expectations of quality and flavor, we’ll explore how understanding these factors can mean the difference between success and failure in the marketplace. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a curious...

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the life and legacy of Henry Flagler, focusing on his transformative role in shaping Florida’s fresh produce industry. Following up on part one, which explored Flagler's rise from grain merchant to Standard Oil powerhouse, we now turn our attention to his ambitious projects in Florida. Join John and Patrick as they uncover the stories behind the founding of towns like Pompano Beach and Hastings, the rise of Florida’s fresh produce industry, and...