Via online issue. 3 pages., Summary of panel discussion at a Virtual Town Hall meeting of the Produce Marketing Association. Panelists noted how greenhouse technologies can soften the blow of climate change.
Online from publication. 1 page., Produce Market Guide magazine invites applicants for a new Produce Artist Award to honor the work of merchandisers bringing seasonality to life in produce departments with large, creative displays that show shoppers which fruits and vegetables are plentiful, delicious and a great value in a given week.
Article online from publication issue. 3 pages., Report of a panel discussion during the Produce Marketing Association virtual conference, "Foodservice: delivered virtual." One panelist noted that the coronavirus pandemic has "brought the restaurant to you, in your home. And it's here to stay." And it includes not only restaurants, but also the purveyors - "farmers and everybody." One panelist advised the foodservice industry to give back to a community, even while suffering financially. "When we think of what it means to be in hospitality, it means to serve. This is a call to action. Think of ways to serve."
2 pages, Online from publication. 2 pages., Food Marketing Institute's 2020 Power of Produce Report indicated that the power of local produce is not fading. More than 50% of respondents said they would like to see a greater assortment of locally grown produce at their primary store. Great promotions, displaying items in season and eye-catching displays were identified as most effective at driving impulse purchases, which tend to involve local produce.
Online from publisher. 2 pages., "The effects of misinformation during a pandemic, especially via social media, highlight how important it is for produce companies to have a clear, correct, calm message." Author cites importance of being sensitive to the needs of those being served. Cites examples of adjusted messaging during the COVID-19 pamdemic.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Author reported on a presentation at the West Coast Produce Exposition. The speaker observed, "I think we've got a wild ride for the foreseeable future here, and noted that consumers will continue to order groceries online, and the "click and collect" model may have staing power through the crisis and beyond."
Online from publication. 3 pages., "Retailers care about sustainability because consumers care, but for many the pursuit of sustainability tends to be more of an afterthought than top priority. Sustainability is valued highly by growers, retailers and consumers, but there is not always common understanding of what it means."
Online from publications. 3 pages., Report of thoughts about dealing with foodservice staffing and labor challenges from the chief operating officer of DNO Produce, Columbus, Ohio.
Online from publication. 4 pages., Report about a panel presentation at a meeting of the Produce Marketing Association. Panelist moderator reported that food delivery services such as Grubhub, DoorDash and Postmates can charge restaurants 20-35 percent commission per order, in addition to the monthly fee for the service. Customers typically pay a delivery fee, a driver tip, and sales tax. The moderator urged restaurants, "Be smart about where your money is spent, and be firm, and try and make it a good experience for yourself and your customers."
Online from publication. 3 pages., Perspectives from four restaurant chain executives at a conference of the Produce Marketing Assocition. Focus on deeper connections with supply partners, labor savings through technology, and more racial diversity at top levels. "...the truth is, this country runs on foodservice."
Online from publication. 1 page., Describes growth of consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in the U.S., beginning in 1970 with introduction of the popular Miss Chiquita character and follow-up promotional efforts.
Online from publication. 1 page., Author provides selected excerpts of six comments in response to the Food and Drug Administration's proposed rule on its designation of high-risk foods for tracing.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Report of plans by American Pistachio Growers to promote sale of pistachios by television, print and digital advertising.
Online from publication. 3 oages,, Sponsored article summarizes IRI survey data on seasonality of potato sales, purchase levels, and shopper responses to several display strategies.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Report of a panel discussion at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit. Includes reference to need in marketing communications for greater orientation to consumer needs and desires.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Report of USDA decision to suspend a report used to set wages for guest workers in the H-2A program in 2021, with examples of responses and implications.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Report of success with using an avocado grove as the setting for a virtual meeting with customers. The concept involves videos and photos from the Index Fresh company's field department, "allowing the sales team to provide more in-depth information and personalized advice to customers.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Author reports on a panel discussion about managing workforce challenges in a COVID-19 environment. Speakers advised that during pandemics or other challenging situations employers should communicate with their employees and other stakeholders, even when plans and next steps are not in place. Other counsel: be transparent, tell (and show) employees that you care and are doing something, provide opportunity for them to talk, ask questions, create an anonymous hotline. send email updates.
