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. 1 page., Consultant author identifies four trends he expects in retailing - in general and in food produce departments in particular.
Online from publisher. 3 pages., Highlights and cited reactions to a 10-year plan, "New Era for Smarter Food Safety," from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Four key elements: tech-enabled traceability, smarter tools and approaches for prevention and outbreak response, new business models (such as e-commerce) and retail food modernization, and food safety culture.
Online from publisher. 3 pages., Case examples in the eastern U.S. of consumer food buying from local, -in-state, and regional producers, with expressions of increased interest and preference.
Online from publisher. 2 pages., Author suggests that while many in the produce industry use "sustainability" and "stewardship" as interchangeable terms,they are not. "True sustainability is a mindset that is international in its approach, purposeful in the value it adds to all stakeholders, resource-optimized for operations, circular in thinking, supply chain resilient, ecologically friendly and culturally attuned."
From publisher via online. 1 page., Describes communications plans by the Pear Bureau Northwest. "The freshly redesigned World Pear Day logo provides retailers and consumers with an exciting look that connects to messages of nutritional eating."
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 publication. 5 pages., Summary of a survey among U.S. consumers, performed by Aimpoint Research for The Packer. Findings suggested that the lack of a concrete definition of sustainability points to the need to earn consumers' trust regarding the food industry.
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. 7 pages., Merchandiser of fresh produce explains how theater events in a produce department can create fun and excitement and can make memorable impressions on customers.
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."
