The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

The Global Fresh Series is back with a triple-feature episode bursting with fresh trends and global milestones. We kick things off with the rising “sour grape” sensation taking over taste buds and social media. Then we dive into a historic turning point for British agriculture as the UK embraces precision breeding with a bold new regulatory framework. And finally, we head to Paris, where Natexpo 2025 returns after 17 years, spotlighting fruit, vegetables, and the booming organic sector. Join host Juanita Gaglio for a fast-paced journey through the stories reshaping the produce world.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

What if the most valuable substance on Earth wasn't gold, or oil, or diamonds… but bird droppings?In the mid-19th century, guano—yes, seabird excrement—fueled an agricultural and geopolitical revolution. From the sacred islands of the Inca Empire to the docks of Victorian London and the halls of the U.S. Congress, this strange, smelly fertilizer transformed farming, powered economies, and even sparked wars. Nations fought for it, empires expanded because of it, and fortunes were made (and lost) in the race for what Victorians called “white gold.”Join John and Patrick as they dig into the astonishing history of guano: how it sustained the Inca Empire, drove the birth of American imperialism, and even set the stage for modern synthetic fertilizers. It's a tale of science, empire, and excrement — one that changed the world, quite literally, from the ground up.-----------Ever see a shirt that you could just eat it? Well, this New Jersey family-run business may just be it! Visit EatShirts here to order your favorite fruit or veggies shirt!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with Evan Ehlers, founder of Sharing Excess, for a powerful conversation about the future of food rescue and the fight against food waste.Patrick and Evan dive into how Sharing Excess is transforming surplus produce—often measured in millions of pounds—into nutritious meals for communities in need. Evan shares the origin story behind the organization, the innovative logistics that make large-scale food recovery possible, and the partnerships within the produce industry that help keep good food out of landfills.

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, host Juanita Gaglio welcomes Patrick Kelly, founder and host of The Produce Industry Podcast, for an engaging conversation about the dynamic world of fresh produce. Together, they explore how international trade and global trade shows are shaping the future of the industry, and discuss the innovations, challenges, and opportunities driving growth around the world.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

What happens when humanity takes its most basic need - food -beyond Earth's atmosphere? From John Glenn's applesauce tubes to the first lettuce grown aboard the International Space Station, the story of fresh produce in space is one of science, innovation, and survival.In this episode, John and Patrick are joined by Vickie Kloeris, former NASA Food Scientist and manager of the Space Food Systems Laboratory, to explore the fascinating evolution of eating in orbit. How did scientists first overcome the fear that astronauts might not even be able to swallow in zero gravity? Why did packaging become one of NASA's biggest engineering challenges? And how did international cooperation - and culinary compromise - shape mealtimes aboard the ISS?From the psychological power of comfort food to the groundbreaking Veggie experiment that saw astronauts harvest their own lettuce, this is the extraordinary story of how fresh produce became part of life among the stars. And as we look toward Mars, could farming on other worlds become the next great agricultural revolution?----------Order Vickie Kloeris' book: Space Bites: Reflections of a NASA Food Scientist----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly welcomes Juanita Gaglio from the Global Fresh Series for a deep dive into how technology and storytelling are shaping the future of fresh produce. Patrick and Juanita share their recent experiences from major industry trade shows, discussing the innovations, trends, and people driving change across the supply chain.

In this Part II of our deep dive into the ESM European Grocery Report 2025, we unpack the fresh facts shaping the continent's supermarket retail landscape. From internal country politics, inflation, geopolitics and tariffs that impact consumer behavior and how they are making their purchasing decisions, host Juanita Gaglio brings you the highlights that define the state of the European grocery sector in 2025.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Premium Sponsor: USA Pears : https://www.usapears.org Premium Sponsor: AgroFresh: AgroFreshAgroFreshhttps://www.agrofresh.comGlobal Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What is the legacy of Japanese American farmers in shaping California's agricultural landscape? How did a community once barred from owning land become pioneers in strawberry and vegetable farming? And how did families like the Tanakas endure displacement, incarceration, and prejudice to rebuild—and ultimately thrive?John and Patrick are joined by special guest Glen Tanaka, whose family has been farming in California for generations. Together, they trace the journey of Japanese Americans who transformed the agricultural landscape of the West Coast — from small tenant plots to thriving family enterprises — and the immense challenges they faced along the way.How did these farmers turn discrimination into determination? What became of their farms during internment? And how has Glen Tanaka and his family continued this legacy through innovation, education, and agritourism today?In this episode, John and Patrick explore the remarkable story of Japanese American farmers — a story of endurance, identity, and the deep cultural roots that continue to nourish American agriculture.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

This week, we're taking it way back to Halloween 2020 with special guest Trenton Bennett, professional voice actor and longtime friend of the show! Join host Patrick Kelly for a fun, lighthearted throwback episode recorded right here in Tampa, Florida, filled with laughs, spooky season vibes, and behind-the-scenes stories that'll get you in the holiday spirit.Whether you're carving pumpkins, handing out treats, or just enjoying some fall fun, tune in and relive one of our favorite seasonal episodes from The Produce Industry Podcast archives.Originally aired: October 2020Featuring: Trenton Bennett – Voice Actor & Creative Talent ExtraordinaireLocation: Tampa, FL

En este episodio de Café Virtual de Global Women Fresh, nos reunimos con mujeres líderes que están rompiendo barreras en el mundo de la agroindustria. Conversaremos sobre los retos y oportunidades de ser mujer en un sector altamente competitivo, cómo la resiliencia se convierte en una herramienta clave para avanzar, y de qué manera la innovación y las redes de colaboración impulsan el crecimiento profesional y personal.Acompáñanos en esta charla cercana y auténtica donde compartiremos experiencias reales, consejos prácticos y una visión inspiradora sobre el futuro del liderazgo femenino en la industria agrícola.Join Julie Escobar and Global Women Fresh this week!

Join John and Patrick for a special bonus episode recorded live from Anaheim, California, at the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show! Surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the world's freshest innovations, they sit down with four bright Cornell University students to hear their impressions of the show - and to ask a question close to their hearts: who are their favorite figures and moments in fresh produce history? From Van Gogh's humble potato paintings to the landmark establishment of USDA organic standards, a Supreme Court showdown over the tomato, and the revolutionary invention of freeze-drying foods - these students reveal their favorite moments in produce history and why they still matter today.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we unwrap the findings of the ESM European Grocery Report 2025 — one of the most anticipated overviews of retail dynamics across Europe. From the rise of private labels to the reign of trust-driven retail brands like ICA, we explore what's shaping the shelves, the shoppers, and the supply chains of tomorrow.Sponsors: First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Premium Sponsor: USA Pears : https://www.usapears.org Premium Sponsor: AgroFresh: AgroFreshAgroFreshhttps://www.agrofresh.comGlobal Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What do garlic, blackberries, cucumbers, eggplants, mushrooms, and pumpkins have in common? More than you might think. Across history and folklore, fruits and vegetables have not only nourished humanity but terrified it - linked with madness, curses, demons, vampires, and even the Devil himself. From garlic garlands that warded off the undead, to blackberries spoiled by Satan's spit, to Japanese river demons with a fondness for cucumbers, and the pumpkin lanterns that still haunt our porches every Halloween - produce has carried meanings far darker than the dinner table.Join John and Patrick as they explore the eerie world of cursed crops and sinister superstitions: a journey from medieval England to haunted Japanese rivers, from Bedouin tales of madness-inducing eggplants to the psychedelic mushrooms of Siberian shamans. This is the story of fruits and vegetables not as symbols of life and vitality, but as omens of death, disease, and the supernatural…----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

The excitement continues at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California! Join Patrick Kelly, Juanita Gaglio, and Dan “The Produce Man” as they dive even deeper into the action on the show floor.In Part 2 of this special event series, the team brings you more exclusive interviews, fresh innovations, and candid moments with leaders shaping the future of produce and floral. From emerging trends and sustainable solutions to the people and stories driving the industry forward, this episode keeps the energy high and the insights flowing.

Brazil is one of the world's largest exporters of fresh produce — but how is it balancing global demand with sustainability?In this episode of the Global Women Fresh Podcast, we sit down with Priscilla Nasrallah to explore Brazil's role in shaping the future of global food supply. From the country's strengths as a fresh produce powerhouse to the challenges of climate change, innovation, and sustainability, Priscilla shares her perspective on what it takes to keep Brazilian agriculture competitive and responsible.Listeners will gain insights into:- Brazil's unique position as a leading exporter of fresh produce.- The intersection of sustainability, innovation, and global trade.- How women leaders are influencing the future of agriculture in Brazil.- Practical lessons from Brazil's experience that apply worldwide.

Anaheim buzzed with color, culture, and collaboration as the world's fresh-produce leaders gathered for IFPA 2025. Join The Global Fresh Series as host, Juanita Gaglio recaps the show's standout booths, boldest ideas, and inspiring speakers — from CarrieAnn Arias's pear renaissance to ZAG's call for digital defense. It's a vibrant, flavor-packed journey through the heart of fresh innovation.

From myth and legend to cider-fuelled revolutions, from Johnny Appleseed's frontier orchards to the Victorians' quest for the perfect pippin, the story of the apple has been anything but ordinary. In the final part of this five-part series, John and Patrick follow the fruit onto the world stage - when refrigeration, global shipping, and empire transformed it into an international commodity. From Tasmania's “Apple Isle” and Cecil Rhodes's Cape orchards, to Japan's remarkable embrace of the fruit that would one day give us the Fuji, the apple became both a tool of empire and a symbol of modernization.But world war would shake that story, stripping Britain of its imported fruit and forcing farmers to dig for victory. The apple rallied in service of king and country - only to face a peacetime collapse that saw Britain's orchards vanish in the shadow of supermarket shelves and European imports. Yet the apple endures, still shaping landscapes, economies, and everyday diets around the globe.Join John and Patrick as they conclude the saga of the world's most storied fruit - a tale of empire, war, decline, and resilience - that leaves us with the apple we know today.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Join Patrick Kelly, Juanita Gaglio, and Dan “The Produce Man” as they hit the floor at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California! In Part 1 of this special event series, the team brings you exclusive access, behind-the-scenes insights, and real-time reactions from one of the produce industry's most anticipated gatherings. From innovative product launches to conversations with key players in the fresh produce space, this episode captures the energy, innovation, and community spirit of IFPA 2025.

This Week on Fresh from the Field Fridays!With Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce BossRoss breaks down some Blackstone cooking and cleaning tips that'll make your next backyard session a breeze, while Dan takes us back to pumpkin season memories at Dan's Fresh Produce - kids' field trips, big smiles, and a few pumpkin-handling tips for shoppers too (keep those pretty stems intact!).We've also got Ross showing off some Michigan Honeycrisp apples and introducing a brand-new variety that knocks Dan's socks clean off - it's truly out of this world!Plus, we talk about the buzz around the Colada Pineapple rollout at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, and what we're looking forward to seeing at this year's big event.It's all here on Fresh from the Field Fridays - brought to you by AgLife Media and The Produce Industry Network.

In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we journey to the breathtaking region of South Tyrol, Italy — home to some of the world's most celebrated apples. Our guest, Hannes Tauber, Marketing Manager and CMO of VOG – Home of Apples, shares his deep-rooted passion for apples, from bringing a sommelier event to apples to the growers who cultivate them, and the generations of tradition behind this remarkable brand.Sponsors:First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Premium Sponsor: USA Pears : https://www.usapears.org Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

From the barefoot wanderings of Johnny Appleseed to the fiery kick of applejack on Civil War battlefields, the apple's story in America takes a dramatic turn in this fourth episode of our series. John and Patrick trace how John Chapman's seed-planting helped shape frontier life, fueled the nation's cider culture, and - ironically - set the stage for America's drinking frontier. But the apple's journey doesn't stop there. Across the Atlantic, the fruit was taking root in Victorian Britain, where royal tastebuds, scientific curiosity, and household culture transformed it into a symbol of both domesticity and national pride. Yet under the gloss of toffee apples and orchard competitions lurked darker tales of poisonings, poverty, and fierce competition with American imports. Join John and Patrick as they uncover how the apple became at once a folk hero's legacy, a soldier's solace, and the centerpiece of Victorian life - setting the stage for its leap into the modern global age.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with a longtime industry voice to talk all things fresh produce and preview the highly anticipated IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.They explore what attendees should be excited about — from emerging trends and innovations to the invaluable networking opportunities on the show floor. Plus, they dive into a few off-the-cuff topics that only true produce pros can appreciate.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays:Ross the Produce Boss is flying solo while Dan is visiting the Bay Area terminal produce markets. Ross is live from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he describes his visit to Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield—sampling some fantastic cider, Pixie Crunch apples, and Ludacrisp apples with an absolutely majestic crunch!He also digs into apple cider donuts, checks out some retail-ready action at local Indy stores, and covers jumbo blueberries, late-season plums, his favorite salad dressing, what's sizzling on his famous Blackstone griddle, and even gives an IFPA preview.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media!.

Broadcasting from vibrant Madrid, Spain; this episode of The Global Fresh Series takes you inside the magic of Fruit Attraction 2025, where innovation and heritage collide in the world of fresh produce. Join host Juanita Gaglio as she paints the scene of a show pulsing with connection, culture, and creativity — from the buzzing halls of IFEMA to an unforgettable VOG reception celebrating Marlene®'s 30th birthday and VOG's 80th anniversary.SPONSORS:First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Premium Sponsor: USA Pears : https://www.usapears.org Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

John and Patrick journey into the seventeenth century, when cider wasn't just a drink - it was a matter of national survival. From John Evelyn's bold call for apple orchards to secure England's navy and replace French wine, to the early experiments that nearly made England the home of “apple champagne,” the apple takes centre stage in politics, science, and patriotism.But apples weren't only about orchards and fizz. This was also the age when John Milton transformed them into the forbidden fruit of Eden, when physicians and quacks alike prescribed them as medicine and beauty aids, and when settlers carried them across the Atlantic to the New World. There, apples and cider became woven into the fabric of colonial life - fueling households, politics, and survival itself.From Restoration England to early America, discover how the apple evolved into both symbol and staple, preparing the stage for one of history's most legendary figures: Johnny Appleseed.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

This week, Patrick Kelly sits down with Silvia Restrepo, a prominent leader in agricultural education and research from Cornell University. Together, they discuss how education is shaping the future of agriculture, from empowering the next generation of industry professionals to fostering innovation and sustainability. Silvia shares insights into the evolving role of universities in supporting the produce industry and why investing in knowledge is key to long-term success.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays!Ross the Produce Boss is fresh back from Idaho with an inside look at the onionharvest—how they're sorted, sized, packed, and stored for the season. We'veboth got garden updates: in Dan's backyard, the Bosc pear tree is loaded withbeautiful golden-russet fruit. We'll also share how to tell the differencebetween when Bartlett-type pears and variety pears are truly ready to eat.Ross is talking salad bowls (and has a message for theproducers of those bowls), Also on his table are celery hearts and Persiancukes. Kiwi berries, quince, and more on Dan's table as he shares the striking beautyof russeting on California Golden Delicious apples.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays,from the Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media!

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we sit down with Dave McCary of ZAG Technical Services to explore how cybersecurity and ransomware are reshaping the fresh produce industry. From recent high-profile attacks on produce companies to the hidden vulnerabilities in supply chains, Dave shares why protecting data and operations is just as critical as protecting the crops themselves. We discuss the real costs of downtime, how hackers exploit weaknesses, and the steps growers, shippers, and distributors can take today to safeguard their businesses — and the global food supply — from digital threats.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Apples are one of those rare fruits that you can actually recognize by name. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji… the list seems endless.But have you ever wondered where these names came from?Is there an actual 'granny' behind the Granny Smith?Was the Red Delicious truly the most delicious of all red apples?And what about Bramley - does that name come from a person, a place, or perhaps an aristocratic family?In this month's livestream, John and Patrick dig into a few apple varieties and explore the fascinating history behind their names.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with Anne Marie to explore how the next generation is stepping up to shape the future of fresh produce.As the industry experiences a generational handoff, Anne Marie brings a fresh perspective on what the future holds—from evolving consumer values and sustainability to digital transformation and leadership styles. It's not just about passing the torch—it's about redefining how the flame burns.

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we begin with the curious and captivating story of French artist Agnès Varda, who transformed humble potatoes into symbols of beauty and individuality through her groundbreaking exhibit Patatutopia. From there, we shift from art to agriculture with a conversation just as colorful and insightful.Joining us is CarrieAnn Arias, President and CEO of USA Pears, a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in global brand building. CarrieAnn shares her perspective on the state of the pear industry after a challenging season, consumer trends driving growth, and how health and wellness movements are reshaping demand.First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

From the kitchens of medieval Europe to the orchards of Anglo-Saxon England, the apple became far more than just a fruit. It was medicine, it was myth, it was ritual. In part two of our apple series, John and Patrick explore how crab apples were pressed into sharp, sour verjuice to season everything from pigs' feet to plague remedies, how Anglo-Saxon charms and midwinter wassailing blended Christianity with ancient fertility rites, and how monks carried apple cuttings—and their spiritual symbolism—across the continent. From the orchard-cemeteries of St. Gall to the fruit catalogues of Charlemagne, apples became embedded in the medieval imagination. And just as they took root in law codes, legends, and royal gardens, they also crept into the realm of story—appearing in myths of archers, kings, and poisoned fruit. Join John and Patrick as they uncover how the humble apple became a cornerstone of medieval life, belief, and lore…----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this special on-the-road episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly teams up with Ross “The Produce Boss” as they hit the floor at SEPC 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina!

This Week on Fresh from the Field FridaysRoss “The Produce Boss” Nelson and Dan “The Produce Man” Avakian share their top picks of the week!Ross dives into Moon Cherries, Baby Nibble Spuds cooked up on his Blackstone, and talks trends with vegetable consumption down and fruit consumption up. He also introduces his favorite new salad mix from Dole and explains why he's still stashing berries in mason jars.Dan brings some fun and flavor with Butt-Crack Peaches, Rave Apples, Sommerfeld Apples, fresh bunched radishes, Concorde Grapes, fresh figs, Abate Fetel pears, and more!Get your shopping list ready — you'll want to grab these fresh picks of the week. Tune in to Fresh from the Field Fridays, brought to you by The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

In today's captivating episode of the Global Fresh Series, Co-Founder and COO Xander Shapiro of Akorn Technology shares how his team has developed a revolutionary fresh fruit coating so natural and pure that he actually drinks it during the show! Xander explains the coating's origins, crafted from natural plant based ingredients and non-GMO corn and how it delivers the highest quality produce with extended shelf life — up to 35 days longer. This breakthrough opens doors for growers and suppliers to access export markets once limited by perishability, reshaping opportunities in global produce trade, while reducing food waste.Tune in to hear how science, sustainability, and innovation come together to keep fruit fresher, longer.SPONSORS:First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Where did the apple come from, and how did it go from a sour, berry-sized wild fruit to the sweet, plump star of our fruit bowls today? Was it really bears (and their sweet tooth) that shaped its destiny? How did the mountains of Kazakhstan become the apple's Garden of Eden, and what role did nomads, traders, and even the poets of Ancient Greece play in transforming it from wild crab to cultivated treasure? And why has this fruit, more than almost any other, become so entangled in our myths, our laws, and our imaginations?Join John and Patrick as they peel back the first layer of the apple's astonishing story—from its tangled roots in Central Asia to its golden glow in the myths of Greece—in the opening episode of this epic five-part series.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this special episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly travels to Winnipeg, Manitoba to meet with Pamela Kolochuk, CEO of Peak of the Market. Join Patrick on this Canadian adventure as he sits down with Pamela to discuss the heart of the produce industry in Manitoba, the unique challenges and opportunities of farming in the region, and how Peak of the Market continues to innovate while staying rooted in community and sustainability.

This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays, host Ross Nelson is joined by special co-host Patrick Kelly while on the road in Charlotte, NC! Together, they dig into what's fresh from the fields and landing in your grocery stores right now.The conversation also explores rising consumer trends, with a spotlight on millennial purchase power, and wraps up with some key takeaways on how shoppers are choosing fresh vegetables today. Tune in for insights straight from the field to your table!

What does it take to build a global brand from the ground up—and do it while staying true to People, Planet, and Profit?In this episode, we sit down with a trailblazing leader who helped transform SanLucar Company into a world-renowned fruit brand and earning 100+ international awards for creativity and impact. As a former Global Brand Director & Leadership Team Member, she led teams across the globe, proving that resilience, vision, and purpose-driven leadership can shape industriesToday, she's not just a brand builder—she's a voice amplifier. With a LinkedIn community of 21,000+ professionals, she is on a mission to empower women in agriculture and beyond, showing that strong brands and strong female voices go hand in hand.

Europe's orchards and fields are buzzing with big harvest news. Crossing the continent we take a look at the EU's fresh vegetable and fruits which commodities and countries were the top producers. Vegetable harvests rose while it was a contrasting story for EU fruit production. Against this backdrop, Germany is breaking the trend: its apple growers expect a record 2025 harvest of over 1 million tonnes. We will break out the German apple growing regions along with the numbers. Join us on the Global Fresh Series as we connect the dots across Europe's fresh produce landscape and explore what's shaping the future of fruit and vegetable harvests.Sponsors:First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What do Afghan purple roots, Roman aphrodisiacs, Dutch horticulturalists, and wartime propaganda have in common? The answer: the carrot. From its wild ancestor Daucus carota scattered across Europe 10,000 years ago, to its starring role as Britain's unlikely weapon in the Second World War, the carrot's journey has been anything but straightforward. Once confused with parsnips, praised by Dioscorides for its medicinal powers, and supposedly beloved by Caligula for rather different reasons, the carrot slowly transformed from a bitter, scraggly root into the sweet orange staple we know today. Along the way it fed peasants, adorned Renaissance paintings, crossed oceans with colonists, and became the poster-child of Ministry of Food propaganda. Join John and Patrick as they unearth the remarkable history of the carrot - a story of medicine, myth, empire, science, and survival - that reveals how this humble vegetable helped shape diets and imaginations across the world.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Ever see a shirt that you could just eat it? Well, this New Jersey family-run business may just be it! Visit EatShirts here to order your favorite fruit or veggies shirt!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Patrick Kelly welcomes Frank Kenney of Cleo to discuss how global economics, tariffs, and trade policies are impacting both the alcohol and produce industries. From supply chains to pricing, this episode offers a sharp look at how two seemingly different sectors face similar global challenges.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss share some of their top picks of the week. They're joined byaward-winning organic retail consultant, educator, and advocate, and the owner of Organic Options Mark Mulcahy.Mark brings the latest on what's tasting great right now — like dry-farmed early-grown tomatoes and even dry-farmed variety melons grown in Oregon. He also talks about the Rising Stars program, a collaborative effort that's helped over 2,500 produce and fresh food managers grow and thrive in the industry.Tune in for all this and more — only on Fresh from the Field Fridays, brought to you by The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

From 3D printers turning food waste into useful products to drones flying over fields and orchards, agri-tech is reshaping the way we grow, move, and sustain fresh produce. In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, host Juanita Gaglio explores how technology is transforming agriculture on the ground and in the sky. Hear how drones in China covered 173 million hectares in 2024, slashing crop losses and creating new jobs, while 3D printing is reimagining sustainability in food systems. It's innovation with real-world impact — and a glimpse into the future of farming. First Class Sponsor: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Premium Sponsor: Avocados from Colombia: https://avocadoscolombia.com/ Premium Sponsor: The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation: https://fvdrc.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Where does soil come from? How has it shaped the rise—and fall—of human civilizations? And why is it now at the center of some of the most urgent debates about food, farming, and the environment?Join John and special guest Louis De Jaeger—landscape architect, author, and agro-ecology advocate—as they dig into the history of soil. Together, they trace the story of soil from the birth of the Earth's crust to the collapse of ancient empires. They explore how the forced removal of Indigenous peoples and their agricultural wisdom devastated soils in the Americas, how the transition from farming to eat to farming to export led to catastrophes like the Dust Bowl, and how industrial agriculture, monocultures, and the rise of pesticides became the norm.Why did the Green Revolution sow the seeds of ecological damage while trying to feed the world? What was behind the 1970s mantra "Get big or get out"? How are globalization, technology, and today's protests across Europe connected to centuries of soil mismanagement? And most importantly, where do we go from here?----------Order Louis De Jaeger's NEW book: Save Our Soils: How regenerative food and farming will save your health and the planetVisit Louis' website at www.louisdj.com----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this inspiring episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with Jorge Rodriguez of BLUE Missions to explore the powerful intersection of produce, purpose, and clean water.Learn how BLUE Missions is working to end the global water and sanitation crisis by connecting communities in Latin America with sustainable infrastructure—and how the produce industry is playing a part in that mission. Dives into the roots of the organization, the incredible impact they've made, and the personal stories that drive their team forward.We also take a closer look at BLUE's Annual Hike for Water in the Dominican Republic—an eye-opening journey that brings people face-to-face with the communities they're supporting, all while trekking through breathtaking landscapes.

In this special collaboration with History Daily, we present a double feature exploring two pivotal moments in history.First, you'll hear the story of Lewis and Clark's return after successfully completing the first U.S. overland journey to the Pacific Ocean.Then, you'll learn how French biologist Louis Pasteur developed a method of heating liquids to destroy harmful bacteria - a process that would come to bear his name.Hear more episodes from History Daily here.-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we're going ape for grapes! Ross “The Produce Boss” Nelson and Dan “The Produce Man” Avakian welcome Jim Beagle from Grapery.Jim shares his journey from working the fields at age five with his dad to becoming CEO of Grapery—still walking the rows every day with his crew. You'll hear how rich dialogue with consumers keeps Grapery in tune with shopper expectations, and Jim's core advice: do the job right every day, be consistent, and deliver the experience shoppers can count on.We dive into: The intensity and precision of meticulous hand harvesting Why Grapery lets grapes ripen longer for maximum flavor The systems that ensure bunches are picked at peak maturity Grapery's world travels to find wild grape species with amazing flavor, bred into seedless varieties (all non-GMO) Flavor explosions ranging from tropical notes to Stone fruit sweetnessIt's a masterclass in flavor, farming, and consistency—all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, host Juanita Gaglio takes a crisp bite into the world of apples — one of the most iconic and widely consumed fruits on the planet. From global production statistics to surprising consumption trends, Juanita explores where apples stand in the produce industry and why they continue to dominate grocery aisles year after year. You'll hear about top-producing countries, how apple varieties shape market demand, and what trends are influencing growers, retailers, and consumers alike.

On July 8th, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the administration is determined to reclaim farmland owned by what it calls "foreign adversaries" and to establish a "100% American workforce" in agriculture.But how much U.S. farmland is actually owned by foreign governments?When did this trend begin?Has there ever truly been a 100% American agricultural workforce?And when did immigrants first begin working on American farms?In this month's livestream, John and Patrick dive into the historical roots of these questions, unpack the claims made by the current Trump administration, and explore what this could mean for the future of American agriculture.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

In this special episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly takes you straight to the heart of the NEPC Trade Show 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts — one of the most dynamic gatherings in the fresh produce world!Join Patrick as he hits the show floor to bring you exclusive conversations with some of the most influential voices in the industry — from growers and shippers to retail leaders, tech innovators, and trade association executives. Hear firsthand what's trending, what's changing, and what's coming next for produce in 2025.Check out New England Produce Council @: https://www.newenglandproducecouncil.com/