The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with industry legend Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk at the Seal Suite headquarters in Vero Beach. Discover Mayda's incredible immigrant story, her rise as a female leader in a male-dominated produce industry, and her pivotal role in shaping the global citrus market including the South African citrus program. This episode reminds us all why storytelling, resilience, and passion fuel the heart of fresh produce.

Why did Cleopatra demand the balsam groves of Jericho as the price of financing Marc Antony's wars — and what does it mean that a plant worth twice its weight in gold was guarded day and night by Roman soldiers after the conquest of Jerusalem? What was the balm of Gilead, the most expensive agricultural commodity in the ancient world, and why did it grow nowhere on Earth except the shores of the Dead Sea? And how does a thousand-year-old seed, germinated in a Jordanian valley in 2024, connect the ancient world to the present?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Jordan — the asphalt wars, Cleopatra's monopoly, and the extinct plant that Roman soldiers fought to protect...----------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

Why did a Valencia orange, abandoned on a tiny arid Caribbean island, transform into a new species that nobody could eat — and how did that inedible fruit end up in cocktail bars on every continent? What made the harbour of Willemstad one of the most consequential trading posts in the Atlantic world, and what does the story of Sephardic refugees, the slave trade, and a language assembled from seven others tell us about how Curaçao became Curaçao? And why does the blue liquid in most bottles labelled "curaçao" contain nothing from the island at all?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of the laraha — the accidental species, the Dutch distillers, and the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup...----------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

Why has the argan tree — which grows nowhere else on Earth — survived for 65 million years in the mountains of Morocco, and why are the women who have tended it for centuries now earning two euros sixty for a litre of oil that sells for a hundred in Paris? Who was Zoubida Charrouf, the chemist who gave scientific language to what Amazigh women had always known, and built a cooperative movement that changed thousands of lives — only for the global market to arrive and take almost everything? And what does liquid gold look like from the bottom of the supply chain?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Morocco and the argan tree — the performance goats, the women's cooperatives, and the ancient knowledge that the world monetised without ever properly paying for...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Antoni Porowski , beloved Queer Eye chef and food storyteller, at the CPMA 2026 Annual Conference. Discover how Antoni Porowski bridges the produce supply chain and culinary worlds, shares fresh salad inspirations with Fresh Express, and reveals simple yet exciting ways to elevate your meals with produce. Whether you're a food enthusiast or industry insider, this episode offers fresh perspectives and delicious ideas you won't want to miss!

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man welcomes Dr. Joel Fuhrman, board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert in nutrition and disease prevention.In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Fuhrman explains what it means to be a Nutritarian, the importance of nutrient density, the health benefits of his famous "G-BOMBS" foods, and why fruits and vegetables play such a critical role in longevity and disease prevention. Dan and Dr. Fuhrman also discuss modern eating habits, food addiction, chronic disease, and whether many of today's most common health problems are linked to the foods we choose to eat every day.Whether you're in the produce industry or simply looking to improve your health, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Learn more about Dr. Fuhrman's books, podcast, nutrition programs, and educational resources at DrFuhrman.com.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media. Visit AgLifeMedia.com to discover more podcasts, videos, industry news, and fresh produce content.

Why did a South American legume become the foundation of French imperial power in West Africa — and what did it cost the people who grew it? Who was Cheikh Amadou Bamba, the Sufi mystic the French exiled twice but could never destroy, whose followers built a religious empire on peanut fields? And how did a single crop simultaneously build the city of Dakar, finance two world wars, and trap an independent nation in a cycle of poverty it is still escaping today?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Senegal and the groundnut — the colonial railways, the Mouride brotherhood, and the tyranny of the peanut...----------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

Why did the cloud forests of Ecuador produce the only cure for a disease that killed popes, hollowed out armies, and blocked European expansion into the tropics — and what did the people whose knowledge made that cure possible pay for sharing it? Who was Manuel Incra Mamani, the man whose botanical expertise created the Dutch quinine monopoly, whose name is on nothing, and who was beaten to death for his trouble? And what does any of this have to do with the gin and tonic?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of cinchona bark — the Jesuit smugglers, the Andean monopoly, the pharmaceutical arms race, and the chemical precondition for the European partition of Africa...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Why did France's black truffle — once produced in the thousands of tonnes — collapse to near-extinction in a century, and what does its revival reveal about the country's relationship with luxury, landscape, and desire? Who are the truffle thieves stalking the oak groves of the Périgord with poisoned meatballs and stolen dogs? And why does a near-identical Chinese impostor, worth one-seventieth of the price, now threaten the French truffle industry from beneath the soil itself?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of the black diamond of the kitchen — the fraud, the cash markets, the criminal underworld, and the invisible biological invasion growing silently beneath the oaks of southern France...----------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

Join me for a fun, reflective, and produce-filled farewell to Greece as I wrap up an unforgettable month abroad—one conversation, one supermarket, and one peach at a time.

Why did the Aztecs drink their currency — and what does it mean that the most global food in the world began as a bitter, frothy, sacred drink consumed by warriors and kings in the rainforests of ancient Mesoamerica? Who was Quetzalcoatl, the god who stole cacao from paradise and gave it to humanity — and why does his promised return from the east make the moment Montezuma handed Hernán Cortés a golden cup of xocolatl one of the most extraordinary in history?Join John and Patrick as they tell the four-thousand-year story of cacao and the bitter, spiced drink that was simultaneously a currency, a sacrament, and the food of the gods...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

From Indigenous sugar shacks to the Supreme Court of Canada… how did maple syrup become one of the world's most tightly controlled commodities? Why does Quebec maintain a vast strategic maple syrup reserve? And how did a group of “barrel rollers” steal nearly $19 million worth of syrup in the most Canadian crime of all time?Join Patrick and John as they explore the history of maple syrup, the rise of Quebec's maple cartel, and the extraordinary true story of the Great Maple Syrup Heist.----------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

Why did tobacco, and not gold or glory, save the first permanent English colony in America? How did the Founding Fathers' tobacco debts to British merchants help light the fuse of the American Revolution? And who were the Tobacco Lords — the scarlet-cloaked Glasgow merchants who controlled more of the British tobacco trade than London, Bristol, and Liverpool combined?Join John and Patrick in the first episode of their World Cup series as they tell the story of the plant that built America, from the dying streets of Jamestown to the cobbled pavements of Georgian Glasgow, and the uncomfortable truth that the Declaration of Independence was written by men who were, among other things, furious at their bankers...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Join Patrick Kelly and correspondent Jonathan Buettner as they bring you exclusive coverage from the 2026 West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, California. Hear from industry leaders from Produce X , IPR Fresh, and Top Katz sharing cutting-edge technology, market trends, and candid insights into supply chain challenges.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man, on the produce table: early-season Santa Rosa-type plums, Japanese cucumbers, tamarillos, and the first California figs of the season. Find out what makes white peaches taste sweeter than yellow peaches, why organic bell pepper prices are so high right now, and get tips on how to pick the perfect pineapple and the perfect ear of corn. It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media. Check out AgLife Media today.

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series Podcast, we take an in-depth look at the powerful food trends reshaping consumer behavior across Europe in 2026. From the explosive rise of high-protein products and functional foods to flexitarian eating, convenience-driven meals, premium indulgence, sustainability, and nostalgic comfort foods, Europe's food landscape is evolving rapidly—but not uniformly. Discover why Swedish consumers are embracing protein for satiety, why Italy resists the protein craze, how GLP-1 drugs are influencing food choices, and why consumers across the continent are demanding foods that are healthier, fresher, traceable, affordable, and emotionally comforting. Join us as we explore how these emerging trends are creating enormous opportunities for the fresh produce industry and redefining the future of food across Europe.#freshproduce #Europeanconsumers #Proteintrend #GLP-1

Who was Dewayne Lee Johnson, the school groundskeeper soaked in Roundup who took on the most legally powerful agricultural company in the world — and what did his trial finally expose about what Monsanto's own scientists had known, and hidden, for forty years? Why did the revolution that promised to feed the world end up increasing herbicide use by twenty percent, turning farmers into perpetual customers, and forcing a German pharmaceutical giant to pay billions of dollars for a mountain of lawsuits it still hasn't climbed? And how does the story of a Missouri peach farmer watching his trees die from a chemical he never even sprayed open a window onto a hundred and twenty years of the same corporate playbook?Join John and Patrick for the final episode of their Monsanto series — the dicamba drift, the cancer lawsuits, the slag heap still glowing in the Idaho dark, and the question of whether history ever truly catches up with the companies that shape what we eat — in an age when the most dangerous document in the world turned out to be an internal email that was never meant to be seen...----------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

Join host Patrick Kelly and his daughter Lillee Kelly as they share a heartfelt conversation about their scouting trip to the Dominican Republic. Discover how their experience with the Water for All initiative revealed the critical importance of clean water access, sustainable farming, and community resilience in the produce industry. Tune in for a personal and inspiring episode that connects global produce supply chains with real human stories.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, California melons are in from El Centro, and May marks the beginning of California cantaloupe season.Dan the Produce Man dives deep into the fascinating history of the cantaloupe - from ancient times, to the papal villa where the melon is believed to have received its name, to the American railroad system that helped spread cantaloupes across the United States. Did cantaloupes really kill a pope? And how did they actually help save lives during World War II? Dan breaks it all down.Also on the table this week - a few early apricots, sweet Coachella Valley corn, and an update on the California cherry crop.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.Check out AgLifeMedia.com today.

Join host Juanita Gaglio from Athens, Greece, as she explores Brazil's rising role in the global mango market with expert guest Eryvan Pires, CEO of FruitMarket. Discover how Brazil's year-round mango supply supports key markets in Europe and the US, the intricate logistics behind keeping mangoes fresh across continents, and the future growth opportunities in mango consumption and marketing. A must-listen for anyone interested in the international fresh produce industry and tropical fruit trends.#brasilmangoes #FruitMarket #Eryvanpires #mangoeports #freshproduce

Who was Bob Shapiro, the guitar-playing Vietnam protester turned Monsanto CEO who genuinely believed genetically modified seeds could save the planet — and how did the same man who preached environmental salvation simultaneously bury a billion dollars of toxic human suffering in a corporate spinoff so that Wall Street would never have to look at it? Why did the most consequential revolution in the history of American farming arrive not with a manifesto but with a technology-use agreement that made it illegal for farmers to do what farmers had done for ten thousand years? And how does the story of Roundup Ready seeds open a window onto the hidden architecture of modern food; from a Vice President offering himself as Monsanto's Washington liaison in a company greenhouse, to the superweeds growing three inches a day that nobody in the marketing department wanted to mention?Join John and Patrick for the fifth episode of their Monsanto series — the GMO revolution, the monarch butterfly, the seed-saving ban, and the extraordinary gap between Bob Shapiro's vision and the contracts his lawyers were writing — in an age when the most powerful thing a company could own was a gene, and the most dangerous thing it could lose was trust...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Join Patrick Kelly and special co-host Ross Nelson as they dive into the fascinating world of vintage produce crate labels. Exploring iconic designs from the 1900s to the 1950s, they share stories of holiday themes, sports branding, and artistic creativity that shaped the produce industry. Tune in for a nostalgic trip with unique vintage finds, fan calls, and a community celebration of produce history and art.#vintage #history #agriculture

It was May of 1976 when 15-year-old Dan the Produce Man walked into a produce market in his hometown of Alameda, California. That's where it all began.This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Patrick Kelly joins Dan to look back on some of the moments, memories, and fun from Dan's 50 years in the fresh produce industry.From retail to wholesale, foodservice distribution, home delivery, and owning his own produce company, Dan's journey through five decades in produce has been one incredible ride.Join us as we celebrate 50 years in the produce business. It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.Check out aglifemedia.com today.

n this episode of the Global Fresh Series Podcast, we are joined by Athena Vorillas for an engaging discussion on Greece's vibrant food culture, agricultural heritage, and evolving fresh produce sector. From the deep-rooted importance of olives, citrus, and traditional Mediterranean ingredients to modern consumer trends and the role of fresh food in Greek society, Athena offers valuable insight into how Greece's culinary identity continues to influence both local markets and global perceptions. Discover the intersection of tradition, nutrition, and agriculture in one of the world's most historically rich food cultures.#greekfreshproduce #innovation #naxosfresh #freshproduce

What was Roundup, the herbicide born from a soap crisis in a radioactive Idaho slag heap, that became the most widely used weed-killer in human history — and how did the shy, introverted chemist who discovered it almost by accident set in motion a transformation of global agriculture more radical than anything since the plough? Why did a company drowning in Agent Orange lawsuits and Superfund sites stake its entire future on a single molecule — and how did that gamble lead, step by step, to the most audacious business strategy in the history of farming: owning not just the chemical, but the biology of the crop itself?Join John and Patrick for the fourth episode of their Monsanto series — the phosphate mines of Idaho, the patent cliff, the genetically modified seed, and the ultimate expression of John Queeny's founding insight — in an age when the most powerful thing a company could own was no longer a factory, but a strand of DNA...----------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

Join hosts Patrick Kelly and Co-Host Ross Nelson as they take you inside the 2026 Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPM) show in Toronto. Hear exclusive interviews with industry leaders, explore fresh innovations in produce packaging and supply chain technology, and discover the unique Canadian produce market vibe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to CPM, this episode offers valuable insights and lively conversations about the future of fresh produce and global trade.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man has a whole lineup on the table - starting with rain-damaged Apache apricots and as peaches and nectarines begin filling the stands we're saying goodbye to one of the season's favorite citrus items - sweet, easy-peeling Ojai Pixie tangerines.Dan shares a quick purple artichoke tip, talks about items for his Juice Cleanse, Maradol papayas, white asparagus, how to pick out the freshest greens, and even how to sweeten up your juice naturally without adding fruit. Plus - Sweetest Batch strawberries, gold kiwi from New Zealand, and a whole bunch more.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from the Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

In this week's Global Fresh Series, we explore why 2026 may prove to be a defining turning point for the global fresh produce industry. From escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies to extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and climate-driven production challenges, the sector is navigating unprecedented uncertainty. Join us as we examine how growers, exporters, retailers, and industry leaders are adapting to a rapidly changing landscape, through mergers and acquistions, and what these forces mean for the future of global fresh food production, pricing, and food security.#freshproducemergers #valueadded #freshproduceinflection #innovation

What was Agent Orange, the herbicide that fell like mist on the jungles of Vietnam — and how did a chemical born in a West Virginia factory end up destroying the food systems, forests, and bodies of an entire nation? Why did the company that knew its own product contained one of the most toxic substances ever identified keep that knowledge from governments, soldiers, and the Vietnamese farmers watching their rice paddies wither and die? And how does the story of twelve million gallons of dioxin-laced herbicide open a window onto one of the great recurring dramas of modern capitalism; from the misfiled letters of Nitro to the class action courtrooms of the 1980s, and the generations of Vietnamese children born into a war that never quite ended?Join John and Patrick for the third episode of their Monsanto series — Rachel Carson, Operation Ranch Hand, the veterans nobody believed, and the distance between what a company says it is doing and what it is actually doing — in an age when the most dangerous chemical in the world was still being sprayed on American rice fields fifteen years after it had been banned from the jungles of Vietnam...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Join host Patrick Kelly and special guest Tara Murray from Yo, Quiero! Brands as they craft the ultimate May the 4th Star Wars themed dip bar that seamlessly rolls into Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Discover festive dip ideas featuring guacamole, queso, salsas, and bean dips, plus tips on pairing fresh produce for the perfect fiesta spread. Whether planning a family gathering or a fun snack weekend, get ready for tasty, convenient party inspiration that'll keep your celebrations flavorful and stress-free!Who's ready? Because we are bringing the DIP DESTINATION TO YOU!!FIND A STORE TODAY!!https://yoquierobrands.com/locations

This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man is joined by Marc Wall and Neil Smith of Sandy Shore Farms in Ontario, Canada.And right now, one of the big crops coming out of Ontario is asparagus. Marc and Neil talk about the Canadian asparagus season, how they work alongside growers in Michigan and New Jersey, and how imports from Mexico are affecting the market.They also share why customers in their area are so receptive to local crops, the differences between asparagus varieties, and how those varieties all trace back to one mother plant.We also get into fresh processing with peppers and onions, food bank donations, reducing plastic, regenerative farming, cover crops, and what it takes to grow quality produce on a community-oriented family farm.It's all right here on Fresh From the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.Check out aglifemedia.com today.

This week on the Global Fresh Series we conclude our exclusive coverage of the 43rd edition of Macfrut 2026, reflecting on three dynamic days that showcased the very best of the global fresh produce industry. From groundbreaking innovations and international partnerships to emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, and key market opportunities, Macfrut once again proved why it remains one of the industry's premier global events. We break down the major highlights, influential conversations, and strategic takeaways from the show floor while also looking ahead to the future evolution of Macfrut and its expanding role in shaping the worldwide produce sector.#macfrut2026 #innovation #avocados #mangoes #produceindustrynetwork

Who was Edgar Queeny, the cold-eyed social Darwinist who inherited a chemical company from his father and turned it into one of the most powerful industrial forces in American history? Why did the man who helped trigger the atomic bomb, kept the Arsenal of Democracy running, and photographed brown bears in Alaska with Walt Disney also preside over a factory in West Virginia where workers were quietly being poisoned — and then denied compensation? And how does the story of a chemical explosion in Coal Country, a misfiled letter about dioxin, and thirteen men who couldn't afford to say no open a window onto the darkest chapter in the history of American agriculture; from the Manhattan Project to the jungles of Vietnam?Join John and Patrick for the second episode of their Monsanto series — the PCBs, the explosion at Nitro, the workers whose wives caught chloracne from their husbands' clothes, and the herbicide that was about to go to war — in an age when the company that made the bomb also made the weedkiller on your lawn...----------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

Join Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Lorenz Hercher of the Mosca Group to explore Reisopack's cutting-edge packaging solutions shaping the produce supply chain and the partnership behind the two companies. Discover how automation, smart technologies, and tailored systems are helping growers and packers reduce damage, save time, and boost profitability in end-of-line packaging. Tune in for industry insights and a sneak peek at their showcase coming to CPM Toronto!https://www.reisopack.com/en/home-en/

This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays…Dan is joined by Chris Zanobini from the California Pear Advisory Board.We're digging into what's really going on with imported pears flooding the market right when California fruit - especially Bartletts - is coming on. What that means for our growers, what you're seeing at retail, and why it matters more than most people realize.We also get into how the produce industry - and you as a consumer - can actually be part of the solution.Fresh From The Field Fridays is brought to you by The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.Check out aglifemedia.com today.

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we take you to the opening day of Macfrut 2026 in Rimini, Italy—where the global fresh produce industry gathers with energy, innovation, and purpose. From the moment the doors open, the show floor comes alive with international voices, forward-thinking technology, and powerful storytelling from growers and brands around the world.In this episode, we explore the key themes shaping this year's event, including sustainability, post-harvest innovation, and the growing importance of authentic connections across the supply chain. With a strong international presence and unmistakable Italian hospitality, Macfrut once again proves to be more than a trade show—it's a global meeting point for the future of fresh.Join us as we capture the sights, sounds, and insights from day one in Rimini, and set the stage for an exciting week ahead.

Who was John Francis Queeny, the broke Irish-American salesman who founded one of the most powerful and controversial companies in the history of modern agriculture - without knowing the first thing about chemistry? Why did a secret deal with Coca-Cola, a presidential letter, and a warehouse full of matches save his fledgling empire from collapse? And how does the unlikely story of a fake sweetener made from coal tar in St. Louis open a window onto the birth of the American chemical industry; from patent medicines and caffeine trials to the fossil chemistry that would one day reshape what the entire world eats?Join John and Patrick as they begin their six-part series on Monsanto - the company that started with saccharin and ended up controlling the farm - in an age when there were no labels, no regulations, and absolutely no shortage of things that could kill you...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Join Patrick Kelly as he recaps the vibrant Viva Fresh 2026 showcase in San Antonio, highlighting the debut of Juicy the Mango and the impactful Water for All initiative. Hear insights from his keynote at the Pro Act conference on bridging generational gaps in leadership, plus behind-the-scenes moments from booths and industry leaders. Tune in for fresh industry stories and a sneak peek at upcoming events and promotions!

This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce ManWe've got Bei Bei Kabocha squash, baby fava beans, Seascape strawberries, first of the season California Tioga cherries, plus fresh California apricots, peaches, and purple asparagusIt's all right here - your produce market on the podosphereFresh From the Field Fridays, from the Produce Industry Network, powered by Ag Life MediaCheck out aglifemedia.com today

his week on the Global Fresh Series, we dive into how one everyday staple—tomatoes—has become a powerful symbol of today's shifting food economy. While broader grocery inflation begins to cool, tomato prices are surging, revealing a perfect storm of converging forces behind the scenes.From tariffs on imported supply to rising diesel fuel costs and increasing fertilizer expenses, the pressure is building across the entire supply chain. Add in seasonal demand and global trade dynamics, and tomatoes are now at the forefront of a new, more uneven wave of food inflation.In this episode, we break down what's driving the spike, why it matters for growers, retailers, and consumers alike, and what it signals for the future of fresh produce pricing worldwide.#freshtomatoes #freshproduce #fertilizer #groceryinflation

Who is Bill Gates, the college dropout from Seattle who built the operating system of global capitalism - and then turned his restless, problem-solving mind to the oldest human activity of all: growing food? Why did his six-billion-dollar mission to end hunger in Africa leave more people hungry than before? And how does the story of one man's extraordinary ambition over the world's food supply echo the great estates of Imperial Rome, the English enclosures, and the ruthless monopolies of the Gilded Age?Join John and Patrick as they tell the unsettling story of the world's most powerful philanthropist and his campaign to rewrite the operating system of African agriculture — in an age when the line between benevolence and control has never been harder to draw...----------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

Over the last few years Patrick has been educated on plastics, compostable packaging and innovations in the supply chain. Join host Patrick Kelly as he explores the growing movement of sustainability in the produce industry, focusing on breakthrough compostable packaging innovations from leaders like Sunrays and Jac. Vandenberg. Discover how industry pioneers are transforming packaging to reduce plastic waste, support global causes, and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly options. Tune in to learn how the future of produce packaging is becoming both sustainable and scalable.This segment is POWERED by JAC VANDENBERG, INC. to educate and strive to a more sustainable future in our industry. https://sunraysfruits.com and https://jacvandenberg.com

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man brings you four outstanding spring items that are sure to get your attention.First, we head into the tropical fruit world with the exotic and delicious longan.Then it's off to Watsonville, California for beautiful red Little Gem lettuce and fresh new crop sugar snap peas.We also explain the difference between stringless and traditional sugar snap peas.And while we're talking peas, we dive into pea greens, tendrils, and shoots, and how to use those tender greens in the kitchen.Finally, we wrap it up with the granddaddy of them all, Haden mangoes.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, from the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.Check out aglifemedia.com today.

Long before podcasts and digital media, Orion Samuelson mastered the art of connecting farm and consumer through the airwaves. As the iconic voice of WGN Radio, he translated complex agricultural issues into stories people could understand—and trust.This week on the Global Fresh Series, we examine how his approach to communication holds powerful lessons for today's content creators, brands, and fresh produce leaders.As the gap between growers and consumers continues to widen, is podcasting today's version of what Orion built decades ago?#foodpodcast #freshproduce #digitalmedia #foodmyths #produceindustrynetwork

What is huitlacoche, the fungus that Indigenous farmers in Mexico gave thanks for at harvest - and that American agronomists spent a century trying to burn, quarantine, and breed out of existence? Why did two civilizations look at the same diseased corn cob and see, one, a seasonal gift, and the other, an agricultural catastrophe? And how does this strange, blackened organism open a window onto the great collision between Indigenous knowledge and colonial science; from the burning of Aztec codices to the tasting menus of New York?Join John and Patrick as they tell the extraordinary story of corn smut - the Mexican truffle, the genetics laboratory darling, the fungus that fed empires and terrified farmers - in an age when the line between disease and delicacy has never been more hotly contested...----------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.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Join host Patrick Kelly and longtime guest Michael Chavez from Golden Star Citrus as they delve into the escalating costs impacting growers, packers, and shippers across North America. This episode breaks down fuel, packaging, and operational pressures, exploring innovative strategies and industry collaboration needed to thrive amid tightening margins. Tune in for a grounded conversation on adapting to the new normal in fresh produce supply.#risingcost #supplychain #agriculture #freshproduce #northamerica

This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man, we're talking spring. Four items that are really shining right now.Savoy or Bloomsdale spinach, fresh harvested English peas, young spring radishes, and new crop California blueberries.Then we take a trip to the farmers market and catch up with Eric Arias of Castellano Farms out of Dinuba, California. He gives us an update on the upcoming stone fruit season, with fruit expected to hit the market mid-May.It's a crop update, and we'll tell you what, the fruit is on the horizon, and it's looking good.Fresh From the Field Fridays is brought to you by the Produce Industry Network and powered by AgLife Media. Head over to aglifemedia.com and check it out.

Regenerative agriculture is no longer a niche concept—it's becoming a defining force in the future of global fresh produce. In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we explore how farmers, retailers, and multinational food companies are working together to restore soil health, improve resilience, and reshape supply chains from the ground up.From large-scale initiatives across Europe to retailer-backed programs supporting farmers with data, training, and long-term investment, this episode dives into the real-world impact of regenerative practices. We examine how these efforts are addressing climate challenges, strengthening food security, and creating new opportunities across the value chain.Regenerative agriculture is reshaping the future of fresh produce. This episode explores how farmers, retailers, and global brands are working together to restore soil health, improve resilience, and build a more sustainable—and scalable—food system.

What is plastic, and how did a shortage of billiard balls accidentally give birth to the material that would feed the modern world? Why did a Belgian chemist rummaging through coal tar waste end up transforming the way humanity eats? And how does the unlikely journey from Victorian ivory substitutes to the clamshell of strawberries on your kitchen counter open a window onto the great forces of industrial history; from total war to the supermarket revolution?Join John and Patrick as they tell the extraordinary story of plastic's conquest of fresh produce, and the civilization it quietly built around us, in an age that made abundance the new normal...----------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 milestone episode celebrating six years of the Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly welcomes Rob Austin, CEO of Empower Fresh, for an in-studio conversation about the transformative power of AI and hands-on training in the produce supply chain. Discover how Empower Fresh University is reshaping team training, driving consistency, and helping retailers reduce shrink with cutting-edge AI tools. Tune in to learn actionable insights on revolutionizing your produce department and why the human touch remains crucial in the era of smart technology.https://empowerfresh.com/for-retailers#empower-fresh-university

This week, we're talking Gravenstein apples, a Sonoma County classic that is fading fast.Up in the Yuba City area, peach orchards - gone!At the same time, a whole wave of new fruit and berry varieties is coming your way.And in the bigger picture, restaurants are closing left and right. What is really going on out there?Plus, seasonal specialties like fiddlehead ferns and baby artichokes.And a juicy strawberry romance story from Dan's younger days.It is all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man, from the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.Check out aglifemedia.com today.