The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

It's a new year on Fresh-from-the-Field Fridays, and Dan the Produce Man brings you four in-season favorites.We kick things off with broccolini, also known as sweet baby broccoli, where it came from, why it goes by so many different names, and why the stems matter.With all the rain in Northern California, chanterelle mushrooms are abundant right now, and they remain a true favorite among chefs.A brief field update from strawberry fields in Watsonville.We also get into sunchokes. Are these sunny artichokes? Well, not really. Find out what this tasty tuber is all about.And we wrap things up with a quick blurb on the Sumo Mandarin, including which three citrus varieties contributed to its development.It's all right here on Fresh-from-the-Field Fridays, on the Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

The final Global Fresh Series episode of 2025 is all about celebration. We're highlighting the people, ideas, and breakthroughs that shaped the year across the global fresh produce industry. From farm fields to global markets, this episode captures the energy, resilience, and innovation that defined 2025—and sets the stage for an exciting year ahead. Join us as we close the season with gratitude, insight, and a fresh outlook for 2026.Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

Once, Switzerland was a land of pears.When we picture the Swiss countryside today, we imagine tidy fields, precision farming, and alpine order. But not so long ago, vast stretches of eastern Switzerland were covered in towering pear trees - ancient giants that fed communities, sustained wildlife, and produced perry renowned across Europe.So how did a nation famed for care, balance, and cultivation come to destroy eleven million fruit trees in the space of a generation?Join John and Patrick as they unravel one of the strangest and most unsettling episodes in modern agricultural history: the deliberate, state-sponsored destruction of Switzerland's perry orchards. From temperance panics and alcohol laws to bureaucrats with axes, propaganda films, and the cult of “modern” efficiency, this is a story of progress turned destructive - and of a drink, a landscape, and a culture quietly erased.Was this modernization… or cultural vandalism? And what was lost when the last great pear trees fell?----------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

In this special year-end episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly reflects on the defining moments, challenges, and wins that shaped the produce industry over the past year. From market shifts and innovation to leadership lessons and industry trends, Patrick breaks down what mattered most—and why. He also looks ahead to the new year, sharing insights on what's coming next and how produce professionals can prepare for the opportunities and changes ahead.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross brings on a special guest, his daughter Alice, to share her preteen fresh produce picks. Ross also digs into some dairy-free alternatives to his traditional Czech heritage cookies, plus brand-new seasoned veggie kits made for the air fryer. They cover New Year's Eve produce picks, from black-eyed peas and collard greens to grapes, and even tackle the question of whether New Year's resolutions are actually a good idea.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, from the Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

Twas the price before Christmas, and all through the supply chain, avocados were falling while citrus felt the strain. In this festive episode of the Global Fresh Series, we unwrap the latest market moves—avocado prices hitting multi-year lows thanks to booming imports, while California citrus climbs to holiday-high territory. With a nod to a classic Christmas tale (reimagined with fresh produce), this episode blends market insight with a little seasonal cheer.Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

As 2025 draws to a close, we also reach the midpoint of the decade. Looking back on an eventful first half of the 2020s, we're left with a big question: what will history remember about this era in the world of fresh produce?In this final livestream of 2025, John and Patrick will revisit the defining moments of the past five years, unpack their historical significance, and ask whether these events will endure as true turning points - or fade into the background as intriguing but fleeting milestones.----------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, Patrick Kelly recaps AgLife Media's 2025, highlighting key projects, industry conversations, and how the company supported produce professionals through a year of change. Patrick shares what AgLife Media learned from the field, the topics that resonated most with the industry, and how those insights are shaping the year ahead.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays,Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss aretalking Christmas cookie traditions, with Ross sharing family-favorite Czechrecipesand why he still uses an old-school, hand-turned grinder to make walnut flourthe traditional way. That technique also opens the door to gluten-free anddairy-free holiday cookie options.On the table this week: Oro Blancos, Kishu mandarins, sweetlimes, imported Bing cherries, white strawberries, chestnuts, Davison apples,late-season Fuyu persimmons, and how to use them, even when they start tosoften so nothing goes to waste.It's festive, it's flavorful, and it's all right here onthis holiday episode of Fresh from the Field Fridays, from the ProduceIndustry Network, powered by AgLife Media.

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we begin with a lighthearted (and honest) reflection on holiday travel, how flying has changed over the years, and why a cup of fresh fruit might be the best carry-on you can bring. But quickly, the conversation turns serious as we examine how timing, weather, and global trade pressures are reshaping fresh produce supply chains. Shifting to the U.S. Pacific Northwest, where torrential rainfall in Northwest Washington is creating real-time challenges for growers of berries, seed crops, specialty vegetables, forage, and dairy feed.Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com

What do gold, frankincense, and myrrh really tell us about the world into which Jesus was born? Who were the Magi - kings, mystics, scientists, or traders - and why did they travel vast distances carrying some of the most valuable agricultural products on Earth? How do desert trees in Arabia and the Horn of Africa connect a humble birth in Bethlehem to ancient global supply chains, imperial economics, and the earliest luxury produce markets? And what happened when symbolic gifts became engines of demand, reshaping landscapes, trade routes, and even Christian worship for centuries to come?Join John and Patrick as they follow the scent trail of frankincense and myrrh - from wounded bark and caravan routes to temples, churches, and modern medicine - in a fresh-produce retelling of the Nativity that reveals the Three Wise Men not as fairy-tale kings, but as emissaries of the ancient global economy. This is the Christmas story as you've never heard it before: rooted in trees, trade, and the fragile agricultural systems that quietly changed the world.----------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

In this episode of the Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly sits down with Shay Myers, President of Owyhee Produce, for a conversation that happens mid-flight as the two travel together on a plane. With nowhere to be but in the moment, they talk about produce, where to find truly good-quality fruits and vegetables, and what separates the best products from the rest. Along the way, Shay shares insights from a lifetime in farming, touching on leadership, family legacy, and how the produce industry continues to evolve. It's an easygoing, honest conversation rooted in a shared love of great produce.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Chef Jeffrey Schlissel joins us with smart, time-saving prep tips to make your holiday cooking a whole lot easier. We get into what you can prep ahead so you're not slammed on the big day, the latest trends in the restaurant and food-service world, and a heads-up about ingredients in fresh-prepped foods. Chef Jeffrey brings the heat with practical advice and plenty of industry insight. All this and more from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

In this week's episode, host Juanita Gaglio takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of the global fresh-produce scene — from bananas mysteriously washing ashore on U.K. beaches to the first shipments of Chilean cherries sparking excitement for the holiday season. We'll also look at why broccolini is having a major moment on menus and market shelves alike.The feature story dives into the USMCA Agreement review, exploring what's at stake for growers, exporters, and retailers across North America. With trade policy, produce trends, and fresh arrivals all on the table, this episode serves up a delicious mix of insight, intrigue, and inspiration — straight from the global produce supply chain.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

From incestuous wasps and prehistoric forests to sacred enlightenment, revolutionary resistance, and a certain square-shaped snack aisle icon - what if the fig is the most powerful fruit in human history? Join John and Patrick as they trace the astonishing 80-million-year saga of the fig: its ancient pact with tiny wasps, its role in shaping ecosystems, feeding early humans, inspiring gods and emperors, fueling revolutions in Kenya, and conquering America as the mighty Fig Newton. Was the fig humanity's first domesticated plant? Did it help build civilizations, religions, and even our own hands? And how did one strange fruit manage to bridge myth, medicine, empire, and mass production? This is the epic, unexpected history of the fig - one of the most extraordinary stories nature ever wrote.----------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 candid and energizing episode, host Patrick Kelly steps away from the fields and into the doctor's office—literally. Fresh from a recent medical checkup, Patrick shares what he learned, what surprised him, and why the conversation around health and wellness is more important than ever.Patrick opens up about how personal health ties directly into the produce industry, our food system, and the choices consumers make every day. From nutrition trends and preventative care to the pressures of modern life and the importance of listening to your body, this episode serves as both a reminder and a wake-up call: your health is your biggest asset.The future of produce, packaging, and innovation is happening at the SWIPE Expo, and you won't want to miss it. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore groundbreaking technology, and discover what's next for the world of fresh produce.SWIPE Expo Registration: https://web.cvent.com/event/0ac4c457-55e5-4cb8-951e-71c1fb8944af/regProcessStep1Link to episode with Michelle Pearlman mentioned in this episode: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2db66830-74db-45d8-9f4c-393b131e1f87/episodes/ffc1cd72-5b7f-4efb-afb4-b3c84a966b91/the-produce-industry-podcast-w-patrick-kelly-power-of-food-as-medicine-w-dr-michelle-pearlman---ep381?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2F

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays:Ross is on the East Coast at the New York Produce Show, and Dan is in Monterey at the Organic Grower Summit. We kick things off with the latest on the strawberry situation, then roll right into our picks of the week: crisp Iceberg lettuce, sweet Ambrosia apples, classic Rome Beauties, those gorgeous red Dianju pears, and creamy Bacon avocados. And believe it or not, Dan's garden is still pumping out tomatoes here in December.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media!

In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we take a deep dive into the numbers shaping what's on our plates — comparing the staggering $3.23 trillion global ultra-processed foods market with the $1.27 trillion fresh-produce sector projected by 2034. Host Juanita Gaglio unpacks where the real opportunities lie for fruits and vegetables to innovate, inspire, and add value — from blending fresh ingredients into convenient foods to leveraging consumer love for healthy, ready-to-eat options. We also listen in on what consumers are saying about fresh produce — how presentation, freshness, and even festive holiday packaging are giving sales a noticeable lift.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

"They say once you grow crops somewhere, you have officially colonized it. So technically, I colonized Mars. In your face , Neil Armstrong!"As Mark Watney's line from the book and film The Martian suggests, fruits and vegetables have long played a starring role in our visions of space. Sometimes they're subtle symbols of home; other times, they're humanity's only hope for survival.But how realistic are these space gardens? Could these crops truly grow beyond Earth - and if they could, would they be enough to sustain life? And what lessons can we draw from history, when explorers relied on produce to survive their own journeys into the unknown?Join John and Patrick on this month's livestream as they pull out the popcorn to talk space films, produce and history!-----------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 reflective episode with, Patrick Kelly he shares how the Water for All Hike with BLUE Missions and Continental Fresh reshaped his perspective on something most of us never think twice about: water. After walking the same paths families in the Dominican Republic travel daily to access clean water, Patrick describes the weight of their stories, the resilience of the communities he met, and the realization that water isn't a convenience — it's life, opportunity, and the foundation for a thriving future.Patrick then connects this experience back to the produce industry, reminding his listeners that water is the starting point of everything we grow, ship, and serve. Clean water doesn't just hydrate people — it activates communities, powering local agriculture, entrepreneurship, and economic stability. This episode is both a thank-you and a call to action for industry leaders to step up, get involved, and recognize the shared responsibility we have to support the communities that make our work possible.www.bluemissions.org and www.continentalfresh.com

In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we explore three dynamic stories shaping the produce world and beyond. First, we dive into the innovative trend of packing premium avocados in festive Christmas gift boxes—what it means for growers, exporters, retailers and the seasonal consumer mindset. Next, we examine the latest global public-health push around ultra-processed foods: how policy, research and consumer behavior are changing, and why this matters for fresh produce marketers. Finally, we take a delightful detour into the world of agritourism with a UK farmer who invites visitors to cuddle cows—exploring diversification, consumer experience, and how farm storytelling can reshape perceptions of agriculture. Tune in for a wide-angle view of freshness, health, and the unexpected sweet spots in the produce ecosystem.

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Ross “The Produce Boss” Nelson steps in as guest host while Patrick participates in the Blue Missions Water For All Hike in the Dominican Republic.Ross provides listeners with an overview of the purpose and scope of the Water For All initiative—an effort focused on expanding access to clean and reliable water for communities in need. He also shares updates from Patrick's journey, highlighting key aspects of the hike, the impact of the initiative, and why this mission holds significant importance within and beyond the produce industry.

What does a thorny Mediterranean thistle have to do with the American Mafia? How did a humble vegetable — adored by Romans, cultivated by Renaissance queens, and grown lovingly by Italian immigrants — become the centerpiece of one of the strangest criminal rackets in U.S. history? And why did a fiery New York mayor decide that the only way to defeat organized crime… was to ban artichokes altogether?Join John and Patrick as they trace the extraordinary saga of the Artichoke King — Ciro Terranova — the East Harlem mobster who turned produce into power. From the early Italian farmers of California's coast, to the violent “Artichoke Wars” of the 1930s, to Fiorello La Guardia's theatrical crusade against racketeering, this is the bizarre and gripping story of how food, identity, and crime became entangled in the markets of New York.-----------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

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan The Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss welcome Chef Eric Meisel — culinary produce specialist and all-around kitchen wizard. We're diving into everything Thanksgiving… brining tips, roasted veggie magic, the right fruits to brighten your table, and even some fun drinks to bring a little extra groove to your holiday spread.It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, brought to you by The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

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.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man dig into some seasonal gems—fresh Florida citrus, Honey Nut squash, and a few more late-fall goodies hitting produce departments right now. Then the duo welcomes Dustin Robison from Harvest Central, a sweet potato grower out of Livingston, California. Dustin breaks down sweet potatoes the way only a farmer can: organic, conventional, flavor differences, storage and cooking tips, plus a few Thanksgiving prep hacks to make those holiday dishes really pop. It's all happening 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 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.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss dive into some killer seasonal gems — Arkansas Black apples, miniature mangoes, Koginut squash, Fuyu persimmons — plus other surprises straight from the field.We also drop a few simple tips to help you prep for the big holiday coming up this month. Fresh, fun, seasonal!It's all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, from The Produce Industry Network on AgLife Media.

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

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man — we're getting spooky with produce.Halloween goodies, healthy swaps, and yes… even some candied fruit for the sweet tooth crowd.Ross breaks out a killer lineup of creative Halloween fruit boards and charcuterie-style displays — perfect for parties or keeping the kids off the sugar crash.We also touch on Day of the Dead and All Saints traditions, and the produce items that show up in those celebrations.It's seasonal, it's fresh, and it's fun — all right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays, brought to you by The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

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.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, there's an exciting new pineapple in town — and boy oh boy, it's smashingly incredible!

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!.