The Produce Moms Podcast

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor discusses the importance of inclusion in education with Amanda Mullins, Assistant Director of Career and Leadership Development for Indiana FFA. They explore the role of FFA in youth development, the introduction of a Unified Horticulture Career Development Event (CDE) aimed at including students with special needs, and the collaborative efforts that made this initiative possible.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor discusses the journey of bringing more fruits and vegetables to every table with guest Tristan Simpson. They explore the recent acquisition of Poppy, a brand that has made waves in the beverage industry, and delve into the importance of brand strategy, community engagement, and storytelling in the produce sector.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Dr. Dana Cummings, who shares her innovative approach to agriculture through her work at Sonovus Ranch. The conversation explores the concept of solar grazing, where sheep are used to maintain solar farms, highlighting the benefits of sustainability, animal welfare, and the future of farming.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor hosts a roundtable discussion featuring women leaders in the produce industry sharing their experiences and insights on empowerment, authenticity, and the importance of community.

In this conversation, Lori Taylor speaks with John Johnston from Naturipe Farms about the company's commitment to premium blueberries, specifically their Sweet Selections line.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Matt Mulica, a Senior Project Director at the Keystone Policy Center, to discuss the critical role of honey bees in agriculture and the alarming decline in bee populations.

In this conversation, Lori Taylor and Janis McIntosh discuss the various aspects of sustainability in agriculture, particularly focusing on Naturipe Farms. 

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor discusses sustainability in agriculture with Jennifer Schaal, CFO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association. They explore the challenges faced by Florida citrus growers due to HLB (citrus greening disease) and the innovative CUPS (Citrus Underprotective Screen) technology that offers a workaround to this devastating issue.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor discusses the critical role of water in agriculture, particularly in Idaho, with third-generation farmer Jeff VanOrden. They explore the complexities of water management, the impact of water policy on farming, and the importance of sustainability in potato farming.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor celebrates National Nutrition Month with guests Kait Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist, and Jackie London, a Registered Dietitian. They discuss the importance of pears, their nutritional benefits, various pear varieties, and the year-round journey of pear growers.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor welcomes Jill Overdorf, a culinary expert and founder of The Produce Ambassador. They discuss the complexities of the food service industry, including its various categories, the impact of sustainability, and the evolving consumer preferences shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jill shares insights on emerging culinary trends, the importance of regional cuisine, and the challenges faced by the industry, particularly regarding labor and cultural appropriateness. In this engaging conversation, Lori Taylor and Jill Overdorf explore the evolving landscape of the food service industry, discussing the impact of automation, innovative dining concepts, labor challenges, sustainability efforts, and emerging trends in flavors and beverages. They emphasize the importance of supporting local restaurants and the community while highlighting the significance of seasonality and health in food offerings. The discussion culminates in predictions for future food trends and the role of hospitality in enhancing the dining experience.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor hosts Shawn Peery, National Vice President of Produce at Albertsons Companies, and Kevin Stennes, a fourth-generation grower of Sugar Bee(R) Apples. The conversation explores the connection between grocers and farmers, the importance of seasonal promotions, and the role of flavor in driving consumer engagement.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor welcomes David Istier, Founder of gutzy® Organic, to discuss the innovative organic snack brand that focuses on gut health. David shares his journey from France to the U.S., his passion for food, and how gutzy® Organic was born out of a desire to create convenient, healthy snacks for busy lifestyles. The conversation covers the unique product offerings, the importance of ingredient integrity, and the upcoming launch of gutzy® products in Walmart stores. David emphasizes the significance of gut health and the need for more people to incorporate organic fruits and vegetables into their diets.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor hosts a roundtable discussion with Suzy Monford, CEO of Heritage Grocers Group, and Julie DeJarnatt, VP of Marketing and Brand Strategy at Chelan Fresh. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the produce industry, the importance of the produce department in grocery retail, and the need for more women in leadership roles.

In this conversation, Lori Taylor and John Johnston discuss the rising popularity of blackberries, particularly the premium offerings from Naturipe. They explore the commitment to quality and flavor in berry production, the innovative breeding processes that enhance fruit quality, and the consumer trends driving demand for sweeter, more flavorful berries.

In this episode of the Produce Moms Podcast, Lori Taylor speaks with Monica Moreno Arellano, CMO of Grupo PM, about the importance of promoting fresh produce, particularly USA Pears, in Mexico and Latin America. They discuss the impact of trade on produce consumption, the cultural significance of fruits and vegetables in Mexican society, and the role of US commodity boards in supporting growers.

In this engaging conversation, Lori Taylor and Jackie London explore the nutritional benefits of grapes, debunk common myths surrounding their sugar content, and highlight their role in promoting heart health, cognitive function, and overall wellness.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor welcomes back Jackie London, a Registered Dietitian and Chief Nutrition Officer, to discuss the latest trends in nutrition and produce. They explore insights from the New York Produce Show, emphasizing the growing importance of convenience in produce, flavor innovations, and the significance of traceability and transparency in the food industry.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor welcomes Anthony Corsaro, a thought leader in regenerative agriculture. They discuss Anthony's personal journey into the world of regenerative practices, the importance of soil health, and the challenges faced by both emerging and established brands in adopting these practices.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back grocery retail expert Brittain Ladd to discuss significant trends and events shaping the grocery industry in 2025. They delve into the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger, the competitive landscape of major retailers like Costco, Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the produce sector.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori welcomes back Pamela Riemann Schneider to discuss the latest trends in the produce industry for the new year. They explore the evolution of food trends, the dominance of protein in consumer behavior, the importance of functional foods, and the cultural influences shaping grocery shopping.

This episode highlights the work done by our Trailblazer award recipient, Mollie Van Lieu. 

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor reflects on the achievements of the past year and introduces the 2024 Trailblazer Award winner, Molly Van Lieu. The conversation highlights the importance of the WIC program in providing nutrition to women and children, the successful advocacy efforts to increase funding and benefits, and the future goals for nutrition policy.

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, the host discusses the importance of sustainable choices in fashion and agriculture with Cate Havstad-Casad, founder of Range Revolution. They explore the intersection of ethical fashion and farming, the principles of regenerative agriculture, and the significance of supporting first-generation farmers.

In this conversation, Lori Taylor and Steven Ware discuss the launch of the Produce Moms approved seal and the new Berry Buddies product line from Naturipe.

In this episode of the Produce Mom's podcast, Lori Taylor hosts a roundtable discussion with Tristan Simpson and Carrie Ann Arias, focusing on the key wins and flops in the produce industry for 2024. 

In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back Jenny Maloney from Bayer Vegetable Seeds and introduces Allen Warch, Vice President of Food and Fresh Merchandising at Dollar General. They discuss the significant milestone of Dollar General surpassing 5,000 stores selling fresh produce, the partnership with Bayer to promote fruit and vegetable consumption, and the importance of National School Lunch Week.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor discusses the importance of salt in our diet with Darryl Bosshardt from Redmond. They explore the misconceptions surrounding salt, the story of Redmond Salt, and the various types of salt available in the market.    

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, host Lori Taylor interviews Doyle Karr, a thought leader in the food and agriculture industry, about the issue of heavy metals in food and soil. They discuss the types of heavy metals, the risks they pose, and the innovations and solutions being developed to mitigate this problem.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor welcomes Blaine Heilman, the new President of Sales at Sage Fruit Company. They discuss Blaine's journey in the produce industry, the importance of mentorship and career development, and the challenges of building a brand in a commodity market.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor interviews Paul Rice, the Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA, and Rodolfo Spielmann, the President and CEO of NatureSweet. They discuss the importance of fair trade and its impact on farmers and workers in the agricultural industry. Fairtrade certification promotes sustainable livelihoods, protects the environment, and builds transparent supply chains.

Marshal Sewell, founder of Mind Your Melon, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness of farm stress and mental health in agriculture, joins Lori Taylor to offer a prayer for the farmers and communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

Katie Eshuys, President of That's it, joins Lori Taylor on the Produce Moms podcast to discuss the brand's mission of getting more fruits and vegetables on every table. That's it is known for its fruit bars, which contain only two ingredients: fruit and fruit.  

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor interviews Ali Cox, the founder and CEO of Noble West. They discuss the importance of branding and marketing in the produce industry, as well as the challenges faced by growers in promoting their products.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor interviews Chris Kiser, the CEO of Spice World, to celebrate the company's 75th anniversary. They discuss the history of Spice World, from its humble beginnings as a garlic repackaging business to its current portfolio of over 250 SKUs.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes back Amit Patel, Marketing Director of Innovation at NatureSweet and Jackie London, Chief Nutrition Officer for The Produce Moms. They discuss the latest innovations and products at NatureSweet, including their to-go line and a new partnership with Paw Patrol.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, three newly named National FFA Teacher Ambassadors discuss the importance of FFA in agriculture education. They highlight the diverse range of students and chapters in FFA, emphasizing that FFA is not just for those interested in farming.

The conversation with Tom Barnes, President and CEO of Category Partners, focuses on data and insights in the perishable industry. They discuss how data-driven decisions can drive business and growth for all stakeholders in the value chain. They also touch on the importance of understanding consumer demographics and trends, the impact of lifestyle diets on produce consumption, and the role of data in making pricing and assortment decisions.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, the guests discuss the role of holiday marketing and food. They explore the emotional connections and memories associated with holiday food choices, the influence of nostalgia in holiday food traditions, and the use of multi-sensory marketing to create emotional connections.

In this episode, Lori Taylor interviews Tina Dominguez, a physician assistant specializing in pediatric allergies. They discuss the clinical side of pediatric allergies, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. They also touch on the challenges faced by families with food allergies and the importance of food allergy education and awareness.

Will Kornegay, founder and CEO of Ripe Revival, joins the Produce Moms podcast to discuss the issue of farm excess and how his company is working to bridge the gap between farm excess and food access.

Dr. Dionne Laslo Baker, founder of DeeBee's Organics, joins the Produce Moms podcast to discuss her journey in creating organic freezer pops that are both delicious and nutritious. Dr. Dionne shares her background in medical research and her passion for providing healthy treats for children.

In this episode, Lori Taylor and Jennifer Crumpler discuss the impact of cotton agriculture, the cotton value chain, sustainability practices, and the differences between natural and synthetic fibers.

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor and Jackie London discuss the health benefits of cherries. They highlight the nutritional properties of cherries, including their antioxidant content, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The conversation with Laura Tennyson explores the significance of Juneteenth and its connection to the history of slavery in America, particularly in New Orleans. Laura shares insights into the New Orleans Slave Trade Marker and App Project, shedding light on the deep history of slavery and the impact it had on the development of the United States.

The conversation explores the world of fancy fruits and their growing popularity, with a focus on luxurious and rare produce items. Robert Schueller, a PR hero at Melissa's, shares insights on the demand for high-end fruits, their cultural significance, and their availability in the market.