Latest Fresh Produce News & Insights

Columnist Armand Lobato recalls how a temporary head lettuce shortage took on a more dire presentation in a news report... Read More

Some argue that soft openings help stores address problems before the spotlight of the grand opening, but there’s only one real opportunity to showcase things at their best, especially in produce... Read More

Most new store openings get fouled up with wasted, neglected product and labor when overzealous orders block coolers, hallways and prep areas. Here are tips for better orders and plan execution... Read More

Proper and organized signing should be as important as ordering, rotation and sanitation, otherwise it can cost you time, labor hours and sales... Read More

Whatever you do, from store remodels to special orders, first consider how it affects your customers, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Columnist Armand Lobato examines the balance between efforts to prevent waste and fraud and the impact of value-added produce as a practical way to get nutrient-dense food into the hands of those in need... Read More

Columnist Armand Lobato reflects on produce-related travels during his career... Read More

Columnist Armand Lobato shares what he calls a must-read book, just in time for Potato Lover’s Month in February... Read More

Key positions will often expose a lack of hands-on experience, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Columnist Armand Lobato recalls a tale from his time as a produce assistant manager when 24 inches of snow fell in 24 hours... Read More

Columnist Armand Lobato addresses a question that persisted during years of store visits as a produce retail specialist... Read More

Regular culling helps minimize shrink and maximize freshness and quality in the produce aisle, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Columnist Armand Lobato recalls taking a much-needed break from the constant demands of being a produce buyer... Read More

Produce clerks’ courteous interactions with shoppers can enhance the in-store experience, but they should also know when it reaches a counterproductive point, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Are overnight graveyard shifts common in the produce aisle? No, but there’s a place for overnight shifts, and with them come many benefits, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Every season is ripe for coming up with ideas to push sales with secondary displays, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Dismiss fruit baskets as obsolete if you will, but shopper demand says otherwise, explains columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

While shrink are always a concern, some expert projections about the percentage of waste conflict with the reality of working in the produce aisle, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

While many lessons lie ahead, it’s also key to emphasize that quality is first and speed comes later, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Every display can be an eye-catcher if given the right touch and proper care, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Even with a solid background in management in another area, the success of someone in charge often comes down to having hands-on produce know-how, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

While a manager can admire everything that’s done right in their produce aisle, a consumer’s view can offer a humbling — and needed — perspective, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Football season is here, and it’s always been a good theme to help promote fresh produce, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

These events, pairing growers with buyers, provide a trove of valuable insights and good memories, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

When is comes to addressing a dissatisfied shopper, the lesson is clear for any retailer, explains columnist Armand Lobato... Read More