Latest Fresh Produce News & Insights

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

Staying receptive to innovation, even after failures, can help retailers find a hit product that defies the odds, explains columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

As the high point for produce shrink approaches, columnist Armand Lobato highlights the main culprits and offers ways to help keep these losses in check... Read More

AI may deliver great advances in many aspects, but it’s the produce manager who holds the upper hand when it comes to applying common sense in the grocery business, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Don‘t want to waste time or money when a truckload of fresh produce arrives? Get organized with these recommendations from columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Even with a comprehensive produce manual to offer direction, store results depend on the produce manager’s approach to preparing a crew and holding them accountable, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

It’s a season to showcase sweet corn, and columnist Armand Lobato has advice for handling and merchandising to maximize sales... Read More

When developing a team, keep an eye out for those eager to learn more about the business, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Some memories from the produce aisle stick around, even in dreams, and make for good times when reconnecting with colleagues, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

By providing essential details efficiently, buyers help produce managers operate more effectively, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Most employees want to do their job well, but not all do, and it’s up to the manager to set the tolerance level for excuses, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Be more than a store people visit just for a specific item or two. Columnist Armand Lobato shares tips for being the primary destination for consumers’ food purchases... Read More

Is this selling term best determined by a state boundary or specific mileage? Columnist Armand Lobato discusses both methods — and an alternative... Read More