Latest Fresh Produce News & Insights

The price-friendly potato is nutritious and versatile in meals — but be sure to maximize your opportunities when advertising a sale, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Having a seasoned produce supervisor handle operations for major store events is good — having additional experienced personnel on hand to deal with the swarm of demands is even better, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

It's nice to have a great idea, but it's even better to execute the plan at some point. Columnist Armand Lobato has advice for getting over the hump... Read More

Strong leadership is a two-way street that includes creating trust with employees who in turn are motivated to do the job right. Columnist Armand Lobato explains how to get there... Read More

Worrying too much about operations and goals can hinder produce managers and their departments. Columnist Armand Lobato says focusing on these key steps can help alleviate the burden... Read More

A produce manager should encourage staff to do not only what’s expected, but exceed expectations, to benefit themselves, other shifts — and customers, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

When a challenge arises in produce, hesitation and inaction can lead to an undesirable outcome. Sometimes the best option is to "just lower your head and push," says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

If a grocer is built properly for convenience, with good customer service, a tired shopper is more likely to head to that store at the end of the day, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Columnist Armand Lobato explains how adhering to the meaning of this French phrase can help optimize labor scheduling, product ordering and merchandising... Read More

Fifteen produce and floral managers at area supermarkets participated in New England Produce Council's first Produce Manager Leadership Development Program at NEPC’s Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo... Read More

Just like home, something always needs to be maintained in the produce department. If not done in a timely manner, things only get worse — and shoppers will notice, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Do you have "diamonds" that "eat like candy"? Let's hope your stock has "legs" but isn't "kicked." Columnist Armand Lobato explains some of the unofficial terms heard around the produce aisle... Read More

Taking steps to minimizing food waste not only helps reduce shrink, but it also means fresher produce with a longer shelf life at the consumer’s home, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice’s proposed update to its merger-enforcement guidelines scrutinizes buyer power... Read More

Overnight produce receiving isn’t for everyone, but it can solve many problems for stores with once particular issue in their layout, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Oftentimes, evening shoppers get the leftovers, the picked-over product. The wet wall is drowned, the mango pyramid collapsed and the salad Picasso looks like mud now... Read More

That hodgepodge of fixtures collecting dust in storage can be a merchandising vault that can help reset a produce department, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

While a brix measurement offers a detail about sweetness, going beyond the numbers can keep a customer coming back all summer long, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

In-person events in the relationship-based produce business help keep conversations and creativity flowing among professionals who work throughout the industry, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

We’re now on the threshold of the most intense two to three months of fresh produce sales, says columnist Armand Lobato, who offers guidance on making the most of your summer setup... Read More

Historically, about 40% of produce sales and unit volume at brick-and-mortar grocery stores are from impulse buys, experts say. How do you do that online?.. Read More

Any organization that deals with fresh produce works to meet both their external and internal customer needs — and that includes how its operations handle delivery delays, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

How you open a new or remodeled store can say a lot to customers. Columnist Armand Lobato gives his thoughts on how to make a great first impression... Read More

Bad routines drag a produce department down into lethargy. Good routines make all the difference in the world, says columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

In the ever-present push and pull between produce buyer and supplier, here’s how to tip the scales in your favor... Read More