Join us on Grape Expectations , the podcast where we explore everything about grapes — from their health benefits in maintaining muscle mass to the intricate global grape market. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for the latest health tips or simply a fan of fresh produce, we’ve got the juicy details to keep you informed. Tune in to learn how grapes are taking over the world of wellness and business, one vine at a time! First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: https...
Mar 19, 2025•19 min
The story of the olive is one of resilience, empire, and cultural transformation. From its first human interactions in Africa over 100,000 years ago to its role in the economies of the great Mediterranean civilizations, the olive tree has been a silent witness to the rise and fall of history’s greatest powers. In the Eastern Mediterranean, early farmers began cultivating olives nearly 7,000 years ago, setting the stage for what would become an essential commodity of the ancient world. Join John ...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast , host Patrick Kelly welcomes Suhanra Conradie , CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa, to the Aglife Media Studio ! Suhanra shares her excitement about visiting Tampa, FL, for the first time and the importance of securing shelf space for premium citrus ahead of the summer season. With SEPC just around the corner, she discusses the brand’s strategy for delivering top-quality citrus to U.S. consumers and the strong partnerships that make it all pos...
Mar 17, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 527
This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network, Ross and Dan are feeling the St. Patrick's Day spirit! Ross kicks things off with some key takeaways from the SEPC Educational Sessions, and then the produce guys dive into cabbage and all the festive St. Paddy’s Day goodies. So tune in and turn on!
Mar 14, 2025•32 min
In this episode of The Global Fresh Series , our host Juanita Gaglio is back fresh off Southern Exposure , bringing insights into the latest market chatter. From the buzz around tariffs to shifting industry trends and exciting developments, we break down what’s shaping the fresh produce landscape. Join us for a lively discussion on the key takeaways, challenges, and opportunities ahead in the global fresh industry! Only Time Will Tell! First Class Sponsor : Peak of the Market: ht...
Mar 12, 2025•15 min
In the wake of war, division, and rapid industrialization, South Korea’s countryside faced a crisis. By the late 1960s, rural poverty was deepening, farmers were abandoning their fields for the cities, and the gap between urban and rural life had never been wider. But then, a dramatic shift began. Join John and Patrick as they explore the origins and impact of the Saemaul Undong Movement - the sweeping rural development program launched by President Park Chung-Hee in the 1970s. But to understand...
Mar 11, 2025•47 min
Join us for a special episode of The Produce Industry Podcast , broadcasting straight from Southern Exposure —one of the best events in fresh produce! We’re diving into exciting conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, including Chef Jeff Henderson, Molly Endenfield, Raina Nelson, Anne-Marie Roerink, Clark Roper, Kristen Yerecic-Scott, Maclaren Oglesby, Joy Tate, Tara Murray, Jay Gardner, and Amy Woods . From groundbreaking products to the power of community, networking,...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 526
Welcome back to Fresh From the Field Fridays with your host, Ross Nelson , and special co-host, Patrick Kelly ! Big Shout-Out to Dan "The Produce Man" for his week off. This week, Ross takes the mic from the brand-new Produce Industry Network Studio in Tampa, FL, sharing his first impressions of the space. We also dive into the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure —one of the most anticipated industry events of the year! Plus, we’ll talk about our Taste of Florida Dinner , the excitemen...
Mar 07, 2025•45 min
This week on the Global Fresh Series Podcast , we are honored to welcome your host Juanita Gaglio for an insightful discussion on key global topics shaping the fresh produce industry. 🌎 Trade Mission to South America – Exploring new opportunities, challenges, and the impact on global supply chains. 🍊 Citrus & Mental Health – Unveiling the promising role citrus plays in supporting mental well-being and its connection to depression. 📉 Tariffs & Trade – Navigating the evolving landscape ...
Mar 05, 2025•23 min
The relationship between Russia and Ukraine is as much about soil as it is about politics. The fertile black earth of Ukraine—cherished by empires, fought over by nations—has been both a source of great prosperity and deep conflict. And today, as world leaders negotiate the terms of peace, the historical struggle for control over Ukraine’s agricultural bounty remains as relevant as ever. Join John and Patrick as they unearth the long and complex history of fresh produce and agriculture in shapin...
Mar 04, 2025•42 min
History is made at Aglife Media Studios in Tampa, FL, as The Produce Industry Podcast hosts its very first, in-studio interview! Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Juanita Gaglio , Host of the Global Fresh Series , for an insightful conversation on Southern Exposure, Traveling with Fresh Produce and key takeaways to healthy journey through life. Tune in for this exciting milestone episode—packed with fresh perspectives, dynamic discussions, and a whole lot of industry passion!...
Mar 03, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 525
This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays on the Produce Industry Network from AG Life Media, it’s a mushroom madness extravaganza! Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss are joined by Sean Stellar from Phillips Mushroom Farms. We’re diving into the magical, mystical world of fresh mushrooms — their flavors, their funk, and all the fantastic things you can do with them. Loaded with flavor and packed with nutrition, this mushroom jive will help you thrive in your health and your lives — so...
Feb 28, 2025•31 min
Chicago’s history is deeply entwined with African American migration, resilience, and food traditions. Once a key destination of the Great Migration, the city became a new home for millions seeking opportunity - bringing with them the rich culinary heritage of the South. But how did African Americans adapt to urban life when access to farmland was scarce? And how did fresh produce shape their food culture in a city built on industry? Join John and Patrick for this special bonus episode, where th...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this special episode of the Global Fresh Series , Co-Host Patrick Kelly teams up with Juanita Gaglio to welcome Mike Knowles, Managing Director of Fruitnet Media, the leading platform for global produce news in the EU. Together, they dive into the biggest takeaways from Fruit Logistica, Europe’s premier fresh produce trade show, and explore its impact on the global supply chain. Mike shares why this event continues to be a cornerstone for industry innovation and collaboration—and why you shou...
Feb 26, 2025•39 min
African Americans have played an undeniable role in shaping American agriculture, yet today, they make up less than 2% of the nation’s farmers. From the rich agricultural knowledge enslaved Africans brought with them - cultivating crops like rice, okra, and yam - to the broken promise of "40 acres and a mule," Black farmers have faced generations of systemic barriers. What happened during Reconstruction that made land ownership so difficult? How did sharecropping trap so many in cycles of debt? ...
Feb 25, 2025•55 min
In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly , we’re joined by David Abadin , a seasoned expert in the frozen food sector, to dive into why some vegetables are actually better when bought frozen. David and Patrick explore the top 5 vegetables you should always buy frozen —discussing the benefits of peak-season harvesting, nutrient retention, extended shelf life, and the role frozen produce plays in reducing food waste. Key Takeaways: 🥦 The science behind why frozen veggies c...
Feb 24, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 524
This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network , Ross and Dan are joined by Raul Polo Jr. to talk about his new product— Miami Chips ! Get down to the roots of malanga and yuca chips , plus plantains and other tropical selections. We’re diving into what makes malanga and yuca unique , and which plantains are best for frying . It’s a crunchy good time, so tune in and turn on!...
Feb 21, 2025•28 min
Every February, the world of fresh produce unites in Berlin for Fruit Logistica—three days of innovation, connections, and market-shaping conversations. In this episode of the Global Fresh Series , we take you inside the event, sharing key highlights, industry insights, and our very first podcast experience on the ground. Join us as we explore the trends, technologies, and stories shaping the future of fresh produce. First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: https://peakofthem...
Feb 19, 2025•16 min
After years of relentless study, George Washington Carver arrived in Alabama in 1896 with a bold vision: to transform Southern agriculture and help Black farmers break free from poverty. But what he found was a region devastated by over-farmed soil, sharecropping, and economic struggle. Joining the Tuskegee Institute under Booker T. Washington’s leadership, Carver faced immediate resistance—from both the land and his colleagues. With a near-impossible workload and tensions mounting among faculty...
Feb 18, 2025•50 min
In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast , we welcome Betty Lu, Founder and CEO of Confetti Snacks—a venture-backed company transforming imperfect produce into award-winning, plant-based snacks that celebrate global flavors while combating food waste. Betty shares her journey from launching in San Francisco, NYC, and Singapore to gaining distribution in major retailers like Walmart, Albertsons/Safeway, Festival Foods and 120 major airports. Learn how Confetti Snacks partners with UNICEF, ...
Feb 17, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 523
This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network , Dan The Produce Man and Ross The Produce Boss are joined by The Flower Wizard himself, David Kaplan, just in time for Valentine’s weekend! What’s hot in the floral department at your grocery store? What’s trending at your local florist and in the industry as a whole? We’re diving into the symbolism behind different flower varieties, the incredible technology that ensures the perfect bloom, and pro tips to keep your flo...
Feb 14, 2025•39 min
Just like fresh produce, this week’s episode is packed with fresh news straight from Europe’s primary fresh produce trade association, Freshfel ! 🍏🌱 Join us as Philippe Binard , General Delegate of Freshfel, shares expert insights on aligning fresh produce sustainability efforts with the EU’s Green Deal initiative. Plus, sustainability specialist Gil Kaufman weighs in on the challenges and progress in standardizing criteria for sustainable initiatives across the industry. Choice Sponsor: Peak ...
Feb 12, 2025•35 min
George Washington Carver, born into slavery in the early 1860s, would go on to become one of the most influential figures in American agriculture. His life began in turmoil - kidnapped as an infant, raised by his former enslavers after the Civil War, and set on a path of profound curiosity and innovation. Despite immense adversity, George developed a deep connection to the land and plants, experimenting with natural solutions to help local farmers and developing a lifelong fascination with agric...
Feb 11, 2025•43 min
Join host Patrick Kelly on The Produce Industry Podcast as we recap an unforgettable Fruit Logistica 2025 from Berlin, Germany! This year marked my first time attending the event , and not only was I immersed in the world’s leading fresh produce trade show, but I also had the incredible opportunity to speak twice in one week —diving into the hottest topics shaping our industry. From groundbreaking innovations to global supply chain shifts, we break down the biggest takeaways from the show floor....
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 522
This Big Game weekend, Fresh From The Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network serves up some serious flavor! Ross The Produce Boss and Dan The Produce Man welcome Chef Jeffrey Schlissel, author of Craveable Obsessed —and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Dive into Chef Jeffrey’s journey, from working in the kitchen at just 8 years old to embracing the camaraderie of the culinary world, tackling an addiction (to food, of course!), advocating for local farms, and earning the title Rabbi ...
Feb 07, 2025•43 min
This week on The Produce Industry Podcast with Patrick Kelly , we’re coming to you from Amsterdam, Holland and Berlin Germany, as we gear up for Fruit Logistica! Patrick dives into the latest industry updates, key changes from the past month, and what to expect at the world’s leading fresh produce trade show. Plus, hear about Patrick’s upcoming speaking engagement at the Fresh Produce Forum (Hall F-23), where he’ll discuss Digital Innovation and Thriving in a Changing Fresh Produce Supply Chain ...
Feb 03, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 521
This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays with the Produce Industry Network, Albert Perez from Continental Fresh joins Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss to dive into Water For All , current crop conditions in Central America, and what’s really behind the Water For All label. Spoiler alert: the facts might just blow your mind! Plus, don’t miss out on the juicy details about imported New Zealand Red Envy Cherries , Cherry Guava , and the vibrant Valentine Pummelo . Get ready for a podc...
Jan 31, 2025•33 min
As 12% of North Americans turn to GLP-1 weight loss medications and another 20% express interest, shifting eating patterns demand a fresh approach to marketing and nutrition. What can the fresh produce sector learn from CPG companies' pivoting strategies? Plus, three top industry leaders break down the potential impact of tariffs on global fresh produce trade. Stay ahead of the trends shaping the industry in this insightful discussion. Choice Sponsor: Peak of the Market: https://...
Jan 29, 2025•20 min
For centuries, people from all walks of life have turned to gods and goddesses to ensure a bountiful harvest. The myths surrounding these deities are as diverse as they are fascinating, with stories of forbidden fruits, underworld bargains, and even gods donning flayed skins. But what common threads run through these ancient tales from distant cultures? What can these myths reveal about the societies that believed in them, and their deep ties to the land? Were these gods objects of fear, reveren...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 8 min
🌍 In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast , host Patrick Kelly sits down with special guest Jaime Bustamante of the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) for an engaging conversation just days before their trip to Berlin! Jaime delves into the critical role of the DRC in fostering fair trade practices for international organizations. From navigating communication in three different languages to addressing complex cross-border disputes, Jaime shares invaluable insights...
Jan 27, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 520
