Global Fresh Series

In this  Part II  of our deep dive into the  ESM European Grocery Report 2025 , we unpack the fresh facts shaping the continent’s supermarket retail landscape. From internal country politics, inflation, geopolitics and tariffs that impact consumer behavior and how they are making their purchasing decisions, host  Juanita Gaglio  brings you the highlights that define t...

In this episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we unwrap the findings of the  ESM European Grocery Report 2025  — one of the most anticipated overviews of retail dynamics across Europe. From the rise of  private labels  to the reign of  trust-driven retail brands  like ICA, we explore what’s shaping the shelves, the shoppers, and the supply chains of tomorrow. Spo...

Anaheim buzzed with color, culture, and collaboration as the world’s fresh-produce leaders gathered for  IFPA 2025 . Join  The Global Fresh Series  as host, Juanita Gaglio recaps the show’s standout booths, boldest ideas, and inspiring speakers — from CarrieAnn Arias’s pear renaissance to ZAG’s call for digital defense. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed journey through the heart of fres...

In this episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we journey to the breathtaking region of South Tyrol, Italy — home to some of the world’s most celebrated apples. Our guest,  Hannes Tauber , Marketing Manager and CMO of  VOG – Home of Apples , shares his deep-rooted passion for apples, from bringing a sommelier event to apples to the growers who cultivate them, and the generations of t...

Broadcasting from vibrant Madrid, Spain; this episode of  The Global Fresh Series  takes you inside the magic of  Fruit Attraction 2025 , where innovation and heritage collide in the world of fresh produce.  Join host  Juanita Gaglio  as she paints the scene of a show pulsing with connection, culture, and creativity — from the buzzing halls of IFEMA to an unforgettabl...

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we sit down with Dave McCary of ZAG Technical Services to explore how cybersecurity and ransomware are reshaping the fresh produce industry. From recent high-profile attacks on produce companies to the hidden vulnerabilities in supply chains, Dave shares why protecting data and operations is just as critical as protecting the crops themselves. We discuss...

In this episode of the  Global Fresh Series , we begin with the curious and captivating story of French artist Agnès Varda, who transformed humble potatoes into symbols of beauty and individuality through her groundbreaking exhibit  Patatutopia . From there, we shift from art to agriculture with a conversation just as colorful and insightful. Joining us is  CarrieAnn Arias , Preside...

In today’s captivating episode of the Global Fresh Series, Co-Founder and COO  Xander Shapiro  of  Akorn Technology  shares how his team has developed a revolutionary fresh fruit coating so natural and pure that he actually drinks it during the show!  Xander explains the coating’s origins, crafted from natural plant based ingredients and non-GMO corn and how it delivers th...

Europe’s orchards and fields are buzzing with big harvest news. Crossing the continent we take a look at the EU’s fresh vegetable and fruits which commodities and countries were the top producers. Vegetable harvests rose while it was a contrasting story for EU fruit production. Against this backdrop, Germany is breaking the trend: its apple growers expect a  record 2025 harvest...

From 3D printers turning food waste into useful products to drones flying over fields and orchards, agri-tech is reshaping the way we grow, move, and sustain fresh produce. In this episode of the  Global Fresh Series , host Juanita Gaglio explores how technology is transforming agriculture on the ground and in the sky. Hear how drones in China covered 173 million hectares in 2024, slashi...

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series , host Juanita Gaglio takes a crisp bite into the world of apples — one of the most iconic and widely consumed fruits on the planet. From global production statistics to surprising consumption trends, Juanita explores where apples stand in the produce industry and why they continue to dominate grocery aisles year after year. You'll hear about top-producin...

Join us as we sit down with  Stephanie Bazan, Senior VP of Commercial Strategy and Execution at Avocados From Mexico , the world’s leading supplier of fresh avocados with a remarkable 40% share in the global export market. We dive into the exponential growth of Mexican avocados, the strategies behind their global success, and what the future holds for this powerhouse commodity. First Class Sp...

Food price volatility touches everyone—from farmers and retailers to families at the dinner table. In this episode, we sit down with Professor David L. Ortega, a leading voice in agricultural and food sector economics. With a track record that includes testimony before the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees, and insights featured in top outlets like  The New York Times , NPR, and&nb...

Pack your virtual bags and join us on today’s Global Fresh Series episode as we head to Italy for an inside look at  Macfrut —one of the world’s premier B2B trade fairs for the fruit and vegetable sector. Our special guest shares how this internationally renowned event brings together exhibitors, buyers, and innovators from across the globe. Discover how Macfrut is not only a dynamic marketpl...

Join us on this episode of the Global Fresh Series as we follow the journey of the  Import Promotion Desk (IPD)  — a dynamic organization connecting small and medium-sized suppliers from emerging markets to the European Union. With the support of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development , IPD helps pave the way for long-term trade relationships that benef...

In today’s episode of the  Global Fresh Series , we head south to the heart of Mexican avocado country for our first-ever conversation with a Mexican avocado company. Discover the unique advantages of Mexico’s diverse growing regions and how a strong commitment to sustainability is helping these growers stay competitive in the global marketplace. Join us in the avocado fields and find out wha...

This week’s episode is  rooted  in the rich, dark soil of Southern Manitoba—the kind that’s so soft and crumbly it won’t even stick to your feet, but grows picture-perfect potatoes and farm-fresh produce like it’s magic. 🥔✨ Come along as we walk the rows with the passionate growers of  Peak of the Market , Canada’s premier grower-owned cooperative. From field to fork, these farmer...

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we're diving into the dynamic world of  private label programs —and we’re taking you straight to the heart of  Tuscany, Italy . Our guest is a seasoned global affairs executive and passionate good food ambassador with over 15 years of international experience connecting the dots between  retailers, olive oil suppliers, and third-party certifiers...

In this episode, Juanita Gaglio connects with Michael Grunwald to explore the topics within his compelling new book. They reflect on the powerful intersection of food, ecosystems, and human ingenuity—discovering how thoughtful approaches in agriculture can help nourish both people and the planet. Michael brings insight about the next frontier in sustainable food systems. They discuss a range of in...

Join host Patrick Kelly and guest Manuel Michel, Managing Director of the Colombia Avocado Board, to explore how Avocados from Colombia is redefining consumer perception and building a standout brand in the global produce aisle. They dive into how the nation’s powerful country-branding—highlighting Colombia’s lush biodiversity, sustainability ethos, and rich cultural story—is fueling awareness and...

This week, we’re taking you to new heights as we peel back the story behind the U.K.’s latest innovation to extend the shelf life of one of the world’s most beloved—and wasted—fruits: the banana. We’ll also dive into a spicy global face-off: Egyptian vs. Chinese garlic—where do your tastebuds land in this flavorful showdown? Plus, get the inside scoop on who's shaking up the fresh apple scene (hin...

What does it  really  take to succeed in China’s booming fresh produce market? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Annette Partida, a seasoned industry expert who spent twelve years living, working, and thriving in China. From mastering Mandarin to navigating complex cultural dynamics, Annette shares insider tips for anyone looking to export avocados, cherries, or other commodi...

This week on the  Global Fresh Series , we welcome a guest whose personal story has moved millions and sparked international change. Once a nuclear submarine engineer, he was thrust into the global spotlight after the tragic loss of his son during the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak. Since then, he’s become a leading voice in food safety, advising agencies like the FDA, USDA, and CDC. F...

In this flavorful episode of the Global Fresh Series, Patrick Kelly joins the conversation to talk all things fresh—from trade show trends to air-fried tacos during Memorial Day. We also explore the rising international audience of the Global Fresh Series and celebrate a milestone moment for Marlene, the beloved "Daughter of the Alps," as she marks 30 years with VOG. Don’t miss the laughs, insight...

In this episode of the  Global Fresh Series , we take you on a tour of the international trade show circuit, diving into the key takeaways from  Freshfel Europe’s sustainability-focused events  and the innovation-packed  Macfrut 2025  in Rimini. We also explore the  booming global demand for fresh cherries , their emergence as a premium fruit, and how they’re shaping...