The Fresh CrEd

Embark on a journey with us in this riveting episode of Fresh CrEd, recorded live from OPS in Monterey, California, as we delve into the rich tapestry of Matt Mandel's experiences. From light-hearted youthful pranks in agricultural warehouses to a brief dabble in computer programming and a heartfelt return to the family’s agricultural roots, Matt shares an enlightening narrative that beautifully b...

Join us as we delve into an enlightening conversation with Joseph Bunting, the Director of Produce at United Supermarkets. Not only has Joseph spearheaded various innovations at United Supermarkets, taking it from 39 to an impressive 97 stores, but he also co-runs a cattle ranch in West Texas, a legacy that he upholds alongside his brothers. In this episode, Joseph shares his unique perspective on...

Join us on this enlightening episode of Fresh CrEd Podcast, live from the Organic Produce Summit. Dive into an immersive conversation with Colin Ager, Business Development Manager for dry table veg at HEB. Together, we explore the artisanal world of sourdough starters, the exhilarating realm of road cycling in Texas, and the undying importance of health and fitness in our hectic lives. From tradit...

Dive deep into the rich tapestry of organics with Todd Linsky on this episode of the Fresh CrEd Podcast. Filmed at the illustrious Organic Produce Summit, Todd peels back the layers of the early organic movement's wild west days, a time bursting with unbridled passion yet sparse in regulations. 🌱 From pioneering the foundation of Cal Organic Farms and nurturing it from mere acres to a sprawling 4...

🎙️ Episode Overview: Join us for a riveting episode of The Fresh CrEd, broadcasting live from the bustling IFPA FoodService Conference in Monterey. Our dynamic hosts, Craig Slate and Ed Bertaud, delve deep into a conversation with Cathy Burns, the driving force behind IFPA. 🔥 Highlighted Moments: The Conference Triumph: Dive into the roaring success of the recent IFPA conference which marked a re...

In this must-see interview at the Organic Produce Summit, Tomas, Walmart's esteemed agriculture buyer, walks us through his awe-inspiring journey. From his early life experiences in Cuba and studying citrus agriculture in the South, to becoming a pivotal figure at Walmart, Tomas's story is nothing short of amazing. Key Highlights: The inspiring tale of how a young man fueled by a love for agricult...

The Power of Fair Trade Bananas & Creative Branding Dive deep into Kim's unexpected journey into the banana industry after a serendipitous meeting with the president of Equifruit at a daycare. With a background in marketing and sales, she's revolutionizing how we perceive and purchase our favorite yellow fruit. ✨ Highlights: Discover Equifruit's unique stance: only importing Fair Trade certif...

Want more insights like these? Hit that subscribe button and make sure to turn on notifications so you don't miss out! Dive into our exclusive series from the Organic Produce Summit, where we connect with the trailblazers of the organic world. From the lush fields to the bustling markets, each interview sheds light on the passion, innovation, and dedication that drive the organic produce industry....

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Joe Watson on this episode of The Fresh CrEd as we explore the vibrant scene at the upcoming IFPA Foodservice Conference & Expo in Monterey, California. Get a preview of the diverse attendee base, a fully booked expo hall, and a dynamic lineup of speakers and sessions. What's got Ed and Craig so excited? Our all-day onsite livestream, happening fro...

🍊🥕 Immerse yourself in an enriching dialogue with Dante Galeazzi, the dynamic CEO and President of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), and Melinda Goodman of Fulltilt Marketing, a seasoned storyteller entrenched in the world of agriculture and food. 🎙️🎧 Recorded live from the groundbreaking Viva Fresh event, this episode offers insider insights into how this year's convention su...

Join the hosts and special guest Bobby Grinstead from Fresh Edge in an engaging podcast episode that delves into the world of the fresh produce industry. Discover Fresh Edge's strategic vision, recent acquisitions, and the exciting growth opportunities on the horizon. Explore the challenges of labor shortage and transportation and gain insights into the future of automation in the industry. Dive i...

In this engaging episode of The Fresh CrEd podcast, we welcomed Nathan Stornetta, a seasoned executive search professional with 15 years of experience in the produce, food manufacturing/processing, and agriculture industries.  During the conversation, we delved into the significance of people in the industry and how Produce Careers, the firm Nathan represents, emphasizes building strong relationsh...

In this lively episode of The Fresh Cred Podcast, recorded at Viva Fresh, hosts chat with Codie Wright and Kenadee Stewart from Texas A&M University. They discuss Codie's book "Launchers," which helps students strategically plan their careers, and Kenadee's experience as a college student during the pandemic. The conversation highlights the resilience, adaptability, and shifting priorities of...

In this interview, we speak with Cindy Swanberg Schwing, Vice President of Marketing at Splendid by Porvenir. Cindy is a highly accomplished produce supplier expert and three-time business owner, with expertise in produce marketing and sales, relationship building, business growth strategies, creative thinking, brand promotion, public relations, public speaking, negotiation, bilingual communicatio...

Julie Krivanek joins the Fresh CrEd at IFPA's Foodservice Conference. In this interview, we speak with Julie Krivanek, a renowned executive coach and deep generalist with over four decades of experience. As President of her consulting organization, Julie has worked with hundreds of CEOs and senior executives across various industries, helping them achieve personal and professional success. With a...

Ben Ferreira Takes the Stage as the first interviewee at Viva Fresh 2023. Ben's entry into the produce industry as a basket pusher in college may have been temporary, but it sparked a love for the industry that has only grown stronger over his 26-year career with H.E.B.. Additionally, he has served on the board of Recipe for Success in Houston, a foundation that aims to combat childhood obesity by...

Charlie Rocket sat down with The Fresh CrEd during VivaFresh to talk about his life, philosophies, and goals. After leaving a successful music career to focus on his struggle with a brain tumor and health, he fulfilled his dream of being an athlete.   Charlie Rocket was also a part of a very successful Nike campaign to show off Dreamer athletes. He now heads the Dream Machine Foundation focused on...

In this week’s episode, Joe Watson joins Ed & Craig to share his story on the podcast. Joe is the Vice President of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale with the International Fresh Produce Association. He is a longstanding leader in the produce industry, a man of many talents, and someone with a unique story. Tune is as Joe discusses his journey from his cancer diagnosis to present.  Freshprod...

Dante Galeazzi joins the pod in this week’s episode! Everyone’s excited about the reunion as it heralds this years Viva Fresh show! Dante and the boys discuss the importance of conscious eating, and making small, simple dietary changes that have big impacts over time. This year's upcoming Viva Fresh show, Dante shares some super exciting details of what the show has in store. Not to mention, The F...

Ashley makes a most welcome return to The Fresh CrEd in this week's episode, and helps the boys kick off the fist pod of 2023! Everyone shared recaps of their best and worst times during 2022. The boys catch up with Ashley as she fills them in on what's happened since her last appearance on The Fresh CrEd. You can expect to hear about boxing, YouTube certified carpentry, and everyone's new year go...

Andy Hamilton Chief Executive Officer | Markon Cooperative, Inc. Ed & Craig meet with long time friend and colleague Andy Hamilton at IFPA’s Foodservice Conference. Between the bouts of laughter the guys share old produce stories, touch on Andy’s background, briefly touch on Covid and the recovery of the foodservice industry. Andy is quite the skilled impressionist and pulls out some great one...

Jessica Shelly Director of Student Dining Services | Cincinnati Public Schools Jessica joins the Fresh CrEd crew on a beautiful Monterey day to discuss the challenges and efforts of feeding an entire city worth of kids day in and day out. Jessica shares her journey from working at Cincinnati’s health department to working in school nutrition. Jessica was instrumental in introducing salad bars into...

Bryan Barsness Vice President of Sales & Marketing | Grubmarket/WholesaleWare  Bryan Barsness joins Ed & Craig live to discuss his Norwegian roots, Grubmarket's history and focus on bringing modern software solutions to the produce industry, and his first hand experience of a shark attack!  Please like & subscribe! Grubmarket: https://www.grubmarket.com/hello/ Connect with Bryan: Linke...

Rick Overholt Vice President, Grower Sales | IFCO SYSTEMS This interview kicked off the day at IFPA's Foodservice Conference. Ed and Craig were joined by Rick Overholt from IFCO systems. Rick joined the show to share his passion for the produce industry, reusability, and IFCO's focus on sustainability. Topics include how IFCO is making a difference, inflation, jumping out of airplanes, labor short...

Steve Grinstead  Founder & CEO | FreshEdge The boys were thrilled to get the chance to speak with Steve Grinstead at IFPA's Foodservice Conference this year!  Major topics of the conversation include:   - Steve’s presence, passion, and history in the produce industry  - The creation of the Grinstead Group and Steve’s reentry into the     workforce  - The impact of the pandemic and shutdown on...