The Packer Podcast

Dante Galeazzi joins "The Packer Podcast" to share why ignoring the trade pact will trigger a damaging domino effect of soaring inflation and small harvests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rochelle Bohm of CMI Orchards discusses the threat that extended producer responsibility laws pose to the fresh produce industry and why the high cost of sustainable packaging will be passed on to consumers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently celebrating its 15th anniversary, Gotham Greens co-founder Viraj Puri and new CEO Craig Stevenson discuss moving past proof-of-concept, navigating the recent shakeout CEA, and why the future of the category relies on operational excellence over tech hype. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yiannas joins "The Packer Podcast" to discuss the potential for machine learning to turn food safety from reactive to predictive and its tangible benefits for the fresh produce industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbara Ruhs, director of nutrition affairs and communications for Pears USA, explains how the produce industry can use her "science sandwich" method to leverage viral TikTok movements and reach younger consumers to share the benefits of a diet rich in fresh produce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emphasizing that certainty is an economic necessity, NCAE President and CEO John Hollay discusses the critical role of the H-2A program and why growers must press Congress for permanent legislative fixes rather than relying solely on regulatory shift See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the West Coast Produce Expo, Ruth Villalonga explains why the $2.8 trillion Hispanic market is no longer a niche and how retailers can capture this high-spending demographic through authentic storytelling and cultural connection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Potato Council CEO breaks down the push for a more resilient Farm Bill and why targeted relief is essential for the future of specialty crops and U.S. growers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With labor costs reaching up to 50% of production and a massive gap in infrastructure, the CEO of South Mill Champs explains how robotics and AI are transforming North American mushroom farming from a manual craft into a 24/7 high-tech operation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Fresh Produce Association's vice president of sustainability shares how this new strategic path will standardize metrics and streamline efforts across the global supply chain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Cymbal, co-founder and chief marketing officer for Molly’s Grape & Citrus Co., explains how ditching the commodity mindset for a CPG strategy is helping the brand win over consumers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Circana's vice president of the fresh foods group says the fresh produce industry is poised for a record-breaking dollar growth in 2026, but cautions the industry must move away from a commodity mindset toward data-driven consumer insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The executive director of the Equitable Food Initiative shares how the organization works to promote trust and collaboration among different stakeholders to enact real, tangible progress toward its goals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for this special episode of The Packer Podcast, sharing some of the most interesting and entertaining answers from our "fresh take" segment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hashim Amin,  head of grocery and retail for North America at Uber, shares how the company leverages its platform to offer convenience and on-demand services and how its unique marketplace experience competes against Amazon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Sterrett, director of events and expos with Farm Journal, gives a snapshot of some of the exciting plans in store for attendees of the January event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Mantle, founder and CEO of innov8.ag, offers insights to help growers overcome agriculture's complexities, boost tech adoption and use real-time, actionable data for improved operations and future readiness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food research expert Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, shares why Millennials and Gen Z are driving fruit consumption while vegetable sales decline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tara Murray, vice president of marketing for Fresh Innovations and Yo Quiero Brands, shares how brands can respond to consumer trends in flavor and snacking and the opportunities in the industry for innovation and disruption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association president shares how vital trade agreements are to the success of the entire fresh produce industry, changing Canadian shopper mindsets and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Hamilton, Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications at the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, shares how he aims to highlight blueberries’ true differentiators and merge health messaging with emotion to fuel consumers’ future purchases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nico Cabral, director of marketing for labor management software company FieldClock, discusses how simple efficiency tweaks through the use of technology can have a big impact on a farm's bottom line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Asadoor, CEO of Keystone Packing, and Sabrina Thakkar, director of the California Association of Food Banks's Farm to Family program, share the unique partnership between their organizations and the ever-growing need for fresh produce at food banks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, highlights this year's award, and shares the critical role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry and why it's important to recognize them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ross, IGA CEO, shares his company's strategy to transition to 2D barcodes and the benefits the barcodes hold for the fresh produce industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.