The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays , Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man welcome Joel Hewitt from CMI Orchards. We’re diving deep into the Northwest Cherry season—talking timing, trends, and taste. Joel gives us the lowdown on the American Dream label—what it stands for, what’s behind it, and why it matters. We’ll also dig into some exciting newer varieties, like the Skylar Rae an...

Join us for a dynamic session hosted by Global Women Fresh, where we shine a spotlight on bold beginnings, fearless leadership, and the power of community. In this episode features with Julie Escobar and Carmell Clark brings an inspiring Powercircle conversation with trailblazing women across the global fresh produce industry—and a special spotlight on Casey Kio, a leader whose story exemplifies r...

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...

The pineapple may have begun as a rare curiosity from the tropics, but by the 18th century, it had become a symbol of imperial power, elite refinement, and national rivalry. In this second and final part of their journey into the history of the world’s most flamboyant fruit, John and Patrick explore the height of pineapple mania in Georgian Britain, where aristocrats competed to grow the perfect s...

In this episode, we head to Bonita Springs, Florida, for an inside look at the  Florida Citrus Mutual Annual Conference , where the heart of the Sunshine State’s citrus community gathered last week. From growers and packers to scientists, shippers, marketers, and environmental advocates—this event brought together the brightest minds and the most passionate people working to secure the future...

This Friday the 13th, there’s no superstition—just produce ambition! Ross and Dan are talking summer veg with Henry Dill of D’Arrigo Produce. What’s going down in Salinas? What should be going on your plate ? We’re serving up fresh updates and seasonal goodies— So tune in and turn on—it’s Fresh From the Field Fridays!

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...

The pineapple - today a familiar tropical fruit, boxed in lunch kits and blended in cocktails - was once the most exotic and awe-inspiring delicacy known to Europeans. Its journey from the hands of Indigenous cultivators in the rainforests of South America to the hothouses of Georgian England is a tale of exploration, obsession, imperial rivalry, and horticultural espionage. In this first episode...

In this special episode of  The Produce Industry Podcast , host Patrick Kelly welcomes longtime friend and co-author  Dr. Hans Finzel —renowned leadership expert and co-author of  Millennial BOOM . Broadcasting  live from Tampa , the two dive into Dr. Finzel’s iconic leadership book,  Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make , and explore what timeless leadership looks like in today’s...

🌱 Fresh From the Field Fridays 🌽 This Week with Ross & Dan 🎙️ On the Mic: Ross and Dan are back, chatting all things fresh and local as the farmers markets open up across Indianapolis! From homegrown produce to artisan goods, it’s the best time of year to support your local food scene. 🗞️ In This Episode: Ross’s Recap of WCPE Get Ross’s take on the latest from the West Coast Produce Expo —in...

Tariffs might seem like dusty matters for economists, but their effects on fresh produce have been anything but dry. In this episode, John and Patrick trace the surprising - and at times surreal - impact of American trade policy on fruits and vegetables. First, they dive into the Mongrel Tariff Act of 1883, where a tomato’s very identity was put on trial to decide whether it was a fruit or vegetab...

Join host Patrick Kelly for a special milestone episode of  The Produce Industry Podcast  as he welcomes  Caitlin Gerstenberger of Jac. Vandenberg, Inc.  for her  very first in-studio podcast appearance ! Recorded live from the Produce Industry Podcast Studio in Tampa, Florida , this episode dives into the story behind  SUNRAYS® – the snack that gives back , Jac. Vand...

This week’s episode is coming to you straight from the desert heat and produce sweet! With Dan taking a well-deserved week off,  Ross “The Produce Boss”  is joined by a  very special (and slightly mischievous)  guest —  Patrick Kelly , who’s officially hijacked the mic and taken over the show! Join Ross and Patrick as they dive into: 🚗  Grocery store adventures &nbsp...

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...

A new Pope has been chosen! And that got us thinking: have Popes of the past shaped the history of fruits and vegetables? In this month’s livestream, John and Patrick explore the surprising connections between the Papacy and produce. From Popes with a passion for fresh fruits to the hidden stories of the Vatican gardens, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the role of produce in the lives o...

In this powerful episode of  The Produce Industry Podcast , host Patrick Kelly welcomes Paul Rice, former CEO of Fair Trade USA and a global leader in ethical trade, to discuss the role of Fairtrade in the fresh produce supply chain. With decades of experience fighting for fairness in farming, Paul shares the challenges and triumphs behind the global Fairtrade movement—and how it’s shaping th...

This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media , Ross and Dan welcome the arrival of stone fruit season and spotlight fresh Memorial Day offerings. Special guest Chef Jeffery Schissel joins the guys to share some top-notch grilling tips and seasonal recipes. Then, it’s off to Sigona’s Produce to sample a perfectly ripe Cherimoya and grab one last taste...

Join us for a historic first as Global Women Fresh presents its first-ever Café Virtual in Spanish, bringing together voices that empower, uplift, and lead across the global produce industry. Hosted by the incredible Julie Escobar, Co-Founder of Global Women Fresh, and the inspiring Coach Jen Monterroso, this live segment highlights Latina leadership, connection, and community within the fresh pro...

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...

We're back with  Part 2  of our special coverage from the  ROFDA Conference , and co-host  Dan Avakian  joins Patrick Kelly as we dive deeper into the innovation, collaboration, and leadership shaping the retail and wholesale prod...

In this episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we sit down with industry strategist Peter Tasgal to unpack the complex world of tariffs and their ripple effects on global produce trade. From shifting trade routes to rising costs and strategic pivots, Peter shares invaluable insights on how companies can stay resilient in a volatile trade environment. Whether you're navigating global markets or...

The rise of Carthage is one of the most dazzling stories of the ancient world. A tale of cunning queens, glittering harbors, and empires built not just by sword and sail, but by soil. In this episode, John and Patrick trace the astonishing birth of Carthage - from Queen Elyssa’s legendary ox-hide bargain to the booming agricultural empire that threatened Rome itself. Far from a mere city of mercha...

In Part 1 of our ROFDA Conference Series, host Patrick Kelly and co-host Dan Avakian take you behind the scenes at one of the most dynamic gatherings in the retail and wholesale food industry. We kick things off with a powerful conversation featuring  Chris Greco , accomplished Tech CEO, published author, and the keynote speaker of the event. Chris shares his vision on technology’s role in dr...

Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss are back from the road and back in the garden. Ross shares his visit to Natural Grocers in Colorado, Dan reports in from Arizona, and both give quick updates from their own backyards. On the table this week: 🫐 California blueberries 🍒 New crop cherries and fresh varieties 🥦 A quick merchandising tip for jumbo asparagus 🍓 And some smart advice for p...

In this exciting episode of  The Global Fresh Series , we sit down with  Josep Estiarte , Managing Director of  Bloom Fresh , to explore how innovation, flavor, and sustainability are driving a new era in fresh produce. Josep dives into Bloom Fresh’s mission to create varieties that not only taste better but last longer, reduce waste, and captivate global consumers. From game-changi...