The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

Why did the Aztecs drink their currency — and what does it mean that the most global food in the world began as a bitter, frothy, sacred drink consumed by warriors and kings in the rainforests of ancient Mesoamerica? Who was Quetzalcoatl, the god who stole cacao from paradise and gave it to humanity — and why does his promised return from the east make the moment Montezuma handed Hernán Cortés a g...

Join Patrick Kelly and correspondent Jonathan Buettner as they bring you exclusive coverage from the 2026 West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, California. Hear from industry leaders from Produce X , IPR Fresh, and Top Katz sharing cutting-edge technology, market trends, and candid insights into supply chain challenges.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man, on the produce table: early-season Santa Rosa-type plums, Japanese cucumbers, tamarillos, and the first California figs of the season. Find out what makes white peaches taste sweeter than yellow peaches, why organic bell pepper prices are so high right now, and get tips on how to pick the perfect pineapple and the perfect ear of c...

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series Podcast, we take an in-depth look at the powerful food trends reshaping consumer behavior across Europe in 2026. From the explosive rise of high-protein products and functional foods to flexitarian eating, convenience-driven meals, premium indulgence, sustainability, and nostalgic comfort foods, Europe’s food landscape is evolving rapidly—but not uniforml...

Who was Dewayne Lee Johnson, the school groundskeeper soaked in Roundup who took on the most legally powerful agricultural company in the world — and what did his trial finally expose about what Monsanto's own scientists had known, and hidden, for forty years? Why did the revolution that promised to feed the world end up increasing herbicide use by twenty percent, turning farmers into perpetual cu...

Join host Patrick Kelly and his daughter Lillee Kelly as they share a heartfelt conversation about their scouting trip to the Dominican Republic. Discover how their experience with the Water for All initiative revealed the critical importance of clean water access, sustainable farming, and community resilience in the produce industry. Tune in for a personal and inspiring episode that connects glob...

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays , California melons are in from El Centro, and May marks the beginning of California cantaloupe season. Dan the Produce Man dives deep into the fascinating history of the cantaloupe - from ancient times, to the papal villa where the melon is believed to have received its name, to the American railroad system that helped spread cantaloupes across the United...

Join host Juanita Gaglio from Athens, Greece, as she explores Brazil's rising role in the global mango market with expert guest Eryvan Pires, CEO of FruitMarket. Discover how Brazil's year-round mango supply supports key markets in Europe and the US, the intricate logistics behind keeping mangoes fresh across continents, and the future growth opportunities in mango consumption and marketing. A mus...

Who was Bob Shapiro, the guitar-playing Vietnam protester turned Monsanto CEO who genuinely believed genetically modified seeds could save the planet — and how did the same man who preached environmental salvation simultaneously bury a billion dollars of toxic human suffering in a corporate spinoff so that Wall Street would never have to look at it? Why did the most consequential revolution in the...

Join Patrick Kelly and special co-host Ross Nelson as they dive into the fascinating world of vintage produce crate labels. Exploring iconic designs from the 1900s to the 1950s, they share stories of holiday themes, sports branding, and artistic creativity that shaped the produce industry. Tune in for a nostalgic trip with unique vintage finds, fan calls, and a community celebration of produce his...

It was May of 1976 when 15-year-old Dan the Produce Man walked into a produce market in his hometown of Alameda, California. That’s where it all began. This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Patrick Kelly joins Dan to look back on some of the moments, memories, and fun from Dan’s 50 years in the fresh produce industry. From retail to wholesale, foodservice distribution, home delivery, and owni...

n this episode of the Global Fresh Series Podcast, we are joined by Athena Vorillas for an engaging discussion on Greece’s vibrant food culture, agricultural heritage, and evolving fresh produce sector. From the deep-rooted importance of olives, citrus, and traditional Mediterranean ingredients to modern consumer trends and the role of fresh food in Greek society, Athena offers valuable insight in...

What was Roundup, the herbicide born from a soap crisis in a radioactive Idaho slag heap, that became the most widely used weed-killer in human history — and how did the shy, introverted chemist who discovered it almost by accident set in motion a transformation of global agriculture more radical than anything since the plough? Why did a company drowning in Agent Orange lawsuits and Superfund site...

Join hosts Patrick Kelly and Co-Host Ross Nelson as they take you inside the 2026 Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPM) show in Toronto. Hear exclusive interviews with industry leaders, explore fresh innovations in produce packaging and supply chain technology, and discover the unique Canadian produce market vibe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to CPM, this episode offers valuable ins...

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man has a whole lineup on the table - starting with rain-damaged Apache apricots and as peaches and nectarines begin filling the stands we’re saying goodbye to one of the season’s favorite citrus items - sweet, easy-peeling Ojai Pixie tangerines. Dan shares a quick purple artichoke tip, talks about items for his Juice Cleanse, Maradol papa...

In this week’s Global Fresh Series, we explore why 2026 may prove to be a defining turning point for the global fresh produce industry. From escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies to extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and climate-driven production challenges, the sector is navigating unprecedented uncertainty. Join us as we examine how growers, exporters, retai...

What was Agent Orange, the herbicide that fell like mist on the jungles of Vietnam — and how did a chemical born in a West Virginia factory end up destroying the food systems, forests, and bodies of an entire nation? Why did the company that knew its own product contained one of the most toxic substances ever identified keep that knowledge from governments, soldiers, and the Vietnamese farmers wat...

Join host Patrick Kelly and special guest Tara Murray from Yo, Quiero! Brands as they craft the ultimate May the 4th Star Wars themed dip bar that seamlessly rolls into Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Discover festive dip ideas featuring guacamole, queso, salsas, and bean dips, plus tips on pairing fresh produce for the perfect fiesta spread. Whether planning a family gathering or a fun snack weekend,...

This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays , Dan the Produce Man is joined by Marc Wall and Neil Smith of Sandy Shore Farms in Ontario, Canada . And right now, one of the big crops coming out of Ontario is asparagus . Marc and Neil talk about the Canadian asparagus season, how they work alongside growers in Michigan and New Jersey, and how imports from Mexico are affecting the market. They also sha...

This week on the Global Fresh Series we conclude our exclusive coverage of the 43rd edition of Macfrut 2026, reflecting on three dynamic days that showcased the very best of the global fresh produce industry. From groundbreaking innovations and international partnerships to emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, and key market opportunities, Macfrut once again proved why it remains one...

Who was Edgar Queeny, the cold-eyed social Darwinist who inherited a chemical company from his father and turned it into one of the most powerful industrial forces in American history? Why did the man who helped trigger the atomic bomb, kept the Arsenal of Democracy running, and photographed brown bears in Alaska with Walt Disney also preside over a factory in West Virginia where workers were quie...

Join Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Lorenz Hercher of the Mosca Group to explore Reisopack's cutting-edge packaging solutions shaping the produce supply chain and the partnership behind the two companies. Discover how automation, smart technologies, and tailored systems are helping growers and packers reduce damage, save time, and boost profitability in end-of-line packaging. Tune in for indus...

This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays… Dan is joined by Chris Zanobini from the California Pear Advisory Board. We’re digging into what’s really going on with imported pears flooding the market right when California fruit - especially Bartletts - is coming on. What that means for our growers, what you’re seeing at retail, and why it matters more than most people realize. We also get into how t...

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we take you to the opening day of Macfrut 2026 in Rimini, Italy—where the global fresh produce industry gathers with energy, innovation, and purpose. From the moment the doors open, the show floor comes alive with international voices, forward-thinking technology, and powerful storytelling from growers and brands around the world. In this episode, we explore t...

Who was John Francis Queeny, the broke Irish-American salesman who founded one of the most powerful and controversial companies in the history of modern agriculture - without knowing the first thing about chemistry? Why did a secret deal with Coca-Cola, a presidential letter, and a warehouse full of matches save his fledgling empire from collapse? And how does the unlikely story of a fake sweetene...