The Fresh CrEd

Mastering Leadership & Strategy: Julie Krivanek on Executive Development in Fresh Produce

In this insightful conclusion to our Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service series, we sit down with Julie Krivanek, President of Krivanek Consulting and a renowned expert in executive development.
With over 30 years of experience, Julie has worked closely with leaders in the fresh produce industry to enhance their leadership skills and create succession plans that ensure long-term business success.
Julie shares her deep knowledge on the evolving leadership challenges in the produce sector, particularly in the face of an increasingly complex and globalized market.
From developing talent to navigating family-owned business transitions, this conversation is a must-listen for executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the fresh produce industry looking to sharpen their leadership edge.
 
This episode is brought to you by Kern Ridge Growers, Wiggins Farms, SunFed, and IFCO.
 
Don't miss out on Julie’s transformative insights into leadership, coaching, and succession planning in an industry that's constantly evolving.
Subscribe and visit www.thefreshcred.com for more exclusive content!

Fresh Food, Big Ideas: Chef David Ruiz on Culinary Innovation

Welcome to another installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service on The Fresh CrEd podcast! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning Chef David Ruiz, a culinary visionary who is transforming the way we think about fresh produce and modern menus.
Chef Ruiz shares his journey from the kitchen to becoming a key innovator in the food service industry. He discusses the latest culinary trends, the importance of sustainability, and how to effectively integrate fresh produce into high-impact menus. Whether you’re a culinary professional, a food enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of food service, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of fresh food.
A special thank you to our series partners: Kern Ridge Growers, Wiggins Farms, SunFed, and IFCO for their support.
Don’t miss out on Chef Ruiz’s expert insights—subscribe now and visit www.thefreshcred.com for more exclusive content!

Sustainable Food Distribution: Insights from Industry Leader Joe Merenda

Welcome to the next installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of food distribution with Joe Merenda, a seasoned leader in the produce industry.
With decades of experience under his belt, Joe shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing foodservice distribution today.
From navigating supply chain disruptions to embracing new technologies, Joe discusses the critical factors that are shaping the future of the industry. He also offers insights into how companies can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of foodservice, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you're a produce professional, an industry insider, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of food distribution, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Kern Ridge Growers, Wiggins Farms, SunFed, and IFCO.
Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the industry's most experienced voices, and don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Fresh Insights!"

From Field to Fork: How Market Trends Are Shaping Produce

Welcome to the third installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service! In this episode, we sit down with Andy Hamilton, CEO of Markon, a visionary leader in the fresh produce industry. Andy shares his expertise on the economic factors influencing the produce sector, the challenges faced by distributors, and the strategic decisions that are shaping the future of fresh food.
Andy offers a deep dive into the impact of global economic trends, supply chain dynamics, and the ongoing evolution of consumer demands in the produce industry. His insights provide valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the intersection of fresh food and business strategy.
This episode is filled with actionable insights on navigating the complexities of the modern produce landscape, making it a must-listen for industry professionals, business leaders, and anyone passionate about fresh food.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Kern Ridge Growers, Wiggins Farms, SunFed, and IFCO. Tune in and learn from one of the industry's leading voices as we explore the future of fresh produce.
Don't forget to subscribe and visit www.thefreshcred.com for more exclusive content!"

Revolutionizing Fresh Food: Insights with Dorene Mills & Steve Grinstead

This episode of The Fresh CrEd podcast is brought to you by Wiggins Farms.
Welcome to the 2nd installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service! Join us as we sit down with two industry leaders who are transforming the fresh food landscape. Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge, and Dorene Mills, award-winning chef at Hannaford Supermarkets, share their insights on the current trends and future of fresh produce.
Steve discusses the rapid consolidation in the food distribution industry, the importance of innovation, and the future outlook for fresh produce. Dorene dives into the evolving world of home meal solutions, the growing demand for fresh and ready-to-eat produce, and her journey as a chef driving change in the supermarket sector.
This episode is packed with valuable insights on market trends, consumer behavior, and the importance of adaptability in the food industry. Whether you're a food enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about the future of fresh food, this episode is for you.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Kern Ridge Growers, Wiggins Farms, SunFed, and IFCO.
Tune in and discover how these leaders are paving the way for a fresher, healthier future.
Don't forget to subscribe and visit www.thefreshcred.com for more exclusive content!

Future-Proofing Foodservice: Cathy Burns on Industry Trends & Innovations

In this kickoff episode of our special series "Fresh Insights: The Future of Foodservice," recorded live at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, we sit down with Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA. Cathy shares her expert perspective on the latest trends and innovations shaping the foodservice industry. From sustainability to consumer preferences, gain invaluable insights that will keep you ahead of the curve.
🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to The Fresh CrEd for more expert interviews and industry insights!
A special thank you to our sponsors: Kern Ridge Growers, Wiggins Farms, SunFed, and IFCO. Your support makes this series possible. Visit our website at https://thefreshcred.com for more information.

Houston’s Produce Transformation: With Mayra Vazquez

Join us for an enlightening episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast recorded at the Viva Fresh Expo, featuring Mayra Vazquez, co-founder of Latin Specialties. Discover Mayra’s journey from Mexico City to the bustling produce markets of Houston, and how she’s leveraging her media background to drive significant advancements in the industry.What's Inside This Episode: • Diverse Leadership Roles: Mayra serves as co-chair of the Houston Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and is a member of the Texas International Produce Association Board of Directors, demonstrating her influential presence in the industry. Both organizations have recently partnered to enhance the produce industry in Texas, focusing on infrastructure improvements and market efficiency. • Sustainable Development: Explore how Latin Specialties is addressing sustainability challenges by enhancing cold storage facilities in central Houston and supporting regenerative agriculture to reduce logistical inefficiencies. This effort is aimed at reducing the environmental impact and improving the efficiency of produce distribution. • Houston's Produce Scene: Gain insight into the current state and future potential of Houston's produce market, including exciting updates about the Port of Houston’s upcoming cold treatment certification, which will streamline the importation of fresh produce. This development is expected to significantly benefit the local produce industry by improving access and reducing transportation times. • Personal Narrative: Hear Mayra’s compelling story from her beginnings as a journalist at CNN to becoming a key player in the produce industry, driven by her family's agricultural roots and her commitment to sustainability. Her unique background and experiences highlight her dedication to making a positive impact in the industry .We extend our gratitude to our partners Born Farms, Art MX, Mucci Farms, Sev-Rend, Santos International, 4Earth Farms, Sunfed, Zubelle Industries, IFCO, and our beverage sponsor, Tehuacán, for their invaluable support in making this event possible.Tune in to gain valuable insights into the produce industry and the experiences that shape its leaders. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions!🔗 Useful Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1j9dfxbFMDhVdrsoCdQCCuApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fresh-cred/id1566145559Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreshcred/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-fresh-cred-51ab69234/🌐 Visit Our Website for more episodes and updates: https://www.thefreshcred.com

The Future of Agriculture: Expert Perspectives with Lorren Walker

Welcome to another episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast! Today, we're excited to have Mr. Lorren Walker, President and CEO of Elias Walker, and former Chief of Staff at USDA Ag Marketing Services. With a stellar career in agricultural policy, Lorren has been pivotal in shaping the regulations that keep our food supply safe and sustainable.In this episode, Lorren shares his journey from his early days in food policy in Washington, D.C., to leading a top-tier consulting firm. We dive deep into the importance of advocacy, the intricacies of the farm bill, and the critical role of fresh produce in schools. Recorded live at IFPA's Washington Conference, this conversation provides unique insights into the agricultural sector's challenges and opportunities.Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Cactus Packaging Supplies, Equifruit, Corner Image Packaging, Sunfed, and IFCO. Your support helps us bring these important conversations to our listeners.Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that’s perfect for industry professionals, growers, and anyone passionate about the future of fresh produce. And remember, subscribe to The Fresh CrEd Podcast to stay updated with our latest episodes!https://linktr.ee/TheFreshCrEd#agriculture #farming #farmlife #sustainableagriculture #WashingtonDC

From Farm to Table: Managing Labor Costs with Technology

🌞 How is the produce industry coping with extreme weather? 🌞Join Craig Slate and Matt Mandel on this episode of the Credible Vegetable Report as they break down the latest updates affecting the produce world. From the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and heatwaves in the Southeast and Pacific coastal areas to the ongoing drought challenges faced by Texas growers, we’ve got it all covered.📈 What’s in this episode:00:01:30 Weather Watch: Hurricane Beryl projections, heat advisories, and drought impacts.00:10:00 Food Safety Alert: Listeria outbreak in New York affecting fresh spinach.00:15:00 Market Insights: Rabobank BBQ Index and its implications for 4th of July celebrations.00:20:00 Technological Innovations: How robotic harvesting is revolutionizing the industry in Kent, England.00:25:00 Crop Updates: Promising news from Ohio growers.🔗 Links and Resources:National Weather Service Meteorologists projections: https://www.usatoday.com/Solata Foods LLC Spinach Recall: FDA Spinach Recall Information https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/solata-foods-recalls-fresh-spinach-and-spinach-products-due-possible-health-riskCommercial Robotic Harvesting: Dogtooth Technologieshttps://www.dogtooth.techFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook!https://linktr.ee/TheFreshCrEd📸 Image Credits:Weather map: Credit USA TodayRobotic harvesting: Credit Dogtooth Technologies Limited👍 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and subscribe for more updates!🔔 Stay Connected: Click the bell icon to get notified about our latest videos!#ProduceIndustry #WeatherImpact #FoodSafety #RoboticHarvesting #AgricultureTechnology

Post-COVID Economic Impact on Agriculture with Richard Kottmeyer

In this episode of The Fresh CrEd, we are honored to welcome back Richard Kottmeyer, a renowned global thought leader in agribusiness and ag tech. Richard shares his expert insights on:- The economic effects of COVID-19 on agriculture- Changes in consumer behavior towards fresh produce- The role of AI and technology in the future of farming- Predictions for the future of family farms and corporate agriculture- The critical importance of policy changes in immigration and technologyTune in for a comprehensive discussion that covers the challenges and opportunities in the agri-business world today.A special thank you to our title sponsor, Cactus Packing Supplies, and our other sponsors Equifruit, Corner Image Packaging, Sunfed, and IFCO.Watch the episode or connect with us here!: https://linktr.ee/TheFreshCrEd#Podcast #Agriculture #Economics #FreshProduce #Innovation #PostCOVID---**Connect with The Fresh CrEd:**Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TheFreshCrEd**Sponsors:**🌵 Cactus Packing Supplies: sales@cactuspacks.com | 956-369-2055🍌 Equifruit📦 Corner Image Packaging🌞 Sunfed📦 IFCO