The Fresh CrEd
Welcome to The Fresh CrEd Podcast - The Heartbeat of Produce Innovation.In a world where the seeds of innovation constantly need nurturing, The Fresh CrEd Podcast stands out as your go-to source for the freshest insights, stories, and trends from the heart of the produce industry. Join hosts Craig Slate and Ed Bertaud as they delve deep into the green fields of produce, bringing you face-to-face with the trailblazers shaping our food’s future.What We Offer:Insider Insights: From the roots to the fruit, get the inside scoop on the produce industry’s latest trends, challenges, and innovations.Leadership Lessons: Learn from the masters. Our episodes feature conversations with industry leaders who share their journeys, strategies, and visions for a sustainable future.Sustainability at its Core: Discover how the world of produce is evolving to meet tomorrow’s needs today, with a focus on sustainability, equity, and innovation.Community and Culture: At the heart of Fresh CrEd is a community ...
Episodes

Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Join us for a compelling episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast, proudly sponsored by Corner Image Pkg. This week, we sit down with Dante Galeazzi and Lance Jungmeyer, two prominent figures in the produce industry, recorded live at the Washington Conference. Discover why these critical issues matter to you as a consumer, producer, or industry stakeholder.What's Inside This Episode:Tomato Suspension Agreement:Understand how the Tomato Suspension Agreement could affect the prices and availability of your favorite produce items, and why it's crucial for the U.S. and Mexican markets.Labor Challenges:Learn why labor shortages in agriculture might lead to higher costs and reduced supply of fresh produce, and the urgent need for reform in the H-2A visa program.Water Crisis:Explore how severe water shortages in key agricultural regions impact the food supply chain, and what innovative solutions are being considered to ensure sustainable water resources.Industry Insights:Gain valuable perspectives on how these issues impact both producers and consumers, and the steps needed to ensure a stable and prosperous agricultural sector.Engaging Discussions:Hear Dante and Lance share their expert insights, backed by years of experience, as they navigate these complex topics and advocate for meaningful change.Special Thanks:We extend our gratitude to our title sponsor, Corner Image Pkg, and our other sponsors: Equifruit, Cactus Packaging Supplies, Sunfed, and IFCO for their invaluable support in making this episode possible.Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that highlights the critical issues and future of the fresh produce industry. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast!Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCETk4G_CQY_5ChS25CYZRGwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreshcred/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fresh-cred🌐 Visit Our Website: https://www.thefreshcred.com#TheFreshCrEd #Podcast #Agriculture #ProduceIndustry #TomatoSuspensionAgreement #LaborReform #WaterCrisis #DanteGaleazzi #LanceJungmeyer #WashingtonConference #CornerImagePkg

Sunday Jun 16, 2024
Sunday Jun 16, 2024
Join us for an insightful episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast as we sit down with Cathy Burns, CEO & President of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Recorded live at the Washington Conference hosted by IFPA, Cathy shares her expertise on the critical issues shaping the fresh produce industry today.What's Inside This Episode:Advocacy in Action: Learn about the importance of advocacy in Congress and how the IFPA is driving legislative support for the fresh produce industry.Farm Bill Focus: Dive into the challenges and significance of the Farm Bill, and why it's crucial for the future of agriculture.Health Innovations: Discover the transformative potential of produce prescriptions and their impact on public health.Industry Insights: Hear Cathy's perspective on the current state and future of specialty crops, and the ongoing efforts to secure greater investment.We extend our gratitude to our partners for their invaluable support in making this episode possible.Tune in to gain valuable insights into the fresh produce industry and the dedicated efforts of the IFPA. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions!🔗 Useful Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreshcred/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99338034 🌐 Visit Our Website for more episodes and updates: https://www.thefreshcred.com#ProduceIndustry #AgricultureAdvocacy #FarmBill #HealthInnovation #IFPA #WashingtonConference

Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Join us for an eye-opening episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast as we explore the cutting-edge techniques transforming the produce industry with Alan and Christopher Safieh from Born, a division of Unispice. Discover how they are harnessing AI and regenerative agriculture to create a more sustainable and predictable food supply. Learn how their innovative approach can significantly impact the future of farming and food security.What's Inside This Episode:Agriculture Revolution: Explore how Born is using AI and data to transform farming into a precise and predictable science.Sustainable Innovations: Dive into their commitment to regenerative agriculture and the remarkable environmental benefits.Predictive Farming: Understand how their advanced technology ensures consistent supply and quality, reducing waste and inefficiency.Personal Journeys: Hear the inspiring stories of Alan and Christopher Safieh and their passion for driving change in the produce 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#ProduceIndustry #AgricultureInnovation #Sustainability #RegenerativeAgriculture #BornFarms #Unispice"

Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Santos of Santos International. Mark shares the incredible journey of his family business from its beginnings to becoming a leader in the customs brokerage and cold storage industry. Learn about the challenges and triumphs they've faced over 50 years, the secrets to their success, and Mark’s exclusive insights on the current trends and future of the produce industry.What's Inside This Episode:Family Business Legacy: Discover the rich history of Santos International and how it evolved from a small operation to a significant player in the industry.Industry Insights: Gain valuable insights into the current trends, challenges, and future outlook of the produce logistics sector.Personal Commitment: Hear about the personal dedication and hard work that drive Santos International's success.Expansion and Growth: Learn about their strategic expansions in McAllen and Laredo and the importance of cold storage in their operations.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#VivaFreshExpo #ProduceIndustry #CustomsBrokerage #ColdStorage #FamilyBusiness #IndustryInsights"

Saturday May 25, 2024
Saturday May 25, 2024
Join Craig Slate and Dustin Blank of Farmer's Alliance in this insightful episode of "The Credible Vegetable Report" as they explore the crucial issues and trends impacting the vegetable market in spring 2024. Dive deep into the discussions on weather challenges, labor costs, market dynamics, and evolving consumer habits that are reshaping the agricultural industry.🌟 Why Watch?Gain expert insights into the pressing issues affecting the vegetable market, from severe weather impacts to labor cost challenges. This episode offers valuable information for industry professionals, farmers, marketers, and anyone interested in the future of agriculture and food trends.What’s Covered:🌪️ Storms & Crop Damage:Severe Weather Impacts: Craig and Dustin discuss the recent storms in Georgia and Texas, detailing how extreme weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rainfall, have affected vegetable crops like squash and peppers.Recovery and Outlook: Learn about the immediate effects of the storms on crop yields and the strategies farmers are employing to recover and protect their future harvests.💼 Labor Costs in Agriculture:Rising Labor Costs: The conversation delves into the increasing labor costs due to regulatory changes and the reliance on the H-2A visa program for farm labor.Operational Challenges: Dustin shares insights into how labor management has become a critical aspect of farming operations, impacting everything from production to profitability.📊 Market Trends:Vegetable Market Analysis: An in-depth look at the current state of the markets for cucumbers, bell peppers, squash, and Roma tomatoes. The discussion includes recent price trends, supply chain disruptions, and predictions for market movements in the coming months.Consumer Demand Shifts: Insights into how consumer preferences have shifted towards more fresh produce and the implications for market demand and pricing.👨🌾 Consumer Habits:Long-Term Trends: Exploration of how consumer buying habits have evolved over the past 20 years, with a notable increase in the consumption of fresh vegetables.Market Implications: Discussion on how these changing habits are influencing farming practices, marketing strategies, and overall market dynamics.🔍 Key Takeaways:Adaptation Strategies: Practical advice for farmers on adapting to weather challenges and managing rising labor costs.Market Insights: Data-driven analysis and forecasts for key vegetable markets.Consumer Trends: Understanding the shifts in consumer behavior and how to leverage these trends for business growth.👇 Engage With Us:Have you noticed any changes in your vegetable-buying habits? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below! We love hearing from our viewers and fostering meaningful discussions.Useful Links:Farmer's Alliance: https://www.farmers-alliance.comProduceIQ Graphs: https://www.produceiq.com/index🔔 Subscribe and Stay Updated:Don’t miss out on our latest episodes! Subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay informed with "The Credible Vegetable Report."#VegetableMarket #AgricultureTrends #MarketDynamics #HealthyEating #2024Trends #FoodIndustry #Farming #Crops #H2A

Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
Join us for an engaging episode of The Fresh Cred Podcast, recorded live at the 2024 Viva Fresh Expo in Houston, Texas! Dive into our conversation with Jaime Buentello, H-E-B's Business Development Manager, as he shares his 26-year journey with H-E-B and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s operations and culture.What's Inside This Episode:Jaime's Journey: Learn about Jaime's path from Del Rio, Texas to his current role at H-E-B, including his early days working in retail and his progression through various roles in the company.Career Insights: Discover valuable career advice and insights into what it takes to succeed in the produce industry, including the importance of face-to-face interactions and building trust.Company Culture: Hear about H-E-B’s approach to employee development and the emphasis on cross-functional experience to build knowledgeable leaders.Personal Stories: Enjoy personal anecdotes from Jaime’s life, including his love for football, music, and family.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#VivaFreshExpo #ProduceIndustry #BusinessDevelopment #HEB #CareerJourney #IndustryInsights

Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Who is Mike Xu, and what is GrubMarket? Discover the answers this week on The Fresh CrEd. Join us for an exclusive interview with Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, as we delve deep into his journey and the transformative impacts of his company on the food industry. This episode features Pamela Riemenschneider from The Produce Reporter, who will guide the conversation by bringing forth key industry questions to Mike, offering listeners a clearer view of the challenges and innovations shaping the food sector.Join Pamela and Craig Slate, CEO of Sunfed, as they sit down with Mike at GrubMarket's headquarters in San Francisco. Together, they will explore how strategic acquisitions and ground-up technological innovations are not only reshaping the food supply chain but also setting new standards for what we should expect from our food systems.Tune in to gain unique insights into how embracing technology can lead to greater #efficiency and #sustainability. This conversation is more than an interview; it's a window into the future of food distribution.Don’t forget to subscribe and follow The Fresh CrEd to stay ahead of the curve in technology and tradition. For more information and to listen to the episode, visit our website: https://www.thefreshcred.comListen to the full episode here and learn more about how GrubMarket is harnessing AI and technology to redefine industry standards: https://www.GrubMarket.comCatch Pamela on The Produce Reporter!https://www.youtube.com/@ProducewithPamela/videos#TheFreshCrEd #GrubMarket #Sunfed #FoodTech #AgTech #Innovation #Podcast #TechInnovation #SustainableAgriculture #Leadership #ChangeMakers #Disruptor

Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Join us for an engaging episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast, recorded live at the 2024 Viva Fresh Expo in Houston, Texas! Dive into our conversation with Mark Hoppenjans from Sev-Rend as he discusses how their innovative packaging solutions are propelling the produce industry forward. In his first Viva Fresh appearance, Mark shares his insights on the significance of sustainable practices and the evolving dynamics of industry relationships.What's Inside This Episode:Discover the unique atmosphere and personal connections that define the Viva Fresh Expo.Learn how Sev-Rend is leading the way in sustainable packaging and automation, directly impacting produce handling and customer engagement.Explore the challenges and opportunities in implementing eco-friendly materials in packaging, from biodegradable options to advanced recycling practices.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 future of the produce industry and how innovation is driving growth. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions!🔗 Useful Links:https://www.sev-rend.comSpotify: 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: The Fresh CrEd#VivaFreshExpo #ProduceIndustry #SustainablePackaging #BusinessInsights #InnovationInAgriculture

Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Join us for an engaging episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast, recorded live at the 2024 Viva Fresh Expo in Houston, Texas! Hosts Craig Slate and Ed Bertaud unite with special guests Dante Galeazzi and Melinda Goodman for an in-depth discussion on this year's spectacular expo achievements and the vibrant future of the produce industry.🌟 What's Inside This Episode:A vibrant introduction to the 2024 Viva Fresh ExpoDante Galeazzi shares hilarious anecdotes and his dual role as an announcerMelinda Goodman talks about the overwhelming success and attendee feedbackInsights into the growing significance and impact of the Texas Mexico corridor in the produce industryWe extend our gratitude to our partners Born Farms, Art MX, Much 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 discover how these leaders and our community drive the produce industry forward. 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#VivaFreshExpo #ProduceIndustry #AgriculturePodcast #BusinessInsights #InnovationInAgriculture

Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Join us in this engaging episode of The Fresh CrEd Podcast, recorded live at the Viva Fresh Expo in Houston, Texas! Hosts Craig Slate and Ed Bertaud bring together Patrick Kelly and Shay Myers, two pivotal figures in the produce podcasting scene, for a deep dive into the trends and transformations within the produce industry.🌟 What's Inside This Episode:- Introduction to Viva Fresh Expo- Patrick Kelly on transitioning from citrus sales to podcasting- Shay Myers discusses the impact of farming innovations on business growth- Insights into the future of the produce industry from our guest speakersDiscover how these leaders leverage their unique experiences to drive the industry forward. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions!🍊 Visit Our Website https://www.thefreshcred.comRemember to check out our guests' podcasts for more insightful content:Produce Industry Podcast with Patrick Kellyhttps://www.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/Produce Common Sense with Shay Myershttps://producecommonsense.buzzsprout.com/#VivaFreshExpo #ProduceIndustry #AgriculturePodcast #BusinessInsights #InnovationInAgriculture