The Packer Podcast
What’s the fresh produce industry talking about now? Tune into The Packer Podcast to find out. Discussions dive into the challenges, opportunities and what’s next for stakeholders across the fresh produce supply chain.
Episodes
On this episode of The Packer Podcast, former FDA Deputy Commissioner and food safety expert Frank Yiannas joins the show to break down why recent produce outbreaks—including major Cyclospora and Salmonella habiana events—have severely damaged consumer confidence and why traditional investigation methods are no longer enough.
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In this episode of The Packer Podcast, host Christina Herrick sits down with Samantha Ayoub, Director of Workforce and Business Policy at the International Fresh Produce Association. As an economist navigating Capitol Hill, Samantha breaks down the complex economic, regulatory, and market dynamics impacting fruit, vegetable, and floral producers today. She explains how using data to back up personal grower stories gives...
Following the FDA declaring the recent Cyclospora outbreak over, the fresh produce industry faces a critical turning point. How can growers, shippers, and industry leaders move forward, prepare for future risks, and protect consumer confidence? In this episode, De Ann Davis shares essential insights on how the fresh produce sector can learn from the recent Cyclospora outbreak to build a more resilient, transparent suppl...
In this episode, Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director of the Hass Avocado Board, joins host Christina Herrick to discuss the launch of a dedicated avocado conference happening November 18–20 in San Diego. With the U.S. avocado market surpassing 3 billion pounds, Escobedo explains why the category has reached a critical inflection point requiring specialized focus beyond general produce shows.
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Is consumer confidence in the U.S. food supply actually recovering, or are recent outbreaks making things worse? In this episode, Kris Sollid, Senior Director of Research and Consumer Insights at the International Food Information Council (IFIC), breaks down surprising new data from the flagship Food and Health Survey. From tracking historical dips in consumer trust to analyzing real-time shopper reactions during recent produce out...
With 300 truckloads of vegetables crossing the border daily, Richard Lee, executive director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, outlines why protecting stable access to U.S. consumers directly supports affordable, year-round produce for Canadians.
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Circana’s Jonna Parker outlines why the fresh produce industry must focus on digital storytelling and rich product data to ensure agentic AI engines seamlessly discover and recommend their items to shoppers.
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Following an unexpected surge on social media, founder Adam Stager explains how massive public interest drives global demand for agricultural automation and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical sprays.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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