In this insightful episode of The Fresh CrEd, hosts Ed Bertaud and Craig Slate sit down with Yan Branco, Lead of Produce Sourcing Innovation and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Development at Sobeys. Yan shares his journey from his family farm in Canada to his role at one of North America’s leading grocery retailers, bringing a fresh perspective on the future of produce.
Yan breaks down the importance of a “marathon mindset” when it comes to tech adoption in the produce industry, especially with advancements like AI and vertical farming. From overcoming early hurdles to understanding the true pace of innovation, Yan shares how retail leaders are cautiously embracing change while navigating the unique challenges of produce sourcing and consumer education.
Listeners can expect a mix of humor, hard-earned industry wisdom, and honest reflections on what it takes to balance tradition with transformation in the fast-evolving world of agriculture. With topics ranging from the competitive pressures of the food market to strategies for increasing produce consumption, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in food, farming, and the future of produce.
Key Highlights:
•Yan’s career journey in the produce industry
•Why patience is essential in tech and innovation for agriculture
•Vertical farming, AI, and the potential for industry-wide transformation
•The role of consumer education in driving produce consumption
•Building a collaborative approach to achieve industry change
Tune in for Yan Branco’s fresh perspective on what lies ahead for produce, and don’t miss upcoming episodes as we explore more voices from the Global Produce & Floral Show!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
•Title Sponsor: Lakeway Produce
•Series Sponsors: HM Produce, Kern Ridge Growers, Equifruit, JR Imports, SunFed, and IFCO
Be sure to subscribe to The Fresh CrEd for more industry insights, stories, and future-focused conversations from leaders who are shaping the produce world!
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