The Packer Podcast

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 shiftSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. growersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The executive director of the Equitable Food Initiative shares how the organization works to promote trust and collaboration among different stakeholders to enact real, tangible progress toward its goals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for this special episode of The Packer Podcast, sharing some of the most interesting and entertaining answers from our "fresh take" segment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hashim Amin, head of grocery and retail for North America at Uber, shares how the company leverages its platform to offer convenience and on-demand services and how its unique marketplace experience competes against Amazon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Sterrett, director of events and expos with Farm Journal, gives a snapshot of some of the exciting plans in store for attendees of the January event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Mantle, founder and CEO of innov8.ag, offers insights to help growers overcome agriculture's complexities, boost tech adoption and use real-time, actionable data for improved operations and future readiness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food research expert Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, shares why Millennials and Gen Z are driving fruit consumption while vegetable sales decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tara Murray, vice president of marketing for Fresh Innovations and Yo Quiero Brands, shares how brands can respond to consumer trends in flavor and snacking and the opportunities in the industry for innovation and disruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association president shares how vital trade agreements are to the success of the entire fresh produce industry, changing Canadian shopper mindsets and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Hamilton, Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications at the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, shares how he aims to highlight blueberries’ true differentiators and merge health messaging with emotion to fuel consumers’ future purchases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nico Cabral, director of marketing for labor management software company FieldClock, discusses how simple efficiency tweaks through the use of technology can have a big impact on a farm's bottom line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Asadoor, CEO of Keystone Packing, and Sabrina Thakkar, director of the California Association of Food Banks's Farm to Family program, share the unique partnership between their organizations and the ever-growing need for fresh produce at food banks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, highlights this year's award, and shares the critical role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry and why it's important to recognize them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ross, IGA CEO, shares his company's strategy to transition to 2D barcodes and the benefits the barcodes hold for the fresh produce industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Aronson, chief revenue officer at Verdant Technologies, shares how his company deploys 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) in a new and innovative way to offer better produce to retailers and cut down on the use of ice in shipping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucelena Angarita, director of food supply chain visibility at GS1 US shares why it's never too early to start preparing your fresh produce business for the Food Traceability Final Rule, which goes into effect on Jan. 20, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mike Hemman, senior vice president of the North America Division of the drip irrigation solutions provider Netafilm, highlights some of the innovative ways his company integrates recycling into its drip irrigation products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the director of marketing and communication for the Equitable Food Initiative to share ways to celebrate the vital role of farmworkers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shay Myers, CEO of Owyhee Produce, is a third-generation farmer and also known as @shayfarmkid. Myers shares how he uses his social media platforms to talk about agriculture, why getting in front of the camera is important and how to connect with thoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of the Food Bank for New York City discusses how the fresh produce industry contributes to feeding those in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darren Seifer, industry advisor for consumer goods and foodservice insights for Circana gives us a sneak peek of his GOPEX 2025 presentation, focusing on today's organic produce shopper and what drives their loyalty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeana Cadby, director of environment and climate for Western Growers talks about a working group with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to address the changing produce packaging requirements imposed by governments and retailers and just how far the fresh produce industry has come in its use of sustainable packaging.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Santiago, CEO of FloraPulse, shares how his company's easy-to-install water sensor can help specialty crop growers better recognize what's happening to the plant during the growing season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Statler, chief marketing officer and head of food safety with Wiliot, shares the benefits that artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide the produce industry, especially in traceability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cristie Mather, vice president of food at Curious Plot shares some insights learned of the company’s 2024 Consumer Curiosity Report and how retailers can use that intel to tap into new opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Nichols, a third-generation pistachio grower and president of HotSpot Ag, shares how data and innovative technology can help deploy water where its most needed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of Zag Technical Services joins the podcast to discuss why ag is one of the most vulnerable business segments to cyber attacks and what business owners can do to be better prepared.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Stephanie Teclaw, quality program manager with RPE joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications with the Equitable Food Initiative, to talk about how a sustainability course from EFI provided the resources and framework to analyze the company's current sustainability state and ensure a supportive culture and vision were in place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Pawelski, a fourth-generation farmer, returns to the podcast to discuss the importance of advocacy, how growers can get started and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amalia Zimmerman-Lommel, director of social responsibility with GoodFarms joins LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Equitable Food Initiative to share how her understanding of social responsibility has evolved in the 10 years since GoodFarms became EFI certified and the benefits of certification.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joelle Mosso, associate vice president of science programs for Western Growers, sits down with host Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to talk about the conflicting needs of sustainability and food safety in fresh produce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Adams, co-founder and CEO of Pairwise, a food and agriculture company that utilizes gene editing and CRISPR technology to transform plants and production systems, joins host Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer on this latest episode of “Tip of the Iceberg” to talk about gene editing and its potential role in the future of the produce industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delbert Bland, founder of Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms and recent inductee into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame, sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to share his favorite way to eat Vidalia onions, the importance of a federal marketing order and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, who is set to retire this year after 35 years with the organization, joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to share memorable moments, his favorite pears and the challenges to marketing the fruit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle Downey, executive director of the nonprofit Project Apis m. joins Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to talk about hive growth in the news, challenges still facing the honeybee industry and the critical role honeybees play in food production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A.G. Kawamura, former secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, joins Christina Herrick, The Packer’s produce editor, at the Sustainable Produce Summit to talk about where agriculture is headed in the state and the changes he’s seen during his career in farming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the produce industry prepares for the Food Traceability Final Rule, Frank Yiannas, the former FDA Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy and Response and Steve Statler, chief marketing officer and head of food safety with Wiliot share how technology can help those in the produce industry become more efficient in this “Tip of the Iceberg” episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Sandwick, director of marketing with Hess Bros. Fruit, talks about the introduction of Wild Twist and the challenges of marketing new apple varieties in a competitive market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.