The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

Join hosts Patrick Kelly and Co-Host Ross Nelson as they take you inside the 2026 Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPM) show in Toronto. Hear exclusive interviews with industry leaders, explore fresh innovations in produce packaging and supply chain technology, and discover the unique Canadian produce market vibe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to CPM, this episode offers valuable insights and lively conversations about the future of fresh produce and global trade.

What was Agent Orange, the herbicide that fell like mist on the jungles of Vietnam — and how did a chemical born in a West Virginia factory end up destroying the food systems, forests, and bodies of an entire nation? Why did the company that knew its own product contained one of the most toxic substances ever identified keep that knowledge from governments, soldiers, and the Vietnamese farmers watching their rice paddies wither and die? And how does the story of twelve million gallons of dioxin-laced herbicide open a window onto one of the great recurring dramas of modern capitalism; from the misfiled letters of Nitro to the class action courtrooms of the 1980s, and the generations of Vietnamese children born into a war that never quite ended?Join John and Patrick for the third episode of their Monsanto series — Rachel Carson, Operation Ranch Hand, the veterans nobody believed, and the distance between what a company says it is doing and what it is actually doing — in an age when the most dangerous chemical in the world was still being sprayed on American rice fields fifteen years after it had been banned from the jungles of Vietnam...----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join host Patrick Kelly and special guest Tara Murray from Yo, Quiero! Brands as they craft the ultimate May the 4th Star Wars themed dip bar that seamlessly rolls into Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Discover festive dip ideas featuring guacamole, queso, salsas, and bean dips, plus tips on pairing fresh produce for the perfect fiesta spread. Whether planning a family gathering or a fun snack weekend, get ready for tasty, convenient party inspiration that'll keep your celebrations flavorful and stress-free!Who's ready? Because we are bringing the DIP DESTINATION TO YOU!!FIND A STORE TODAY!!https://yoquierobrands.com/locations

Who was Edgar Queeny, the cold-eyed social Darwinist who inherited a chemical company from his father and turned it into one of the most powerful industrial forces in American history? Why did the man who helped trigger the atomic bomb, kept the Arsenal of Democracy running, and photographed brown bears in Alaska with Walt Disney also preside over a factory in West Virginia where workers were quietly being poisoned — and then denied compensation? And how does the story of a chemical explosion in Coal Country, a misfiled letter about dioxin, and thirteen men who couldn't afford to say no open a window onto the darkest chapter in the history of American agriculture; from the Manhattan Project to the jungles of Vietnam?Join John and Patrick for the second episode of their Monsanto series — the PCBs, the explosion at Nitro, the workers whose wives caught chloracne from their husbands' clothes, and the herbicide that was about to go to war — in an age when the company that made the bomb also made the weedkiller on your lawn...----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Lorenz Hercher of the Mosca Group to explore Reisopack's cutting-edge packaging solutions shaping the produce supply chain and the partnership behind the two companies. Discover how automation, smart technologies, and tailored systems are helping growers and packers reduce damage, save time, and boost profitability in end-of-line packaging. Tune in for industry insights and a sneak peek at their showcase coming to CPM Toronto!https://www.reisopack.com/en/home-en/

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we take you to the opening day of Macfrut 2026 in Rimini, Italy—where the global fresh produce industry gathers with energy, innovation, and purpose. From the moment the doors open, the show floor comes alive with international voices, forward-thinking technology, and powerful storytelling from growers and brands around the world.In this episode, we explore the key themes shaping this year’s event, including sustainability, post-harvest innovation, and the growing importance of authentic connections across the supply chain. With a strong international presence and unmistakable Italian hospitality, Macfrut once again proves to be more than a trade show—it’s a global meeting point for the future of fresh.Join us as we capture the sights, sounds, and insights from day one in Rimini, and set the stage for an exciting week ahead.

Who was John Francis Queeny, the broke Irish-American salesman who founded one of the most powerful and controversial companies in the history of modern agriculture - without knowing the first thing about chemistry? Why did a secret deal with Coca-Cola, a presidential letter, and a warehouse full of matches save his fledgling empire from collapse? And how does the unlikely story of a fake sweetener made from coal tar in St. Louis open a window onto the birth of the American chemical industry; from patent medicines and caffeine trials to the fossil chemistry that would one day reshape what the entire world eats?Join John and Patrick as they begin their six-part series on Monsanto - the company that started with saccharin and ended up controlling the farm - in an age when there were no labels, no regulations, and absolutely no shortage of things that could kill you...----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join Patrick Kelly as he recaps the vibrant Viva Fresh 2026 showcase in San Antonio, highlighting the debut of Juicy the Mango and the impactful Water for All initiative. Hear insights from his keynote at the Pro Act conference on bridging generational gaps in leadership, plus behind-the-scenes moments from booths and industry leaders. Tune in for fresh industry stories and a sneak peek at upcoming events and promotions!

his week on the Global Fresh Series, we dive into how one everyday staple—tomatoes—has become a powerful symbol of today’s shifting food economy. While broader grocery inflation begins to cool, tomato prices are surging, revealing a perfect storm of converging forces behind the scenes.From tariffs on imported supply to rising diesel fuel costs and increasing fertilizer expenses, the pressure is building across the entire supply chain. Add in seasonal demand and global trade dynamics, and tomatoes are now at the forefront of a new, more uneven wave of food inflation.In this episode, we break down what’s driving the spike, why it matters for growers, retailers, and consumers alike, and what it signals for the future of fresh produce pricing worldwide.#freshtomatoes #freshproduce #fertilizer #groceryinflation

Who is Bill Gates, the college dropout from Seattle who built the operating system of global capitalism - and then turned his restless, problem-solving mind to the oldest human activity of all: growing food? Why did his six-billion-dollar mission to end hunger in Africa leave more people hungry than before? And how does the story of one man's extraordinary ambition over the world's food supply echo the great estates of Imperial Rome, the English enclosures, and the ruthless monopolies of the Gilded Age?Join John and Patrick as they tell the unsettling story of the world's most powerful philanthropist and his campaign to rewrite the operating system of African agriculture — in an age when the line between benevolence and control has never been harder to draw...----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Over the last few years Patrick has been educated on plastics, compostable packaging and innovations in the supply chain. Join host Patrick Kelly as he explores the growing movement of sustainability in the produce industry, focusing on breakthrough compostable packaging innovations from leaders like Sunrays and Jac. Vandenberg. Discover how industry pioneers are transforming packaging to reduce plastic waste, support global causes, and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly options. Tune in to learn how the future of produce packaging is becoming both sustainable and scalable.This segment is POWERED by JAC VANDENBERG, INC. to educate and strive to a more sustainable future in our industry. https://sunraysfruits.com and https://jacvandenberg.com

Long before podcasts and digital media, Orion Samuelson mastered the art of connecting farm and consumer through the airwaves. As the iconic voice of WGN Radio, he translated complex agricultural issues into stories people could understand—and trust.This week on the Global Fresh Series, we examine how his approach to communication holds powerful lessons for today’s content creators, brands, and fresh produce leaders.As the gap between growers and consumers continues to widen, is podcasting today’s version of what Orion built decades ago?#foodpodcast #freshproduce #digitalmedia #foodmyths #produceindustrynetwork

What is huitlacoche, the fungus that Indigenous farmers in Mexico gave thanks for at harvest - and that American agronomists spent a century trying to burn, quarantine, and breed out of existence? Why did two civilizations look at the same diseased corn cob and see, one, a seasonal gift, and the other, an agricultural catastrophe? And how does this strange, blackened organism open a window onto the great collision between Indigenous knowledge and colonial science; from the burning of Aztec codices to the tasting menus of New York?Join John and Patrick as they tell the extraordinary story of corn smut - the Mexican truffle, the genetics laboratory darling, the fungus that fed empires and terrified farmers - in an age when the line between disease and delicacy has never been more hotly contested...----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join host Patrick Kelly and longtime guest Michael Chavez from Golden Star Citrus as they delve into the escalating costs impacting growers, packers, and shippers across North America. This episode breaks down fuel, packaging, and operational pressures, exploring innovative strategies and industry collaboration needed to thrive amid tightening margins. Tune in for a grounded conversation on adapting to the new normal in fresh produce supply.#risingcost #supplychain #agriculture #freshproduce #northamerica

Regenerative agriculture is no longer a niche concept—it’s becoming a defining force in the future of global fresh produce. In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we explore how farmers, retailers, and multinational food companies are working together to restore soil health, improve resilience, and reshape supply chains from the ground up.From large-scale initiatives across Europe to retailer-backed programs supporting farmers with data, training, and long-term investment, this episode dives into the real-world impact of regenerative practices. We examine how these efforts are addressing climate challenges, strengthening food security, and creating new opportunities across the value chain.Regenerative agriculture is reshaping the future of fresh produce. This episode explores how farmers, retailers, and global brands are working together to restore soil health, improve resilience, and build a more sustainable—and scalable—food system.

What is plastic, and how did a shortage of billiard balls accidentally give birth to the material that would feed the modern world? Why did a Belgian chemist rummaging through coal tar waste end up transforming the way humanity eats? And how does the unlikely journey from Victorian ivory substitutes to the clamshell of strawberries on your kitchen counter open a window onto the great forces of industrial history; from total war to the supermarket revolution?Join John and Patrick as they tell the extraordinary story of plastic's conquest of fresh produce, and the civilization it quietly built around us, in an age that made abundance the new normal...----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

In this milestone episode celebrating six years of the Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly welcomes Rob Austin, CEO of Empower Fresh, for an in-studio conversation about the transformative power of AI and hands-on training in the produce supply chain. Discover how Empower Fresh University is reshaping team training, driving consistency, and helping retailers reduce shrink with cutting-edge AI tools. Tune in to learn actionable insights on revolutionizing your produce department and why the human touch remains crucial in the era of smart technology.https://empowerfresh.com/for-retailers#empower-fresh-university

his week on the Global Fresh Series, we dive into a major joint venture between two industry powerhouses that is set to redefine the fresh-cut fruit landscape in France. With a strategic location, integrated logistics, and a focus on convenience-driven consumption, this partnership highlights the rapid evolution of value-added produce across Europe. We explore what this means for suppliers, retailers, and the future of fresh fruit consumption in one of Europe’s most promising growth markets.#freshcutfruit #Prepworld #Omer-Decugis&Cie #freshberries #produceindustrynetwork

How did the humble date palm become entangled in the great age of empire? Why did steamships, railways, and the opening of the Suez Canal transform an ancient oasis crop into a global commodity? And how did a handful of date palms - smuggled across deserts, nearly lost to a curious dog, and later replanted in California - come to shape the modern global date industry?Join John and Patrick for the second part of their story on the history of dates, as imperial expansion, desert espionage, and ambitious American plant hunters carry this ancient fruit from the oases of North Africa and the Middle East to the highways of Southern California, and even back from seeds two thousand years old.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Patrick Kelly dives into the recent silence in USDA's National FOB Review reports, exploring what it means for fresh produce market transparency and how industry professionals can adapt. From private data solutions to strategies for maintaining supply chain awareness, tune in to learn how buyers, sellers, and procurement managers can navigate this reporting gap with confidence.Reference: https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/publication/national-fob-review

How did a humble desert fruit help build some of the world’s earliest civilizations? Why did ancient farmers in Mesopotamia become master matchmakers for palm trees? And how did the date palm come to symbolize life, victory, and divine blessing across the ancient world? Join John and Patrick as they explore the astonishing origins of the date - from prehistoric hunter-gatherers and the orchards of ancient Mesopotamia, to Roman trade networks and the sacred traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In part one of this two-part series, they uncover how a single tree helped sustain empires, shape desert societies, and become one of the most important fruits in human history.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join host Patrick Kelly live from the vibrant Florida Citrus Tailgating event in Fort Pierce! In this episode, Quentin Roe co-hosts with Patrick on-site at the event. They chat with industry leaders and longtime friends about the latest in Florida citrus, community connections, and innovations shaking up the produce world. Grab a glass of fresh-squeezed juice and celebrate the spirit of Florida citrus with us!#farming #future #supplychain

What does conflict in the Middle East have to do with the price of food on your table? More than you might think.In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we explore how geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf—particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—are sending ripple effects through the global agriculture supply chain. While headlines often focus on rising oil prices, another critical commodity is at stake: fertilizer, the essential nutrient that supports nearly half of the world’s food production.With countries in the region supplying a significant portion of the world’s nitrogen fertilizers, any disruption in shipping lanes can tighten supply, drive up costs, and ultimately impact farmers, crop yields, and food prices around the globe. From the fields of the Northern Hemisphere preparing for spring planting to vulnerable regions facing rising food insecurity, the effects are far-reaching.Join us as we unpack the hidden connections between energy, fertilizer, global trade, and fresh produce, and examine how today’s geopolitical challenges could influence tomorrow’s harvests.#agriculture. #geopolitics #fertilizer. #freshproduce

What does a Roman emperor’s craving for cucumbers have to do with feeding eight billion people? How did a 15th-century Korean cookbook quietly invent heated agriculture centuries before Europe’s glass palaces? And how did Victorian spectacle, world wars, hydroponic ambition, and Dutch engineering transform the greenhouse from aristocratic indulgence into global infrastructure?Join John and Patrick as they trace the extraordinary history of climate control in the service of fresh produce - from Tiberius’s selenite-covered cucumber beds, to the heated ondol systems of the Joseon Dynasty, the imperial glasshouses of Palace of Versailles and Royal Botanic Gardens, and the hydroponic battlefields of the Second World War.Because this is not just a story about architecture. It is a story about anxiety, empire, science, and survival. About humanity’s refusal to let winter - or war, or geography - dictate what ends up on our plates.From Roman villas to vertical farms... this is the history of the greenhouse, and the quiet revolution that changed how the world grows its food.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join host Patrick Kelly on-location at KDC in Vineland, New Jersey, for an exclusive deep dive into winter produce imports and family-run business excellence. Hear from industry leader William Kopke as he shares insights on building trust, operational innovation, and the future of fresh produce in a rapidly changing market. Discover what it takes to lead a global produce hub and why collaboration is key to thriving together in the supply chain.#freshproduce #agriculture #supplychainhttps://kopkefruit.com - Check out the latest and greatest from Kopke!

In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we take you inside the energy and excitement of the SEPC Southern Exposure 2026 in Orlando, Florida—one of the fresh produce industry’s most anticipated gatherings of the year.From the vibrant trade show floor to meaningful conversations with growers, shippers, retailers, and innovators across the supply chain, this episode captures the spirit of collaboration that defines Southern Exposure. We discuss the standout moments from the expo, including innovative booth presentations, new product introductions, and the growing role of storytelling and digital media in connecting fresh produce with buyers and consumers.We also highlight the educational sessions that addressed key industry topics—from supply chain challenges and market trends to the importance of building stronger relationships across the industry. As always, the show was not just about business—it was about community, networking, and celebrating the passion that drives the fresh produce sector forward.#freshproduce. #SEPC2026. #agriculture

What was the United States government’s first move, when it decided that what Americans ate was a matter of national concern? Why, from the depths of the Civil War to the height of the culture wars, has Washington repeatedly redrawn the nation’s plate - sometimes to fight hunger, sometimes to win wars, sometimes to battle heart disease and obesity? And how did fruits and vegetables move from quiet supporting players to nutritional protagonists, caught between science, industry, and politics?Join John and Patrick as they trace the extraordinary history of U.S. dietary guidelines - from the founding of the United States Department of Agriculture in 1862, through wartime rationing and the “Basic Seven,” to the rise and fall of the Food Pyramid and the fierce debates of today. As public health, agricultural economics, and political ideology collide at the dinner table, one question lingers: when the government tells you what to eat, who (and what) is really being served?----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join host Patrick Kelly as he welcomes special co-host Jonathan Buettner of Buettner Processing Solutions, LLC. for a lively discussion from the Southern Exposure 2026 event in Orlando, Florida. This episode dives into the heart of the produce supply chain community, highlighting trade show insights, industry collaborations, and innovations shaping the future of fresh produce. Tune in to hear about networking, new technology, and the spirit of support that keeps this industry growing strong.

What kind of fruit was designed to be swallowed whole by giant sloths? How did a sacred Mesoamerican tree become the green badge of millennial brunch culture? And how did a humble postman’s backyard seedling end up conquering global agriculture?Join John and Patrick as they trace the astonishing history of the avocado - from the forests of ancient Mexico and the courts of the Maya and Aztec, to the chandeliers of the Alexandria Hotel, the rise of Calavo, and the accidental genius of Rudolph Hass. Along the way: plant explorers, freezes that nearly wiped out an industry, marketing masterstrokes, cartel violence in Michoacán, and the birth of the Super Bowl guacamole ritual.This is not just the story of a fruit. It’s a tale of extinction and survival, empire and branding, crime and cultivation - a relic of the Pleistocene that somehow became the taste of modernity.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join Patrick Kelly, the voice of the Produce Industry, as he shares firsthand insights from his recent travels through California's Central Valley and previews the highly anticipated Southern Exposure trade show in Orlando.This episode dives into the latest innovations in pre and post-harvest solutions with AgroFresh, tackles the challenges of unpredictable weather on crop quality, and highlights exciting industry events and sponsors. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the evolving produce supply chain and key trends shaping the season.

In this vibrant February episode of The Global Fresh Series, we celebrate the spirit of the Chinese (Lunar) New Year — a season of prosperity, renewal, and symbolic foods — while honoring National Heart Month, spotlighting the powerful role fresh produce plays in cardiovascular wellness.From citrus fruits symbolizing good fortune to berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, avocados, root vegetables, and other nutrient-rich staples that support heart health, we explore how global food traditions and modern nutrition science beautifully intersect.Join us as we journey across cultures and commodities, uncovering how fresh produce fuels celebration, strengthens communities, and supports healthier lives worldwide. Whether it’s a lucky orange shared at the New Year table or a heart-smart salad packed with vibrant greens, this episode reminds us that the path to prosperity begins with what’s on our plate.#chinesenewyear #nationalheartmonth #freshfruit #freshvegetables

What becomes of a man who spent his life moving plants, people, and power across the globe - when his own body finally begins to fail? How did Joseph Banks face his final years: in pain, in controversy, and yet still at the very center of British science? And why, after four decades at the helm of the Royal Society, did his reputation wither almost as quickly as his health?In this seventh and final episode, John and Patrick follow Banks into his twilight: chairing meetings from a wheelchair, backing Arctic expeditions, sampling three-year-old tinned meat in the name of progress, and making one last pilgrimage to Kew to see a cone bloom after forty years of waiting. As grief, illness, and imperial consequence close in, the question sharpens: was Banks a visionary architect of modern science - or an overbearing relic of an older age?----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Join host Patrick Kelly as he welcomes Bruce Letchworth of Continental Fresh to share inspiring stories of purpose, passion, and mission-driven work in the produce industry. Discover how honesty and relationships are transforming communities globally through the 'Water for All' initiative, and enjoy a lively conversation that blends produce insights with Bruce’s unique alligator hunting and fish fry adventures. A heartfelt episode that proves one person’s passion can ripple out and change the world.#VIVAFRESHSURPRISE #ASKUS

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we’re recapping the high points of Fruit Logistica 2026, where nearly 90,000 fresh produce professionals from around the world gathered in Berlin despite challenging winter conditions.We take a closer look at the business momentum, innovation highlights, and key themes shaping the global fresh produce industry, followed by an overview of the EU–Mercosur trade agreement and what it could mean for future market access, competition, and trade flows.We’ll also share a consumer insight straight from Berlin, offering perspective on evolving shopper expectations in one of Europe’s most influential markets. A packed episode connecting global trade, on-the-ground insights, and the conversations shaping what’s next for fresh produce.

What happens when exploration gives way to administration - and adventure turns into power? How did a royal garden become the beating heart of a global botanical empire? And how did Joseph Banks, without leaving London, reshape landscapes, economies, and diets across the world?In this episode, John and Patrick move from the drama of ocean voyages to the quieter - but far more consequential - world of Kew Gardens, where Banks transforms botany into infrastructure, plants into policy, and seeds into instruments of empire. From globe-spanning networks of plant hunters to glasshouses, diplomacy, and even Britain’s first brush with cannabis, this is where Banks stops collecting plants - and starts running the system.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast with Patrick Kelly, we break down the biggest takeaways from Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin — from data‑driven transformation and sustainability to global trade standards and the rise of storytelling in fresh produce. Patrick also shares his personal journey across Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Chile, and beyond on a mission to uncover the top citrus making its way around the world.Plus, we feature exclusive on‑site interviews with Jaime Bustamante of the DRC on trade standards and financial protection, and Hannes Tauber of VOG – Home of Apples on strategy, branding, and global communication.If you want to understand where the fresh produce industry is heading — and what’s driving the next decade of growth — this episode delivers the insights you need.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we’re coming to you from Fruit Logistica in Berlin, where the global fresh produce industry gathers to shape the future of trade, innovation, and market access.In this special episode, we share insights from the show floor and introduce a guest with years of hands-on experience doing business in the China fresh produce market. As China continues to play an outsized role in global pricing, demand, and premium fruit trends, understanding how to navigate this market has never been more critical.Our conversation explores what it really takes to succeed in China—from market access and consumer expectations to branding, logistics, and relationship-driven business culture—while connecting those lessons to the broader global themes emerging at Fruit Logistica.Whether you’re a grower, exporter, importer, or marketer, this episode offers timely perspective on how global trade shows like Fruit Logistica intersect with one of the world’s most influential fresh produce markets.

How did a gentleman botanist turn a vague imperial idea into a functioning colony on the far side of the world? Why did Joseph Banks’s quiet influence matter as much as any act of Parliament or naval broadside? And how did food, plants, and fragile supply lines decide whether Britain’s most audacious colonial experiment would live or die…?Join John and Patrick as Parliament finally commits to Botany Bay, Arthur Phillip sails with the First Fleet, and a penal colony teeters on the edge of starvation. From floating prisons and travelling greenhouses to shipwrecks, rum empires, and botanical lifelines, this is the moment when Banks’s vision collides with reality - on scorched soil, among hostile factions, and under the brutal pressure of survival.This is not just the founding of Australia.It’s the story of how empire is fed - or fails - one seed at a time.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

A powerful cold spell is sweeping across the United States — from snow flurries in Florida to citrus growers on alert in California and Texas. In this episode, we break down how the freeze is affecting produce supply, harvest timing, transportation, and pricing, all while recapping recent travels from Tucson and the SWIPE Conference. Weather volatility is shaping the market in real time, and we explore what buyers, shippers, and retailers should expect in the coming weeks.Then we shift gears as the show heads to Berlin, Germany, for Fruit Logistica — one of the world’s largest fresh‑produce trade events. We look at Berlin’s unique history in global food logistics, what to expect at the show, and the innovations likely to shape the year ahead. Special thanks to our international marketers DRC, VOG, and Global Women Fresh. Join us for a global look at produce as we get ready to head across the pond.www.aglifemedia.com

We begin with a deep dive into France’s recent decree banning five active substances on a range of fresh produce, regardless of country of origin, and explore what this unilateral move means for growers, exporters, and global supply chains operating within and beyond the European Union.Next, we’re excited to introduce a new segment, Consumer Insights, featuring Nicole MacDonald, who joins us to unpack how today’s consumers are thinking about food choices, trust, transparency, and value in an increasingly complex marketplace.We close the episode by addressing dynamic pricing — a growing concern for consumers and a powerful, and sometimes controversial, tool for perishable products. As technology and pricing algorithms evolve, we discuss where opportunity meets consumer perception, and why balance will be critical moving forward.From regulatory shifts to consumer expectations and the economics of perishables, this episode connects the dots on the pressures — and possibilities — shaping the future of fresh.

Fresh from fame and flush with ambition, Joseph Banks sets out to remake the world in his own image. But what happens when celebrity curdles into entitlement, when science collides with the Navy, and when one man’s colossal ego derails an imperial voyage before it even leaves port?Join John and Patrick as Banks plans a second South Seas expedition, throws one of the great tantrums of the eighteenth century, and quietly begins his transformation from globe-trotting naturalist into the most powerful scientific fixer in Britain.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

Patrick Kelly and co‑host Ross Nelson take you straight to Tucson, Arizona for their very first Southwest International Produce Expo experience. From teeing off at the golf tournament to diving into education sessions, shaking hands at networking events, and walking the buzzing expo floor, this episode captures the energy and discovery of seeing the show through fresh eyes.Join the recap as Patrick and Ross sit down with industry leaders from Albertsons, Wakefern, HEB, and more to unpack trends, standout innovations, and the relationships shaping the future of produce. It’s a week of learning, laughter, and lively conversations you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we take a wide-angle look at the forces reshaping the global fresh produce industry—from avocado boardroom power, with the blockbuster acquisition of Calavo Growers by Mission Produce, a deal that signals a new era of scale, vertical integration, and expansion into prepared foods. moves to unexpected environmental challenges influencing what ends up on our plates. Followed with exploring record avocado demand and how Avocados From Mexico is looking far beyond Super Bowl Sunday—forecasting billions of avocados moving through global markets and investing in year-round demand, new regions, and next-generation consumers. We look at microfibers in clothes stunting tomato growth and finally, we end on a sweet note with the surging global popularity of mangoes, as consumer demand, improved supply chains, and expanding markets continue to fuel one of the fastest-growing fruit categories worldwide.

What happens when discovery turns to disaster — and survival hangs on a sliver of luck? How close did Joseph Banks come to losing everything he had collected, and his life with it? And how did coral, disease, and chance shape one of the most important scientific voyages in history?Join John and Patrick as the Endeavour smashes onto the Great Barrier Reef, limps into Batavia, and is transformed from a ship of discovery into a floating hospital - a brutal reminder that Banks’s botanical triumphs were forged on the very edge of catastrophe.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of the Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly sits down with Jeff Cady, Vice President of Procurement for Tops, to discuss retail sourcing, supplier relationships, and today’s produce market challenges. Jeff shares insights on procurement strategy, leadership, and what it takes to succeed as a retail partner in an evolving industry.

This week on The Global Fresh Series, we take a wide-angle look at how rapidly shifting environmental conditions, global demand, and innovation are reshaping the fresh produce landscape.We begin in California, where the state has officially been declared drought-free, marking a major turning point for growers, water policy, and long-term agricultural planning.From there, we travel to Southeast Asia, where surging demand for durian—driven by the Chinese market—is transforming the small rural village of Raub, in Malaysia. Once a quiet agricultural area, Raub is now positioning itself as a global supplier, expanding durian production and opening new export channels to India.We close the episode with a look at innovation closer to home, as four new potato varieties are introduced to the market—highlighting how plant breeding, consumer preferences, and adaptability continue to drive opportunity in staple crops.From climate resilience to exotic fruit demand and varietal innovation, this episode captures the interconnected forces shaping the future of global fresh produce.

What happened when Joseph Banks finally put to sea - and discovery left the comfort of gardens behind? How would a voyage meant to advance science collide with storms, suspicion, imperial rivalries, and human tragedy? And what would it cost to catalogue the natural world at the far edges of the globe?Join John and Patrick as they follow Banks aboard HMS Endeavour, from vineyards in Madeira and standoffs in Rio de Janeiro to catastrophe in Tierra del Fuego and the intoxicating promise of Tahiti. This is science under sail: plants collected at gunpoint, lives lost to ice and overconfidence, and the birth of a vision that would bind botany, empire, and exploration together - whether the world was ready for it or not.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly welcomes Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish, for a conversation. Wiggs shares his background, experiences, and perspective, offering insight into his journey and the path that led him to where he is today. Through the discussion, listeners get to know Wiggs both personally and professionally, and hear his story in a natural, conversational way.

In this timely episode of the Global Fresh Series, we sit down with Ron Lemaire, President of the Canadian Fresh Produce Association, for a candid conversation on one of the most challenging years the global fresh produce industry has faced in recent memory.Ron reflects on the realities of 2025—marked by shifting tariffs, trade uncertainty, and geopolitical pressures—and how these forces reshaped supply chains and business strategies across borders. He also shares how new partnerships were forged, existing relationships strengthened, and innovative approaches adopted to keep fresh produce moving despite the headwinds.

Who was Joseph Banks before he became the most powerful botanist in the British Empire? How did a wealthy, restless young man turn a childhood fascination with weeds into a scientific obsession that would reshape global agriculture? And why did one cold, miserable voyage to Newfoundland prove to be the spark that launched a world-changing career?Join John and Patrick as they begin a brand-new multi-part series on Joseph Banks, tracing his early life from privileged English estates to the edge of the North Atlantic - and setting the stage for the voyages that would transform science, empire, and the history of fresh produce.----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: [email protected]