Category: Produce Blueprints

Trade experience survey data reported on Stonehedge Produce Corporation, previously located in Atlanta, GA, never exceeded more than two trade reports.

In past articles, we typically have studied companies with a more significant tenure and with a well-established footprint. However, there are some produce companies that don’t make it past their first year—as previously mentioned, approximately 20 percent of them.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one in five U.S. businesses fail within the first year.

It’s quite remarkable how online shopping has become a significant part of the total retail food shopping experience. It’s a validation of the point that convenience is one of the principal motivators in influencing consumer behavior.

One area of innovation with plenty of untapped potential for the entire industry is data tracking and integration.

After years of investment, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is now projected to reach more than $172 billion in 2025, according to KD Market Insights, up from over $74 billion in 2020.

For many consumers, the sustainability message has become increasingly important.

On the retail side, shortages on shelves are a lingering concern.

Foodservice has come back to a large degree since the Covid lockdowns, with some exceptions.

Storytelling is part of the process of creating an emotional connection, and companies such as Naturipe Farms, Sage Fruit Company, LLC, SunFed, Chelan Fresh Marketing, and NatureSweet, Ltd. are among the companies telling consumers how their produce is grown and putting the spotlight on the people behind it.