Category: Produce with Pamela

Like many others in the produce business, I planned to be in Berlin for Fruit Logistica this week. Unfortunately, the show’s timing changed to April.   Fortunately for me (and you, who get to share in the fun!), I already had plans to visit a friend in the area, and do some store checking.  

The pandemic might have helped push consumers to online grocery, but it’s convenience that’s keeping them, according to a survey of 1000 consumers by Chicory.

What makes an industry observer like myself choose subjects for a Food Trends forecast?

A year ago, when I started writing the Focus on Fresh for the 2021 Know Your Commodity Guide, I had no idea we’d still be talking about the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on consumer spending habits in 2022. And yet, here we are.

Is it just me, or did people start panic buying again?

What do “real” people eat? What food trends are evolving to solve pain points for consumers?

Consumers have spent a lot of time preparing their own meals over the past year and a half, and the latest sales figures suggest this is a trend that’s not slowing anytime soon.

Removing barriers to market is a great start, but the uphill battle will be changing buyer perception – both the retail buyer and the end consumer.

Behind the scenes, there’s a great explanation of raspberries steep increase in volume, consumption, and share of the category.  

Pamela talks with Abby Prior and DJ Grandmaison about post-acquisition plans for lēf Farms -- branding, market reach, and expansion plans as BrightFarms looks to grow its presence in New England.