This is not another virus story.
I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of reading about “you-know-what.” Antithetically, I’ve noticed something in our industry lately that, in the aggregate, is quite compelling: The train is leaving the station! And, guess who is on it? Me, for one.
Yes, much of the world hit the pause button for the past few months, but what I’ve noticed on AndNowUKnow (ANUK) and through speaking with our clients is our produce world is continuing to move forward with the basics of growing, processing, selling, buying, shipping, receiving, and distributing. Not only that, but produce is hiring, developing new products and value-added solutions, forming new partnerships, growing categories, kicking off new seasons and programs, celebrating victories, expanding facilities, investing in technology, promoting products, and the list goes on and on…
Now, don’t get me wrong; it’s not all rainbows, unicorns, and butterflies—we still have plenty of track ahead of us to really gain full steam, but there is a ton of positive momentum in our industry.
Just how much good news is there? Actually, a TON!
As I reviewed many stories from over the past couple of months, I realized there was no way that Jordan Okumura, the Editor in Chief aka my Snack boss, was going to let me list 50 stories. So, here is our compromise...
With winners from The Little Potato® Company, Mucci Farms, Mastronardi Produce®, and La Huerta Imports, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association recognized the best of the best in fresh produce...
Organics continue to rise in consumer trending habits, making a multitude of category champions an essential part of shoppers’ baskets...
A distinguished honor, given to those who display great leadership and produce industry involvement, was bestowed upon Sarah Frey at this year’s virtual event...
A one-of-a-kind innovation deepened retail relationships as the produce innovator explored new strategies and revealed new programs...
On a “mission” to reach new heights in the avocado category, the visionary took us on an industry cliffhanger...
Investments in excellence were but a few of the ways West Pak Avocado honed its competitive edge...
Over six months of fresh produce commitment culminated in what could be one of TIPA’s most successful initiatives yet, strengthening our industry’s stance that food is medicine...
The dynamic team pulled out all the virtual stops on a momentous fundraising event that brought the might of industry icons and retail giants alike together to support our communities...
Taking a boots-on-the-ground approach, the organic grocer is seeking out upstanding nonprofit organizations to provide grants for nutrition education and food access programs for those in need...
Industry veteran Tim Youmans opened up on the launch of a new organic program to capture a booming category and take berries by storm...
Bringing innovation to the literal table, the leafy greens powerhouse recently unveiled a line of irresistible blends to liven up plates across the nation and beyond...
The veg powerhouse expanded its product lineup for its foodservice partners, bringing fresh mixes to a diverse sector...
The Chief Carrot Officer of Bolthouse Farms opened up on the new strategies the produce provider put into play to achieve a lucrative trifecta...
What does it take to be a leader in our dynamic and fast-growing industry? With over 25 years of experience, Julie Krivanek offered insights, advice, and more for today’s leaders...
When there’s love and produce, what else do you need? Follow along on the journey of Jimmy and Diane Bassetti as they share their story of love and ag...
The grower kicked off the blackberry season with fortuitous timing as consumers returned to normalized shopping habits...
Two quality-oriented melon companies with exceptional varieties joined forces...
A dynamic partnership expanded as a new greenhouse opened up to bring more value for the premium grocer...
A heart-warming tribute to moms culminated on a special day, bringing smiles and joy as the berry purveyor’s campaign drew to a fantastic close...
In addition to all this positive activity, Joe Produce’s job marketing and recruitment activities have picked up steadily over the past 30 days. Here are a few great job opportunities happening right now:
GM/CEO search for a successful wholesale distributor in the Northeast
President of Ag Operations in the Southeast (NEW!)
VP of Ag Operations in Salinas, California
Director of Sales and Marketing in Bakersfield, California
Director of Value-Added Operations in California
Operations Manager/GM in Yuma, Arizona
Two HR Manager roles in California’s Salinas Valley
Director of Sales and Marketing in the Southeast
COO in California’s Coachella Valley
Director of Harvesting in Salinas, California
Farm Manager for a tree crop in New Mexico
So, while I’d like to say, “Turn off Fox, MSNBC, CNN, and all the rest,” rather, I’d like to suggest that we balance out all the bad news with some good produce news!
The produce train is leaving station CV-19! Hop aboard, and let’s make 2020 a great year—there are five more months to go!
Enjoy the journey, my friends! 
