Last week, members of the ag industry met in Del Mar, CA, for the Western Growers Annual Meeting. The three-day event, held at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, was well attended and featured something for everyone; notably, the western water supply’s effect on agriculture, investing in new technologies and a celebration of Award of Honor winner Carol Chandler.

PHARR, TX – Richard Ruiz believes the key to future success of the produce industry lies in the hands of the millennial generation, and produce marketers would be well advised to meet the needs of that demographic.

“More than ever, consumers are hungry for information about the food they buy and where it comes from, and that is especially true for the millennials,” he said. “They value quality over price, and that can be a key for our success as an industry.”

During the “Recognizing the Best Part of PMA” Virtual Town Hall held Oct. 27, Produce Marketing Association and Center for Growing Talent announced and honored the winners of the suite of awards recognizing excellence across the industry. The awards recognize work of industry volunteers across the industry who transform, innovate, collaborate, and lead all those they encounter towards growing a healthier world.

Long and lonely days and nights in cramped quarters isn’t the best recruitment poster. That is the part of the dilemma facing the trucking industry. Drivers have been in short supply for years, and it is getting worse.

Asparagus is currently being shipped out of Mexico and Peru. The quality and supply is very good, and the pricing trend is steady. This is a great time to promote asparagus in the produce department as asparagus always generates high volume sales.

Set up displays on an end cap, at the store entrance lobby, a wing alongside a table end or on a free-standing floor fixture. The asparagus display will capture attention and add substantial sales to your department as well as gross profit dollars.

The Holidays are approaching, and starting with Thanksgiving, the feasting and festivities will begin. Many of us will set out the ham or turkey, along with all the fixings, and gather with friends and family to celebrate some of our favorite holidays.