The Packer

A report released by the Food Systems for the Future Institute aims to identify solutions to the persistent challenges faced by grocery operators in low-income communities across the U.S. “Grocery Retail for All: Affordable, Nutritious Food in Every Neighborhood” highlights opportunities for innovation, collaboration, policy change and funding in the grocery sector, all focused on increasing grocery retail success and ensuring the affordability, availability and accessibility of nutritious food in every community. Learn more: loom.ly/xdgE_3g

Have you signed up for GOPEX yet? Aside from the fantastic educational sessions you know we’ll have, we’re also doing a 5k walk/run on Jan. 14. Costumes are strongly encouraged! We have prizes for the largest team and the best costumes. Grab a produce-related costume, bring your friends and join me in sunny Florida! Visit https://lnkd.in/eeyQ2N3J for more information.

Hope you’ll join us in Florida! Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/e-_SuRCU

From innovation to enduring brands, strategic acquisitions to year-round produce supplies, there was much to discuss at the 2024 New York Produce Show and Conference, which brought some 4,000 attendees and more than 300 exhibitors to New York City’s Jacob Javits Center, Dec. 10-12. Check out our latest from the show: loom.ly/gFJoulc

Despite advances in the reusable container and pallet industries, some retailers remain reluctant to take the plunge into the reusables pool. But reusable products suppliers say retailers’ resistance often is based on misconceptions, especially about costs and logistics. They think reusable pallets and RPCs are too costly and too difficult to deal with. Providers of reusables say not to worry. Reusable products are economical in the long run, easier than ever to track and highly sustainable. loom.ly/-vMHYNE

Featuring the theme, “Where Passion Becomes Action,” the 2024 New York Produce Show and Conference brought some 4,000 attendees and more than 300 exhibitors to New York City’s Jacob Javits Center, Dec. 10-12. Check out our Seen and Heard for some highlights from the show: loom.ly/LYa4yF0

We're thrilled to announce that Steve Lerch, a former Google executive and consultant, will take the GOPEX 2025 stage to discuss how to connect, understand and influence conscious consumers in the modern digital world. Don't miss your chance to hear his insights. Register today at https://loom.ly/tL7XNeg

Armand Lobato shares how a festive fruit basket kiosk prank brought holiday cheer to his produce department through teamwork and unexpected employee participation.

“When we think of conditioning, we think of the process of ripening bananas, avocados or even stone fruit and pears. But we have also conditioned consumers that they can get any item they need or want, at any time, every day of the year and that products will always be the same in terms of freshness, flavor and value,” says Joe Watson, vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale for International Fresh Produce Association. Read Watson's thoughts on conditioning, the art of educating consumers on fresh produce: loom.ly/kodUmmw

Organic produce, food trends, consumer behavior — GOPEX has it all! This comprehensive event covers a wide range of topics essential for success in today's produce industry. Visit https://lnkd.in/eZqdFRGk to learn more and to register.