Improving Operational Efficiency: TQM for the Fresh Food Supply Chain

Improving Operational Efficiency: TQM for the Fresh Food Supply Chain

When it comes to improving operational efficiency, many cite the famous quote “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” This quote is often attributed to W. Edwards Deming (pictured left), the man who revolutionized the Japanese manufacturing industry, or Peter Drucker (pictured right), considered by many as the father of modern management theory. Apparently neither of them actually said this quote or used it in the way it is generally perceived according to these sources (citation 1, citation 2, citation 3). While some will debate...Continue Reading...
The Emergence of Brand Marketing in Produce

The Emergence of Brand Marketing in Produce

Steve Lutz recently wrote an article about brand marketing for The Packer “Three Major Trends That Moved the Produce Industry.” In the article, Lutz writes that he believes, from a sales and marketing standpoint, there have been three key trends over the last 25 years: Generic commodities were replaced by new varieties, but proprietary brands will control the future. Growers have gone from being data blind to become full category partners with complete access to a suite of supermarket sales metrics. Bulk items are being...Continue Reading...
Proactive Food Safety: Moving the Industry Forward

Proactive Food Safety: Moving the Industry Forward

An almost constant spate of food recalls should require us to think about proactive food safety. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there were 1,958 food and cosmetic recalls in 2018 and already 1,163 in 2019. Since 2012, there were 18,134 recalls. (This includes recalls for contamination, foreign particles, unreported allergens and other sources.) When it comes to fresh produce, we most commonly see issues related to E. coli, salmonella and listeria. And, while we may often identify the problem, too often we can’t...Continue Reading...
How to Feed a Hungry Planet: Food for Thought

How to Feed a Hungry Planet: Food for Thought

We need to come up with new approaches to feed a hungry planet. In a recent article in NPR’s The Salt, reporter Allison Aubrey makes the case that many people in the world today are malnourished and do not get enough fruits and vegetables. And, the problem is only going to get worse. In fact, according to a study in The Lancet Planetary Health, “If everyone around the globe began to eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, there wouldn’t be enough to go around.” What Will We Do When There’s More People to Feed?...Continue Reading...