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...