Fresh Produce, Fresh Ideas

Fresh Produce, Fresh Ideas: Exploring the Cutting-Edge World of Last Mile Distribution

Guests

• Jim Corasaro, CEO of Fresh Edge
• Jim Reynolds of Pacific Coast Fruit Company

In this episode dives we dive deep into the ever-evolving produce industry, uncovering the secrets to success of two leading companies and the innovative trends driving the future of fresh food. We explore the challenges of labor constraints and inflation, and how companies like Fresh Edge and Pacific Coast Fruit Company have adapted to stay ahead. We discuss the importance of customer relationships, the use of technology and data analytics, and the rise of prepared foods and value-added produce. With expert insights from industry leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the produce industry.

What You'll Discover

• How Fresh Edge and Pacific Coast Fruit Company have overcome industry changes
• Understand the shift from 80-90% art to 65% science and 35% art in the produce industry
• How data analytics, automation, and prepared foods are driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Why companies are balancing employee needs with profitability
• How loyalty and consolidation have become key parts of doing business in the produce industry

"Online shopping that occurs at a grocery store where people shop online and have delivered, the grocery store still needs the product. So we still need to supply from that regard. As a matter of fact, I think our value to our grocery store customers in our retail segment has increased through online shopping because the customer who buys online from a grocery store needs to trust the quality and freshness of that product."

Jim Corasaro

CEO

Fresh Edge

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