California grower McClarty talks about boosting grape consumption

You could say that Harold McClarty has grapes running through his veins. Table grapes, that is, not the wine type. Back in 1887, his great grandfather purchased the land where McClarty later grew up and, exactly a century later, founded HMC Farms. Today, the Kingsburg, California-headquartered company has grown from the original 40 acres to one […]
Building prosperous industry future may conflict with desire to increase consumption

There have always been many pathways to success in produce. Indeed, one of the things that has made the produce industry an extraordinary place for those of us who have long toiled in the industry is the enormous range of opportunities the industry presents. We have our share of MBAs from Harvard and Stanford, but […]
Boosting consumption: Veg Power chief Dan Parker to unveil new consumer insight at London Produce Show

Around the developed world the produce industry has a dilemma. Per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables is flat or declining. The Produce for Better Health Foundation in the United States has stated it clearly in introducing its State of the Plate research: “The results are in. As a society, we are chronic underachievers at eating our fruits and […]
London Produce Show: Dachman Discusses Getting People To Eat More Produce, A Research-Backed Approach And Personal Journey

We’ve been writing about Rich Dachman for a long time. We’ve had many interactions with him as a result of his long career with Sysco: Dachman To Head Sysco’s Produce Division 2018 London Produce Show’s Thought-Leader Breakfast Features All-Star Cast Of Industry Luminaries Foodservice Forum At New York Produce Show Puts Produce First On Restaurant […]
Freshfel’s Philippe Binard On Opportunities And Obstacles: A Dedication To Increasing Produce Consumption In Europe

We’ve had many a vigorous exchange with Philippe Binard, including moments we’ve memorialized in pieces such as these: Will All Efforts To Boost Produce Consumption Wind Up Being Co-Opted By Other interests? European School Fruit Scheme IS Under Pressure To Add Other AG Items. Schoolchildren Apparently Also Need Flowers! Ten Years, Ten Lessons Learned: A […]
Asda study shows consumers won’t pay premium prices for sustainable products

What would help drive up purchases of sustainable products? It’s pretty simple: Lower prices. According to new research done by supermarket chain Asda, green labeling and increased product options are not what gets consumers’ attention, but the cost of those items. More than 75% said they would have a more sustainably-focused mindset if prices were […]
How Margin Creep kills the Golden Goose

There is a concern that is being circulated throughout the industry that affects everyone in it and their business: per capita produce consumption is going down. This is not a new phenomenon as consumption has been slipping over the past 20 years. Everyone seemed to recognize that this is not a good thing and is […]
Generation Z, Sustainable Purchasing And the Connection with Agriculture

As our natural food systems weaken and no longer seem able to deliver what is expected, we look for ways to change its trajectory. Gradually we begin to understand that one of the major causes of unsustainability in the food systems is not only production but also ‘irresponsible’ consumption. Our food seems cheap, but only […]