BROADCASTS.com

Published: June 17, 2020, 9 a.m.

b'

\\u201cRestaurants are not just good for business, but good for life.\\u201d

Lori Taylor (19:54)

\\xa0

As a champion of the fresh produce industry, The Produce Moms has made it a top priority to cover the recent pandemic, and its effects on the produce industry, from the front lines.\\xa0

\\xa0

We have so many friends and partnerships who have been directly affected by the recent events, and we have watched in awe as they have regrouped, pivoted, and continued to do their best to supply us with fresh, safe produce.\\xa0

\\xa0

Fresh Edge, a longtime friend of The Produce Moms, is a family of fresh food distributors. This includes Indianapolis Fruit, which wholesale distribution to retailers, Piazza Produce and Get Fresh, both of which supply restaurants and the food service sector (hotels, event centers, retirement homes, etc.).\\xa0

\\xa0

Greg Corsaro, President and COO of Fresh Edge, and Michael Grinstead, General Manager of Get Fresh, gave some timely insight on how they are continually innovating and doing their best to keep the produce industry thriving during such uncertain times.\\xa0

\\xa0

The United Fresh Produce Excellence in Food Service Award Program

\\xa0

This month Fresh Edge, in partnership with the United Fresh Produce Association, honored nine of the country\\u2019s most innovative chefs and food services professionals as part of the United Fresh Produce Excellence in Food Service Award Program.\\xa0

\\xa0

The profession of a chef is, perhaps, one of the most taxing career choices. It is one that comes with 20 hour days, high-stress environments, and adapting to an environment that is always changing.\\xa0

\\xa0

This year the category of Supermarkets and Retail Operators has been added to the award program. While most of the chefs honored work in a traditional environment, grocery store prepared food sections in certain stores rival those of restaurants.\\xa0

\\xa0

Because of the current events, there will be no in person recognition for these chefs. However, they are being honored all summer long in a FREE virtual expo, United Fresh 2020. This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with the nominees and learn more about Fresh Edge.

\\xa0

Trucks Full of Produce with No Destination

\\xa0

The memory of the day life as we knew it came screeching to a halt is still fresh in the minds of most. Most of us quickly realize that with the closure of schools, restaurants, and hotels the produce industry was direly affected.\\xa0

\\xa0

What most probably realize is the abrupt nature of these decisions were just as abrupt for the produce industry as they were for us.\\xa0

\\xa0

Billions of dollars of perishable produce were sitting in warehouses or riding in trucks enroute to destinations. Trucks full of produce that no longer had a place to go.\\xa0

\\xa0

As orders were cancelled and food banks were overwhelmed by produce suppliers across the nation trying to make the best of a horrendous situation, Greg shared that they tried to donate as much as possible, but the waste of so much produce was probably as devastating as the loss of revenue going forward.\\xa0

\\xa0

\\u201cThroughout this whole pandemic, with the emphasis placed on proper hygiene and sanitation measures\\u2026 we haven\\u2019t had to alter our practices.\\u201d - Greg Corsaro. (7:20)\\xa0

\\xa0

One encouraging aspect of all of this for Fresh Edge has been to notice that in proper hygiene and sanitation measures, they haven\\u2019t had to alter their practices in food handling. They have been, and still are, an incredible source of safe fresh produce.\\xa0

\\xa0

Now, as our economy begins to reopen, growers still aren\\u2019t sure what to plan for. The world is far from \\u201cbusiness as usual,\\u201d and Greg joked that it feels much like the Jelly of the Month club from the cult classic Christmas film, National Lampoons\\u2019 Christmas Vacation. It\\u2019s the \\u201cgift that keeps on giving.\\u201d\\xa0

\\xa0

Amidst so much uncertainty, one thing remains.\\xa0

\\xa0

\\u201cFood security is national security\\u2026 we have to keep food moving in this country.\\u201d - Lori Taylor. (6:54)\\xa0

\\xa0

The produce industry must keep food moving.\\xa0

\\xa0

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

\\xa0

It has been amazing to see how different links of the supply chain have gotten creative to continue to provide produce to customers.

\\xa0

From the moment the crisis unfolded, Fresh Edge began working hard to find a home for their produce supply. In the days after businesses began shutting down, they donated to employees, food banks, agencies, and began seeking out alternative revenue sources.\\xa0

\\xa0

One of the ways they have continued to supply produce is through their pop up markets in the Indianapolis area! Customers can pre-order from an array of boxes - fruit, vegetable, protein. Trucks are parked in a centralized location and customers can then simply drive up and pick up their order.\\xa0

\\xa0

\\u201cA lot of peers in the food service industry have had amazing innovation out of absolute desire just to survive.\\u201d\\xa0

- Michael Grinstead. (15:32)\\xa0

\\xa0

Are meal prep boxes, pop up markets, and simplified menus here to stay?\\xa0

\\xa0

For Fresh Edge, it\\u2019s too difficult to tell right now what will stick around on the other side of present necessities. For some, the success of these new business strategies will become foundational pillars of a new business model to survive the new normal.\\xa0

\\xa0

The produce industry is a resilient community who is fighting hard to remain strong, solvent, and able to provide YOU with fresh produce. They are depending on you.\\xa0

\\xa0

How can you help?\\xa0

\\xa0

The best way for you to do your part is to continue supporting the produce industry. Keep buying and eating your fruits and vegetables, and encourage friends and family to do the same.\\xa0

\\xa0

We\\u2019ll get through this together.\\xa0\\xa0

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!\\xa0
• Reach out to us - we\\u2019d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.\\xa0
• Gain FREE access to United Fresh 2020, a live expo bringing people together to learn, to create value, and build our future together.
• Learn more about the incredible Fresh Edge family.\\xa0

\\xa0

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we\\u2019d love for you to help us spread the word!

'