EP77: Looking Back on 2019 and What the Future Has in Store for the Fresh Produce Industry

Published: Dec. 4, 2019, 10 a.m.

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\\u201cGrowers are becoming smarter each and every day in their quest to raise the most flavorful food for us all.\\u201d

Lori Taylor (15:09-15:17)

As we wind down another year and look to 2020, The Produce Moms team is taking a look back on our biggest takeaways, favorite podcast episodes, and industry trends to look out for.

\\u201cWe\'re close to a perfect five-star rating. We have amazing reviews, and when I read them, it motivates me to stay dedicated to this platform. When we get that feedback from our audience, we know it\'s worth it.\\u201d - Lori Taylor (11:37-12:01)
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We\\u2019ve done some amazing work this year with Kroger Health and supporting their mission to spread their message of health through their Fresh for Everyone initiative and other projects. We\\u2019ve added new brand partners and have had some breakthrough media opportunities, which is helping us reach an even larger audience.\\xa0

The Fresh Summit, the Super Bowl of the fresh produce industry, brings all brands involved in the industry together to showcase their new products. We were so proud to be involved in the event and see the Produce Moms logo on the packaging of one of the Crunch Pak products. The company\\u2019s Apple Slices product is a perfect fit for our company and the audience we serve.\\xa0

Most Memorable Moments of 2019 on The Produce Moms Podcast

The podcast is one of my favorite platforms for spreading our message of better health through fresh fruits and vegetables. It lets us highlight the remarkable people who are helping the industry achieve so much more.\\xa0

Interviewing the founder and CEO of Hazel Technologies was a personal favorite podcast moment. Hazel Technologies is working to reduce food waste, which is a critical issue for the global food supply.\\xa0

In other episodes, we discussed the process of recycling as well as how the produce industry is leading the way in packaging innovations. We highlighted the role that plastic can play in mitigating food waste\\u2014something that most people don\\u2019t understand.\\xa0

We did an episode on the coconut fruit and its misclassification as a tree nut by the FDA, which is a big problem when you consider the impact this can have on food labeling.

Fruits and Vegetables are Here to Stay

The growing interest in plant-based eating is an indication that fruits and vegetables are here to stay. A trend to watch out for in 2020 is plant breeding that focuses on flavor first in a way that\\u2019s never been done before. Today\\u2019s growers are using new methods for enhancing the quality of the foods they produce and distribute.\\xa0

Medjool dates have emerged as a healthy, satisfying, sweet, and natural treat. It\'s like nature\'s candy. If you\'ve never tried a Medjool date,\\xa0 2020 is your year to try them.\\u201d - Lori Taylor (12:58-13:13)

Jicama, celery juice, and dried fruits continue to become popular among health-conscious consumers. Herbs like basil are being recognized for their ability to make just about anything taste better.\\xa0

Many people have reached out to The Produce Moms team about pomegranates. Most people\\u2019s experience with this delicious fruit is through drinking pomegranate juice. But the fruit\\u2019s small edible seeds can also be found in your local grocery store.

Reflecting on everything we\\u2019ve done this year gives us a tremendous feeling of gratitude. We could not be more thankful for everyone who supports the work we do here at The Produce Moms.\\xa0

It takes a lot of passionate people bringing their talents to the table, and we look forward to what 2020 has in store for us and for you and your family.\\xa0

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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

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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!



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