The Fresh CrEd

Recorded live at Viva Fresh Expo 2026 in San Antonio, this conversation features Dante Galeazzi (President & CEO of the Texas International Produce Association) and Melinda Goodman (President & Owner of Full Tilt Marketing).

With nearly 3,000 attendees, Viva Fresh continues to grow as one of the most impactful events in the produce industry—driven by relationships, innovation, and a strong sense of community.

In this episode, we discuss:

The continued growth and evolution of Viva Fresh Expo

Why relationships remain the foundation of the produce business

The role of sponsors, volunteers, and industry collaboration

How small, consistent changes drive long-term success

This is a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Viva Fresh unique—and why its momentum continues to build year after year.

Freight costs are swinging, fuel prices are climbing, and produce operators are heading into the summer season with real uncertainty.

In this episode of The Fresh CrEd, PJ Cawley of Charlie’s Produce shares what he’s seeing across procurement, transportation, and planning as the industry approaches Viva Fresh.

From volatile freight rates and rising diesel costs to ongoing tariff questions, PJ breaks down how these pressures are impacting decision-making across the supply chain.

The conversation also touches on how spring crop planning shifts into execution, and what operators should be watching as programs come online and costs begin to materialize.

For anyone working in produce, distribution, foodservice, or supply chain, this episode offers a grounded look at the real signals shaping the market right now.

Recorded live at SWIPE Expo 2026 in Tucson, Ed Bertaud sits down with Ahmed Bakheit of ADAAM Logistics to discuss the current state of transportation and logistics in the produce industry.

The conversation focuses on carrier compliance, insurance risk, and what’s driving breakdowns between brokers, shippers, and carriers. Ahmed also shares his perspective on capacity, driver pay, and how inflation continues to impact operations across the supply chain.

Additional topics include:

• Carrier compliance and insurance requirements

• Capacity vs. qualified capacity

• Cost pressures and driver pay

• Risk management in produce transportation

• Broader pressures impacting logistics

More conversations from SWIPE Expo 2026 are available on The Fresh CrEd.

Recorded live at SWIPE Expo 2026 in Tucson, Ed Bertaud sits down with Sasha Luten of Farmer’s Best to discuss the current state of the produce business from a grower-shipper perspective.

The conversation covers labor challenges in Mexico, rising costs, and how development is changing the available workforce. Sasha also shares his perspective on duties, the end of the tomato suspension agreement, and what that means moving forward.

Additional topics include:

• The continued growth and evolution of SWIPE Expo

• Demand across U.S. and Canadian markets

• Transportation and seasonal logistics pressures

• The role of diversification in supporting customer relationships

More conversations from SWIPE Expo 2026 are available on The Fresh CrEd.

Recorded live at the Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) in Tucson, Ed Bertaud sits down with Lance Jungmeyer, President of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas.

They discuss how SWIPE has grown into one of the most productive gatherings in the produce industry, why maintaining strong buyer–supplier engagement matters, and the operational realities shaping fresh produce trade.

The conversation also explores border logistics, inspection capacity, trucking shortages, and how industry groups work with government agencies to keep produce moving efficiently from Mexico into U.S. commerce.

Recorded live at the Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) in Tucson, AZ, this episode features Kristi Novak of HEB.

Kristi discusses what it looks like to manage leafy vegetables in today’s environment — shifting weather patterns, water constraints in Texas and Mexico, vendor changes, and ongoing tariff conversations.

We cover:

• How climate and water availability are affecting supply

• What vendor realignment looks like in practice

• Diversifying sourcing without overreacting

• Why prioritization matters when everything feels urgent

“We’re always going to face challenges. It’s just different every time.”

A practical conversation about retail decision-making in a volatile market.

Recorded live at SWIPE 2026.

Recorded live at SWIPE Expo 2026 in Tucson, we sit down with Colin Ager of HEB, fresh off the tariffs and duties education panel.

In this conversation, Colin shares a retailer’s perspective on:

• Navigating tariff uncertainty and shifting trade policy

• Managing tense supplier conversations during volatile markets

• Structuring tomato programs amid duties and supply constraints

• Balancing cost, quality, and long-term partnerships

• Serving a growing Texas footprint while maintaining affordability

From weather disruptions to long-term capital planning, Colin offers insight into what it takes to lead a category inside one of the country’s most respected regional retailers.

SWIPE continues to provide a forum for meaningful, regional conversations — and this discussion highlights how trade policy and supply chain dynamics flow directly to the retail shelf.

Recorded live at SWIPE Expo 2026 in Tucson, we sit down with Raquel Espinoza, Chairwoman of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and founder of Produce House.

In this conversation, Raquel shares perspective on:

• Navigating tariff and duty uncertainty in the tomato industry

• The real impact of market volatility on business owners

• How AI is beginning to influence inspections and operations

• The role of industry associations in supporting members

• Leadership growth, board service, and cultivating teams

From cross-border challenges to developing the next generation of leaders, this episode highlights the conversations shaping produce in the Southwest and beyond.

SWIPE continues to be a platform where education, trade, and collaboration intersect — and Raquel offers insight from both the business and association side.

Recorded at SWIPE in Tucson, this episode of The Fresh CrEd features Ron Lemaire, President of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), in a wide-ranging conversation on trade predictability, USMCA renewal, and the future of the produce industry.

Ron breaks down why the USMCA framework must remain trinational, how trade flows through critical hubs like Nogales and Mexico to serve Canadian consumers year-round, and why uncertainty disproportionately harms small and mid-sized companies across the supply chain.

The conversation also explores:

Why predictability is essential for business planning

How trade uncertainty accelerates consolidation

The role of industry advocacy in shaping policy outcomes

Why regional shows like SWIPE create space for meaningful, high-signal dialogue

A timely discussion on trade, leadership, and what’s at stake if predictability breaks down.