The Packer Podcast

In this episode of The Packer Podcast, host Christina Herrick sits down with Samantha Ayoub, Director of Workforce and Business Policy at the International Fresh Produce Association.   As an economist navigating Capitol Hill, Samantha breaks down the complex economic, regulatory, and market dynamics impacting fruit, vegetable, and floral producers today. She explains how using data to back up personal grower stories gives the industry a much stronger voice in D.C. policy discussions.

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Following the FDA declaring the recent Cyclospora outbreak over, the fresh produce industry faces a critical turning point. How can growers, shippers, and industry leaders move forward, prepare for future risks, and protect consumer confidence?   In this episode, De Ann Davis shares essential insights on how the fresh produce sector can learn from the recent Cyclospora outbreak to build a more resilient, transparent supply chain.

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In this episode, Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director of the Hass Avocado Board, joins host Christina Herrick to discuss the launch of a dedicated avocado conference happening November 18–20 in San Diego. With the U.S. avocado market surpassing 3 billion pounds, Escobedo explains why the category has reached a critical inflection point requiring specialized focus beyond general produce shows. 

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Is consumer confidence in the U.S. food supply actually recovering, or are recent outbreaks making things worse? In this episode, Kris Sollid, Senior Director of Research and Consumer Insights at the International Food Information Council (IFIC), breaks down surprising new data from the flagship Food and Health Survey. From tracking historical dips in consumer trust to analyzing real-time shopper reactions during recent produce outbreaks like cyclospora, Kris reveals what consumers actually want from food brands, government regulators and retailers.

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With 300 truckloads of vegetables crossing the border daily, Richard Lee, executive director of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, outlines why protecting stable access to U.S. consumers directly supports affordable, year-round produce for Canadians.

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Circana’s Jonna Parker outlines why the fresh produce industry must focus on digital storytelling and rich product data to ensure agentic AI engines seamlessly discover and recommend their items to shoppers.

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Following an unexpected surge on social media, founder Adam Stager explains how massive public interest drives global demand for agricultural automation and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical sprays.

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Dante Galeazzi joins "The Packer Podcast" to share why ignoring the trade pact will trigger a damaging domino effect of soaring inflation and small harvests.

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Rochelle Bohm of CMI Orchards discusses the threat that extended producer responsibility laws pose to the fresh produce industry and why the high cost of sustainable packaging will be passed on to consumers.

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Recently celebrating its 15th anniversary, Gotham Greens co-founder Viraj Puri and new CEO Craig Stevenson discuss moving past proof-of-concept, navigating the recent shakeout CEA, and why the future of the category relies on operational excellence over tech hype.

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