The Fresh CrEd expands with new show
The Fresh CrEd expands with new show
The Fresh CrEd expanded its program to address the needs of today’s evolving produce industry, according to co-hosts Craig Slate and Ed Bertaud and their team.
“It’s been an exciting ride over the last three years. We have grown The Fresh CrEd from two friends with a passion project to share our experiences in fresh produce into a real platform exploring fresh produce leaders while pushing relevant industry information to the masses. It’s a journey that has exceeded both my and Ed’s expectations,” said Slate, who is also the CEO of SunFed.
The Fresh CrEd show has evolved into interviews with fresh produce industry leaders and their life journeys into fresh produce with success. Motivated by a desire to grow its listener base, The Fresh CrEd is excited to be announcing the newest addition to The Fresh CrEd family, The Credible Vegetable report with Paul Manfre. Manfre’s show launched today and will drop every Friday.
“Weekly, Paul will discuss current and produce industry-relevant topics and close with a dry veg market report looking at the previous and current week, as well as future pricing and trends. Our goal with Paul’s report is to reach past the front office of the produce world and connect with produce sales teams, produce managers, and passionate consumers looking for insight into our world of fresh produce. In the end, our intention is to help contribute to increasing fresh produce consumption and understanding,” said Slate.
Manfre is known as The Red Bell Pepper King and a fresh produce aficionado.
“It is my hope, with this new collaboration, we can reach a wider audience for the fresh produce industry and bring a greater awareness to consumers," said Manfre. "We can share our great story as it pertains to health, wellness, and longevity. I aim to make the novice in produce an expert and share my produce experience of over 50 years, from humble beginnings on a pushcart in New York City to growing and shipping produce, nationally and internationally. I want to share my love of this business and open a window to all the players it takes to bring you that delicious produce you should be enjoying every day. You are invited to stroll down memory lane with me — and take a few side trips as well — as we help increase your understanding and consumption for all of us.”
“I’m also thrilled to see how we continue to grow and expand from what began as online conversations between myself and Craig," said Bertaud, who is also the director of retail sales for IFCO. "Interviewing and learning from top leaders in fresh produce, as well as leaders in other fields, has been very rewarding. These days, most of our conversations are taking place live at the largest fresh produce shows in the industry. Most recently, I had the opportunity to “fly solo” at SEPC’s Southern Exposure in Tampa, FL. But Craig and I will reunite for our third Viva Fresh Expo podcast on April 13.”
The Fresh CrEd team thanked its industry friends and trade associations that have supported them since the podcast’s inception. These groups include, but are not limited to Texas International Produce Association, International Fresh Produce Association, Organic Produce Network and Southeast Produce Council.
“Our supporters have been essential to our cause and success. Having dedicated podcast facilities and access to key industry stakeholders has been vital to our evolution,” Slate said.