In the produce industry, there’s a unique spot we all seem to visit from time to time because of the unpredictable nature of our business. It’s a welcoming place where we can regain our composure amidst the chaos and fast pace. 

We’ve likely crossed paths in its corridors while searching for quick solutions to the many challenges and opportunities that come our way. I like to refer to this place as the produce crisis clinic. 

The produce crisis clinic has a large membership and never closes, it’s open 24/7 —  even on holidays. If you think you’ve never paid a visit, think again. Personally, I’ve walked through its halls more times than I can count, wearing a path in the carpet with my constant comings and goings. I’ve seen all of you there too, as we all seem to have similar meeting times at the clinic. 

Every one of us, no matter how experienced, encounter dilemmas in the produce business. We all go through those moments of panic when an unexpected crisis hits. With even greater demands placed on us these days, we’ve practically worn out the panic button. Instead of hitting that button, why not just sign in at the produce crisis clinic? 

Have you ever left for work early, with the odd feeling that today will bring an unexpected twist? Deep down knowing it won’t be something like exceeding your sales goals, getting recognized for breaking a record or being allowed to add additional labor to the produce departments. 

For produce managers, the morning might start with bad news like the truck will be four hours late. Other familiar messages include: two people called in sick; the front-page ad item was cut 75 percent or the delivery was short 50 pieces. The list just keeps growing. 

If you’re a produce buyer, you’ve probably heard: The strawberry load for the ad kickoff arrived with 12 percent decay, tomorrow’s two loads won’t make it on time and the shipper was forced to cancel three others because of heavy rains.

Produce directors might come into the office feeling good about last week’s sales, only to have the boss demand an extra 1 percent gross margin in an emergency after the produce ad is already set in stone. 

A produce field supervisor might arrive at his first store of a jam-packed day only to hear, “our refrigeration units failed overnight and we lost the majority of our produce items.”

Produce managers often face the brunt of these occupational hazards, much like characters in a bad horror film. These tough situations are hardly the ideal way to start the day, but they’re simply part of the job. This is the reality of situations that just happen. 

Every day, we all head to work with the intention of doing our best. Nobody wakes up saying, “Let’s hope for a dilemma and do a poor job.” Yet, trouble can pop up out of nowhere, and there’s no real way to avoid it in the produce world. 

The key factor in overcoming these tough situations is how we respond. The best resource we have is a positive attitude, not an urge to panic. That’s when it’s time to head over to the produce crisis clinic. 

Keep these key points in mind whenever you’re faced with an unexpected situation in produce:

• Pause and don’t panic. (Calmly walk into the produce crisis clinic) 
• Maintain your composure.
• Take a moment to think things through.
• Don’t go around complaining to everyone.
• Act like a professional.
• Jot down your best possible solutions.
• Identify your top priorities.
• Then, take action!

Think back over similar dilemmas you’ve faced before; remember what actions worked to resolve them.

Above all, be a professional. No one else will fix every problem for you. You need to step up and get the job done. Show strength, not weakness. 

Sooner or later, you’ll face your own set of challenging produce dilemmas. There’s no shortage of them out there waiting to catch you off guard. Don’t let them overwhelm you. Remember, you’re not alone.

Final thought: Always be ready for the unexpected and when it happens, join the clinic.

Ron Pelger is a former director of produce merchandising and procurement for a major supermarket retail chain. He is currently a free-lance writer for the produce industry supporting growers, shippers, and retailers. He can be contacted at 775-843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].