Between storms, higher inflation prices and seasonal crop transitions, the produce industry is lumbering in a mix of challenges for directors in developing desired ad programs. Quality, shortages, crop issues, winding up of local produce, predicted freezing temperatures in the east and other weather-related problems have prices on the high side. What can produce directors turn to in promoting produce under these adverse times?

There’s room to keep growing Stemilt’s Artisan Organics brand promise to produce organic fruit that delights consumers. Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said the company partners with Apeel to improve the consumer experience with crisper apples.

Produce Alliance and Copia have partnered to donate pallets of fresh produce and prepared food to community members in need.

Food is the single largest component taking up space inside U.S. landfills, making up 24 percent of municipal solid waste. At the same time, over 38 million people in America are struggling with food insecurity. Food waste and hunger are inextricably linked issues and can be solved through technology and logistics. Copia has built the first end-to-end solution that directly addresses both.

The Idaho Potato Commission recently announced the addition of Sam Eaton as the new vice president of legal and government affairs. Additionally, industry veteran Travis Blacker was promoted to vice president of industry relations and research, and Ross Johnson has been promoted to vice president of retail and international.

More than 125 businesses registered to take part in Seed Your Future’s inaugural Green Career Week, held Oct. 3 to 7, 2022. The event

gave professionals in the floriculture and horticulture industries an opportunity to speak to students about careers in their field and plant seeds for a budding new workforce. Participants talked with students at their schools or invited them to visit their business and promoted careers on social media throughout the week. 

While food and beverage prices remain elevated, — about 13.3 percent higher year-over-year through the five weeks ended Oct. 2, — overall year-over-year inflation was relatively flat from August to September, showing a moderating trend after months of steady increases, according to the September 2022 Price Check: Tracking Retail Food and Beverage Inflation report, released by Information Resources.