Top News in the Produce Industry October 1 – 14
By iFoodDS Team
October 14, 2022
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest food industry news. In the weeks of October 1 – 14, new research identified future trends for the fresh produce industry and showed that produce departments are the second highest rated department in grocery stores.
Future Trends for Produce Departments
210 Analytics conducted a study highlighting differences between today’s produce departments and those of years past. The study identified future trends for produce departments, such as retailers becoming more sustainable, highlighting specific growers, and offering produce-based meal kits.
The Future of Produce
According to Peterson Insights, Inc., meal kits and private labels could become a big opportunity for grocery retailers to increase produce sales and adapt to current customer shopping behaviors.
The Produce Industry Sustainability Initiatives
The Packer talked to various stakeholders across the produce supply chain to discuss sustainability on their operations. Six common initiatives were identified across the full supply chain: improving soil health, pest management, water conservation, packaging innovations, reduction of food waste and improving supply chain traceability.
Fresh Produce Departments Are the Second Highest Rated Departments
According to the latest national grocery shopper survey conducted by Feedback Group, produce departments are the second highest ranked department in terms of shoppers’ satisfaction. The survey also identified several reasons why produce departments fail to meet customers’ expectations, including price and produce availability.
DNO Produce Donates Fresh Produce to Hurricane Ian Victims
DNO Produce and seven other companies donated 25,950 pounds of ready-to-eat produce to hurricane victims. The food will be distributed by CityServe.
California Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags in Grocery Stores
California became the first state to ban single-use non-compostable bags in grocery stores. The prohibited bag refers to any bag customers use before checking out. The ban will become effective on Jan 1, 2025.
