Avsnitt
-
The pineapple may have begun as a rare curiosity from the tropics, but by the 18th century, it had become a symbol of imperial power, elite refinement, and national rivalry. In this second and final part of their journey into the history of the world’s most flamboyant fruit, John and Patrick explore the height of pineapple mania in Georgian Britain, where aristocrats competed to grow the perfect specimen in lavish “pineries,” often at extraordinary cost. Possessing a pineapple was no longer just a sign of wealth - it was a performance of dominance, control, and taste.
But the fruit’s story didn’t end in the hothouses of Surrey. As tensions simmered between Britain and its American colonies, the pineapple -by now appearing in colonial door frames, tableware, and rebellion-fueled satire - played an unexpected supporting role in the growing transatlantic divide.
By the 19th century, technological innovations transformed the fruit from rarefied luxury to household staple, while industrial canning and the rise of plantation production brought pineapples into the homes of an emerging American middle class.
From the lush fields of Florida to the imperial fantasies projected onto Hawaii, the pineapple was reshaped, rebranded, and ultimately reborn as a golden icon of tropical abundance. But behind its sunny image lay a legacy of labor, land seizure, and corporate control. And just when it seemed the fresh pineapple had been lost to a syrupy tin, it made a glittering comeback with the launch of the Gold Pineapple, engineered for sweetness, shelf life, and spectacle.
Join John and Patrick for the extraordinary conclusion of the pineapple’s global odyssey - one of science, scandal, colonial ambition, and the enduring power of fruit to shape empires.
----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
-----------
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Support us!
Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------
Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.
-----------
Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.
-----------
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In this episode, we head to Bonita Springs, Florida, for an inside look at the Florida Citrus Mutual Annual Conference, where the heart of the Sunshine State’s citrus community gathered last week. From growers and packers to scientists, shippers, marketers, and environmental advocates—this event brought together the brightest minds and the most passionate people working to secure the future of Florida citrus.
Host Patrick Kelly recaps the biggest moments from the conference, including groundbreaking discussions on new citrus varietals, innovative HLB (citrus greening) research, and the marketing strategies poised to keep Florida citrus strong and competitive.
🍊 If you care about the future of fresh citrus, sustainable farming, and innovation in ag, this episode is a must-listen!
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
This Friday the 13th, there’s no superstition—just produce ambition!
Ross and Dan are talking summer veg with Henry Dill of D’Arrigo Produce.
What’s going down in Salinas? What should be going on your plate?
We’re serving up fresh updates and seasonal goodies—
So tune in and turn on—it’s Fresh From the Field Fridays!
-
What does it really take to succeed in China’s booming fresh produce market? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Annette Partida, a seasoned industry expert who spent twelve years living, working, and thriving in China. From mastering Mandarin to navigating complex cultural dynamics, Annette shares insider tips for anyone looking to export avocados, cherries, or other commodities into the world's fastest-growing import market. If you're serious about doing business in China, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.
First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: https://peakofthemarket.com/
Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ ,
Global Women Fresh: https://globalwomenfresh.com/
-
The pineapple - today a familiar tropical fruit, boxed in lunch kits and blended in cocktails - was once the most exotic and awe-inspiring delicacy known to Europeans. Its journey from the hands of Indigenous cultivators in the rainforests of South America to the hothouses of Georgian England is a tale of exploration, obsession, imperial rivalry, and horticultural espionage.
In this first episode of a two-part series, John and Patrick trace the pineapple’s origins to the Tupi-Guarani people, for whom the nana was a cherished crop. Then came Columbus, who encountered the fruit on the island of Guadeloupe and, dazzled by its flavour, brought it back to Spain as a trophy of the New World - presenting it to King Ferdinand as evidence of the riches ripe for conquest. From there, the pineapple set off on an extraordinary global voyage, becoming an object of fascination in courts and colonies alike.
Within decades, the fruit had spread to Asia and Africa, and it wasn’t long before European elites became obsessed. In England, King Charles II embraced the pineapple as a symbol of royal magnificence, commissioning portraits to cement its mythic status. Meanwhile, the Dutch, ever resourceful, mastered the art of growing pineapples using rotting tanners bark in heated greenhouses, setting off a botanical arms race. The English soon caught up thanks, ironically, to a Dutchman of their own.
Join John and Patrick as they uncover the tropical fruit that ignited imperial rivalries, captured royal imaginations, and reshaped global agriculture. The humble pineapple was never just a fruit - it was power, prestige, and paradise incarnate.
----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
-----------
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Support us!
Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------
Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.
-----------
Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.
-----------
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In this special episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly welcomes longtime friend and co-author Dr. Hans Finzel—renowned leadership expert and co-author of Millennial BOOM. Broadcasting live from Tampa, the two dive into Dr. Finzel’s iconic leadership book, Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make, and explore what timeless leadership looks like in today’s fast-paced, generationally diverse world.
From navigating the workplace gap between Boomers and Millennials to avoiding the pitfalls that sink even the most well-meaning leaders, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and practical wisdom. Whether you’re leading a team in agriculture, business, or beyond—this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
These two share great memories with each other and their journey is a one to remember!
-
🌱 Fresh From the Field Fridays 🌽
This Week with Ross & Dan
🎙️ On the Mic: Ross and Dan are back, chatting all things fresh and local as the farmers markets open up across Indianapolis! From homegrown produce to artisan goods, it’s the best time of year to support your local food scene.
🗞️ In This Episode:
Ross’s Recap of WCPEGet Ross’s take on the latest from the West Coast Produce Expo—insights, highlights, and what it means for your plate.What Is Local?Dan and Ross dig into the question: “What does ‘local’ mean to you?” They’ll share their own thoughts and want to hear yours tooRoss’s Crop ReportFrom greens to roots—get the latest on what's coming out of the ground this week. What’s fresh? What’s next?🌟 First of the Season: Reed Avocados!That’s right—the big, creamy, nutty Reed avocados are starting to roll in. If you haven’t tried them, now’s the time.It’s Fresh From the Field Fridays—where flavor meets the farm.
-
Tariffs might seem like dusty matters for economists, but their effects on fresh produce have been anything but dry. In this episode, John and Patrick trace the surprising - and at times surreal - impact of American trade policy on fruits and vegetables.
First, they dive into the Mongrel Tariff Act of 1883, where a tomato’s very identity was put on trial to decide whether it was a fruit or vegetable. Next it’s on to the chaos of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, a protectionist gamble that backfired spectacularly on American farmers during the Great Depression. Then, they move on to more recent history to discuss the so-called "Banana Wars" - a bitter trade dispute between the United States and Europe that saw fresh produce caught in the crossfire. Finally, John and Patrick turn to the present day, asking what Trump’s tariff wars have meant for modern growers, and whether history offers any guidance for navigating the uncertain future of fresh produce.
----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
-----------
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Support us!
Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------
Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.
-----------
Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.
-----------
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
Join host Patrick Kelly for a special milestone episode of The Produce Industry Podcast as he welcomes Caitlin Gerstenberger of Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. for her very first in-studio podcast appearance!
Recorded live from the Produce Industry Podcast Studio in Tampa, Florida , this episode dives into the story behind SUNRAYS® – the snack that gives back, Jac. Vandenberg’s leadership in sustainability, and hot topics like tariffs, trade, and what’s ahead for the industry. It’s authentic, insightful, and full of fresh energy—don’t miss it!
www.aglifemedia.com
www.sunrays.com
-
This week’s episode is coming to you straight from the desert heat and produce sweet! With Dan taking a well-deserved week off, Ross “The Produce Boss” is joined by a very special (and slightly mischievous) guest — Patrick Kelly, who’s officially hijacked the mic and taken over the show!
Join Ross and Patrick as they dive into:
🚗 Grocery store adventures across the West Coast🥝 The buzz and highlights from the West Coast Produce Expo🍊 Behind-the-scenes moments from Palm DesertIt’s a fun, fast-paced, and fresh episode packed with laughter, industry insights, and all things produce. Don’t miss this west coast takeover of Fresh From the Field Fridays — only on The Produce Industry Network!
📍 Recorded LIVE from Palm Desert, CA!
-
In this flavorful episode of the Global Fresh Series, Patrick Kelly joins the conversation to talk all things fresh—from trade show trends to air-fried tacos during Memorial Day. We also explore the rising international audience of the Global Fresh Series and celebrate a milestone moment for Marlene, the beloved "Daughter of the Alps," as she marks 30 years with VOG. Don’t miss the laughs, insights, and a few tasty surprises!
First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: https://peakofthemarket.com/
Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ ,
Global Women Fresh: https://globalwomenfresh.com/
-
A new Pope has been chosen! And that got us thinking: have Popes of the past shaped the history of fruits and vegetables?
In this month’s livestream, John and Patrick explore the surprising connections between the Papacy and produce.
From Popes with a passion for fresh fruits to the hidden stories of the Vatican gardens, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the role of produce in the lives of history’s holiest leaders.
----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
-----------
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Support us!
Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------
Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.
-----------
Step into history - literally! Now is your chance to own a pair of The History of Fresh Produce sneakers. Fill out the form here and get ready to walk through the past in style.
-----------
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In this powerful episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly welcomes Paul Rice, former CEO of Fair Trade USA and a global leader in ethical trade, to discuss the role of Fairtrade in the fresh produce supply chain. With decades of experience fighting for fairness in farming, Paul shares the challenges and triumphs behind the global Fairtrade movement—and how it’s shaping the future of agriculture.
Paul also introduces his compelling new book, “Every Purchase Matters,” which dives deep into the intersection of commerce and conscience. He shares insights from the book on how companies can thrive while prioritizing people and the planet, and what this means for the produce industry moving forward.
From empowering smallholder farmers to meeting the demands of today’s conscious consumer, this episode explores how doing the right thing is not just good ethics—it’s smart business.
-
This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media, Ross and Dan welcome the arrival of stone fruit season and spotlight fresh Memorial Day offerings. Special guest Chef Jeffery Schissel joins the guys to share some top-notch grilling tips and seasonal recipes. Then, it’s off to Sigona’s Produce to sample a perfectly ripe Cherimoya and grab one last taste of citrus with a juicy Gold Nugget Tangerine. The season’s changing—and we’re lovin’ it! So tune in and turn on!
-
Join us for a historic first as Global Women Fresh presents its first-ever Café Virtual in Spanish, bringing together voices that empower, uplift, and lead across the global produce industry.
Hosted by the incredible Julie Escobar, Co-Founder of Global Women Fresh, and the inspiring Coach Jen Monterroso, this live segment highlights Latina leadership, connection, and community within the fresh produce space.
Get ready for powerful insights, real stories, and an inclusive conversation focused on empowering women around the world—now en Español!
Tune in, connect, and be part of this groundbreaking moment for Global Women Leaders!
www.globalwomenfresh.com
-
In this episode of the Global Fresh Series, we take you on a tour of the international trade show circuit, diving into the key takeaways from Freshfel Europe’s sustainability-focused events and the innovation-packed Macfrut 2025 in Rimini.
We also explore the booming global demand for fresh cherries, their emergence as a premium fruit, and how they’re shaping sourcing and strategy in key markets. Finally, we zoom in on China’s growing influence in the produce space — from skyrocketing cherry imports to evolving consumer expectations.
Tune in for a fresh look at the global produce pulse — where trade, taste, and trends meet.
First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: https://peakofthemarket.com/
Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ ,
Global Women Fresh: https://globalwomenfresh.com/
-
We're back with Part 2 of our special coverage from the ROFDA Conference, and co-host Dan Avakian joins Patrick Kelly as we dive deeper into the innovation, collaboration, and leadership shaping the retail and wholesale produce space.
In this episode, we sit down with a phenomenal lineup of guests including:
🥬 Brent Shammo – bringing insights on fresh strategies and customer engagement
🥕 Teresa Pope – sharing her perspective on supplier partnerships and sustainability
🍊 Miguel Herrera – exploring distribution excellence and operational growth
🍇 Patrick Bittle – highlighting tech trends and future-forward thinking in the industry
🍎 Rob Austin – discussing leadership, legacy, and building strong produce programs
Whether you're a buyer, grower, retailer, or industry enthusiast, this episode is packed with powerful takeaways from key voices helping to shape the future of produce.
Tune in and stay fresh with The Produce Industry Podcast!
-
In this episode of The Global Fresh Series, we sit down with industry strategist Peter Tasgal to unpack the complex world of tariffs and their ripple effects on global produce trade. From shifting trade routes to rising costs and strategic pivots, Peter shares invaluable insights on how companies can stay resilient in a volatile trade environment. Whether you're navigating global markets or watching policy changes unfold, this is a must-listen for staying ahead in the produce industry.
First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: https://peakofthemarket.com/
Standard Sponsor: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ ,
Global Women Fresh: https://globalwomenfresh.com/
-
The rise of Carthage is one of the most dazzling stories of the ancient world. A tale of cunning queens, glittering harbors, and empires built not just by sword and sail, but by soil.
In this episode, John and Patrick trace the astonishing birth of Carthage - from Queen Elyssa’s legendary ox-hide bargain to the booming agricultural empire that threatened Rome itself. Far from a mere city of merchants, Carthage was a powerhouse of farming innovation: with iron plows, vine-laced terraces, and sweet wines that made even the Romans jealous.
At its heart was a rich and fertile land, one so abundant that Homer himself sang its praises. From pomegranates to elephants, from olive groves to slave-worked estates, Carthage was an empire rooted in the earth. And behind it all loomed a mysterious figure: Mago of Carthage, the so-called "father of agriculture," whose lost treatise would echo across centuries.
Join John and Patrick as they unearth the agricultural engine behind Carthage’s meteoric rise. A story of invention, ambition, and the fields that fed an empire on the brink of war with Rome.
----------
In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
-----------
Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.
Support us!
Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------
Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.
-----------
Instagram, TikTok, Threads:
@historyoffreshproduce
Email: [email protected]
-
In Part 1 of our ROFDA Conference Series, host Patrick Kelly and co-host Dan Avakian take you behind the scenes at one of the most dynamic gatherings in the retail and wholesale food industry.
We kick things off with a powerful conversation featuring Chris Greco, accomplished Tech CEO, published author, and the keynote speaker of the event. Chris shares his vision on technology’s role in driving innovation, leadership in a rapidly evolving marketplace, and how we can future-proof the food supply chain.
Get ready to be inspired, informed, and energized as we launch this exciting series from the ROFDA floor!
Stay Tuned for Part two next week!
- Visa fler
