The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly is joined by Ross Nelson, known as “The Produce Boss.” The conversation delves into the upcoming OPS Show in Monterey, California, offering insights into what attendees can anticipate. Additionally, the episode touches on Stemilt's dark-sweet cherries, highlighting their appeal in the fresh produce market with a small taste test. We also dive into a brief lesson with Ross sharing his perspective on what it takes to be a "Produce Boss," reflecting on leadership and passion in the industry.

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media, it’s summertime—and that means stone fruit is on fire! Ross and Dan welcome Kevin Steiner from Mountain View Fruit to talk all things peaches, nectarines, peachcots, plumcots, and plums—yellow, white, and everything in between. The season’s hitting its stride, and the fruit is everywhere. It’s the time of year when warm weather and fresh fruit come together to revitalize us. Plus, we’ve got a garden update from Ross’s backyard and Dan’s backyard—because you know we’ve got our hands in the dirt too. It’s all happening this week on Fresh from the Field Fridays—so tune in and turn on!

Join host Patrick Kelly and guest Manuel Michel, Managing Director of the Colombia Avocado Board, to explore how Avocados from Colombia is redefining consumer perception and building a standout brand in the global produce aisle. They dive into how the nation’s powerful country-branding—highlighting Colombia’s lush biodiversity, sustainability ethos, and rich cultural story—is fueling awareness and retail momentum This episode offers a compelling story for growers, marketers, and avocado lovers alike—a behind-the-scenes look at how Colombia is leveraging brand strategy, consumer education, and retail partnerships to position its avocados as a premium, sustainable choice on shelves worldwide.

From the sun-soaked pineapple fields of Puerto Rico to the grapevines that shaped Puritan Connecticut, from Madrid’s legendary El Oso y el Madroño to Grenada’s fragrant nutmeg empire, symbols of fresh produce have found their way onto flags, seals, and coats of arms across the world. But behind these charming emblems lie stories of indigenous resilience, colonial ambition, revolutionary struggle, and ecological peril. Join John and Patrick in this month's livestream episode as they reveal how fruits, trees, and spices became powerful icons of identity, survival, and national pride. What seems quaint today was once fiercely contested and in some cases, remains precariously at risk. ---------- In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ----------- Join the History of Fresh Produce Club [https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/] for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Support us! * Share this episode with your friends * Give a 5-star rating * Write a review ----------- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here [https://historyoffreshproduce.substack.com/] 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 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEwEuldKWgzqLPJQDPYfwFrUq6QY7RfwPiZubYwSNDpqKgYA/viewform] and get ready to walk through the past in style. ----------- Instagram, TikTok, Threads: @historyoffreshproduce Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com [historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com]

This week on The Produce Industry Podcast, we’re recapping all the energy, insights, and fresh ideas from the NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — and who better to join us than Mary Heslepp, the official MC of the event! Mary shares her behind-the-scenes perspective, favorite moments, and the meaningful conversations that made this year’s show stand out. From panels that challenged the status quo to unforgettable networking moments and produce showcases that wowed the crowd, we break it all down for you. Tune in as we discuss: * Standout sessions and speakers * Fun takeaways and backstage stories * Actionable follow-ups to keep your business momentum going * The power of community and connection in the independent grocery space Whether you were in Milwaukee or missed the show, this episode will catch you up and fire you up for what’s next. Let’s keep the conversation—and the industry—moving forward.