Insights on out-of-the-box grape retailing, from director of produce innovation

Caitlin Tierney says she’d eat a kombucha-flavored, sour or spicy grape if given an opportunity, in hopes it’s the next best trend. While this might sound far-fetched — and Tierney did share this in jest — it does exemplify her out-of-the-box thinking that makes Tierney one of the more innovative minds in the fresh produce […]

California grower McClarty talks about boosting grape consumption

Exchange rate challenge hits Italian grape exporter in UK market

You could say that Harold McClarty has grapes running through his veins. Table grapes, that is, not the wine type. Back in 1887, his great grandfather purchased the land where McClarty later grew up and, exactly a century later, founded HMC Farms. Today, the Kingsburg, California-headquartered company has grown from the original 40 acres to one […]

Grapes in foodservice: It’s all about presentation and taste, says Sysco director

Can expanding grapes in the foodservice sector drive increased consumption overall? Two experts in the field addressed exactly that at the recent Global Grape Summit in Bakersfield, California. Jon Greco, senior director, produce sourcing at Sysco in Salinas, California, knows foodservice, plus he knows the challenges from the growing/supplier community, and brought that insight to this year’s […]

To beat heat, Lidl working with British suppliers to prevent produce waste

Discount retailer Lidl has reached out to fresh produce suppliers across the UK to ensure that their fresh fruits and vegetables baked by intense dry spells will not go to waste. Lidl officials say they will be helping “identify key crop challenges, and where possible work to accommodate these products within its existing lines.” In […]

South African table grapes managed slight increases in production, exports in 21-22

The 2021-22 South African table grape season finished with marginal increases in both production and exports, despite numerous challenges. A total of 77.7 million cartons (4.5kg equivalent) were inspected and passed for export (intakes), a marginal increase of approximately 4 percent, in comparison to last season.  Good weather conditions during the season as well as […]

UK supermarkets gradually eliminating expiration dates on perishable items

UK supermarkets are gradually getting rid of expiration dates on a range of perishable items in favor of shoppers’ judgment. While the chain retailers say the move will save customers money and cut waste, it marks a new turn in a grim consumer battle with rampant inflation, according to an article by Bloomberg. Morrisons kicked off […]

Rewe’s Stephan Weist brings broader perspective on global grape marketing

We have been fortunate to have Stephan Weist of Rewe in Germany participate here on the Pundit and in many of our events: Wonky Fruit, Regionality, Omni-Channel, Sustainable Packaging… All Come To The Fore In Presentation At Global Trade Symposium By Stephan Weist Of REWE Group And Patricia Brunn Of Penny Market Announcing Thought-Leader Breakfast […]