For this year's annual look back at the stories that made headlines in produce, we challenged The Packer team to select just two stories each that resonated with us both personally and professionally, while also reflecting a broader perspective of where the fresh produce industry is now and where it's headed.
These reports offer a look at hurricane devastation and recovery; probe the opportunities and challenges of adopting artificial intelligence; examine the psychology behind consumer purchases; dig into the outlook for some key crops; highlight produce-related initiatives; and more.
Each one also includes notes from the team about why the story stands out, as well as a link to the full article for further reading.
With that, here are just some of the stories that made an imprint on our editorial team. We hope you found them memorable as well.
Why they buy: The psychology behind produce purchases
Selected by Jill Dutton: This consumer behavior article highlights a fundamental but often overlooked aspect of the produce industry: the psychology behind what drives consumer choices. In a year marked by shifting shopping habits and heightened awareness of health and sustainability, understanding the why behind produce purchases has become more important than ever for retailers. Consumer psychologist Michael Barbera's insights into sensory triggers, pricing strategies and marketing techniques reveal how these factors intersect with consumer value and decision-making. Read the full story here.
10 produce trends for 2025
Selected by Jill Dutton: Trends were, well, trending this year, and “10 produce trends for 2025” represents more than a list of what's trending; it encapsulates the shifting priorities of consumers, industry innovation and the role produce plays in everyday life. Whether it's the continued interest in luxury produce, the practical focus on sustainability or the interest in food as medicine, these trends highlight how the produce industry is evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. Read the full story here.
End of an era: Produce industry ‘legend' Gary English retires
Selected by Christina Herrick: I was lucky enough to work with Gary English for close to a year. He was kind, funny and seemed to know almost everyone in the industry. He was hard to miss on the trade show floor, thanks to his height.
After 40-plus years with The Packer, Gary retired at the end of August. I loved this sendoff to this industry legend. Jennifer Strailey said it right when she wrote “Gary English is a rare breed.” Read the full story here.
What does the future hold for the almond industry? / Why it's a time of transition for walnuts / Can pistachio demand keep pace with growing supply?
Selected by Christina Herrick: It was hard to pick one story in my series on the state of the walnut, almond and pistachio industries. In my mind, they're almost interrelated, as each story tells a different point in time for tree fruit production. Pistachios have been buoyed by strong prices and demand, while almonds, and to a greater extent walnuts, have suffered from oversaturation in the market.
I have to tip my hat to Rolan Fumasi, head of RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness for North America, for his tremendous insights and data, which helped quantify some of the rumblings and grumblings I had heard through industry conversations. Read the full stories: Almonds | Walnuts | Pistachios
Progress touted against avocado-linked deforestation in Mexico
Selected by Tom Karst: U.S. avocado per capita consumption has climbed from 2.1 pounds in 2000 to 8.7 pounds in 2020, and the value of U.S. avocado imports from Mexico from $2.28 billion in 2021 to $3.28 billion in 2024. Total U.S. avocado imports in 2023-24 totaled $3.6 billion.
With Mexico accounting for 91% of U.S. avocados imports, the industry is facing headwinds in expanding avocado production to meet demand. This story describes how the industry is responding to restrict fruit from Mexico from illegal orchards or from deforested areas. Read the full story here.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee introduces statewide food-as-medicine initiative with FarmboxRx
Selected by Tom Karst: The food as medicine movement has been gaining momentum, and produce is a big part of the concept. Healthcare providers and insurance providers are recognizing the potential of nutritional interventions to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Some healthcare systems now prescribe specific dietary plans for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders. This story from August talks about the progress FarmboxRx has made with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, one of 90 health plans the group is working with. Read the full story here.
Where will artificial intelligence take the produce industry?
Selected by Wayne Hardy: Artificial intelligence's capacity to reshape operations throughout the fresh produce supply chain can be both fascinating and intimidating.
“Whether it's autonomous orchard sprayers, software solutions that assess data or sorting machines helping packers and shippers screen for imperfect fruits and vegetables, artificial intelligence is taking hold throughout the fresh produce supply chain,” The Packer's Christina Herrick writes in this story.
While this technology provides opportunities for efficiencies, obstacles remain when it comes to widescale adoption of AI. In this report, experts offer insights into the present and possible future of AI, or as one describes it, “the fourth agri-revolution.” Read the full story here.
As the fresh produce supply chain pursues sustainability, industry says challenges remain
Selected by Wayne Hardy: From the grower to the consumer, sustainability remains a key consideration for the fresh produce industry and allied services. Throughout this year, and previous years, we've heard what companies are already doing to meet demand for more sustainable operations and consumer options.
What that journey looks like — and the challenges faced — depends on one's place along the supply chain. This story features perspectives from a grocer, a grower and packaging companies. Read the full story here.
‘Changed forever': Western North Carolina farmers remain resilient in Hurricane Helene aftermath
Selected by Jennifer Strailey: While farmers living and working at the mercy of Mother Nature is not a new story, in 2024 growers were tested by the frequency and intensity of weather incidents around the globe in profoundly heartbreaking ways. In covering the story of Western North Carolina farmers navigating the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we were reminded that farmers — who are critical to the sustainability of the planet — are thankfully among the most resilient. Their stories continue to be a source of inspiration for everyone at The Packer. Read the full story here.
Meet the 2024 Produce Retailer of the Year
Selected by Jennifer Strailey: This story was particularly meaningful because, though The Packer and Produce Market Guide have celebrated women in produce for many years, 2024 was the first year in the nearly 30 years we have run this program that the industry nominated — and in overwhelming numbers — a woman for Produce Retailer of the Year. Sonya Constable, vice president of produce for Sprouts Farmers Market, was our Produce Retailer of the Year and her history-making win was well deserved. Read the full story here.