Editor’s Picks
August & September
What do a lack of cherries, back to school, literary leanings, and football have to do with one another? Read on to find out.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
By the Numbers: 540 (or, the agony of packing school lunches)
What one school year of packed lunches can tell us about waste, time, and getting kids to eat what we sell.
By Jason Carty
Industry Insights: Seeing is believing
A live Blue Book platform demonstration is one of the most effective ways to help both new and existing members truly understand its value.
By Karigna Trinidad
Features
Los Angeles: A healthy fresh flow despite variant woes
The City of Angels remains a marvel of moving all things fresh from field to market to customers near and far.
By Amy S. Landes
Midwest Spotlight: Style, substance, and ample supply
The Heartland is a hub like no other, with outstanding seasonal crops and access to everything else customers need.
By Amy Bell
In the Spotlight: A is for Apples
Growers faced myriad challenges this season but look forward to a quality crop with solid production numbers.
By Heather Larson
Columns
CEO’s Perspective: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
What effect does a trade war have on an industry that runs on relationships? You guessed it, the answer has three parts.
By Kirk Soule
Industry Insights: Cyclospora, leafy greens, and possible pathways
Lettuce samples were infected, but we still don’t know how. Food safety expert Mauricio Rousselon shares his thoughts.
By Mauricio Rousselon
A Closer Look: American growers deserve more action and less talk
The produce industry hears “food security is national security” from our country’s leaders but their actions don’t show they believe it.
By Greg Johson
Weekend Interview
– a weekly feature –
James Peterson, Wish Farms, Inc.
Wish Farms is more than a fairy tale when it comes to berries, and new CEO James Peterson plans to set the bar even higher.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
Matt Mandel, SunFed, Part 2
Welcome back! Here’s Part 2 of anything and everything you always wanted to know about Matt Mandel and SunFed.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
Matt Mandel, SunFed, Part 1
If you don’t know his name, you’re either new to the industry or, well, hmmm. We talk to the one and only Matt Mandel.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
Credit & Finance
– a bimonthly feature –
Private Equity 101: What every business owner should know
For those looking to the future, private equity can be a strategic growth partner or an exit strategy. Learn about both here.
By Taylor Fish
From Credit to Cash: Building a better process
Every receivable begins long before an invoice is issued; it begins with a credit decision.
By Bill Zentner
Collective Intelligence: The evolution of credit reporting
For as long as businesses have extended credit, they’ve searched for ways to better manage risk. Sharing data fits the bill.
By Bill Zentner
Applied Technology
– a bimonthly feature –
Grower Innovations: The Rise of Biologicals
How beneficial insects, microbes, and even gene-targeting sprays are moving from niche tools to mainstream crop protection.
By Charles Boicey
Grower Innovations: The Tech Reshaping the Field
With growers under increasing pressure due to high costs, technology is offering solutions in the field, packhouse, and beyond.
By Charles Boicey
Packaging Update: Emerging Tech
Smart packaging is changing the way perishable fruits and vegetables are protected, preserved, and sold across the industry.
By Charles Boicey
Claims, Collections & Dispute Resolution
– a bimonthly feature –
Dock to Dock: Trucks tested by berry loads in summer heat
When temperatures climb, shipping perishables pushes reefers to the limit to maintain the cool.
By Doug Nelson
Summer Spike: Blue Book members collect a cool million in June!
Need help recovering past-due invoices? Blue Book has the tools and assistance you need to collect these receivables.
By Doug Nelson
Dock to Dock: A ‘pass-through’ mindset has consequences for freight brokers
Are the salvage returns from your customer supported? Veteran brokers avoid a “pass-through” mindset.
By Doug Nelson
News and analysis you need.
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Hear from our customers
How Chenail Leverages Blue Book to Propel Its Growth.
“It helps people understand what kind of positioning you have in the market that you occupy, what kind of payment history you have, how you treat with troubles when you have troubles. It’s the best reference there is out there for people to understand who you are without knowing you.”
How George Pitsikoulis of Canadawide Uses Blue Book as a Critical Tool for Business Success.
“Blue Book is the reference for our business, for the industry at large in regards to knowledge about commodities, the people we’re dealing with, and doing our due diligence. There’s no other tool that can replace it. The experience has been amazing from the very beginning.”
