Retail Reflections

Slow decision processes became the norm, and a huge frustration among produce suppliers. Buyers were harder and harder to communicate with and getting an appointment with the VP...

By Bruce Peterson
March 13, 2025

Slow decision processes became the norm, and a huge frustration among produce suppliers. Buyers were harder and harder to communicate with and getting an appointment with the VP of Produce was a major undertaking. This is not a reflection of the people who hold these positions, but rather the structure and priorities of the organizations themselves.

Finally, fewer CAREER produce buyers became the norm. As retailers became more diverse, in terms of product offerings, operating divisions, and international scope, a career in produce was no longer high on the list of young professionals in retail, and this has already had an effect on the sales teams who interact with them.

So will the M&A trend continue? Yes indeed. While there are fewer opportunities, new channels are opening up. Recent discussion regarding Walmart and Dollar General gives some insight, and as online shopping and brick-and-mortar retailing begin to blend, plenty of possibilities will emerge. But one thing is for sure: companies who supply retailers must give careful consideration to how M&A deals impact decision making and position themselves to respond to this major cultural shift.

Bruce Peterson is the founder and president of Peterson Insights, Inc., a consulting company specializing in the complex challenges of the fresh food industry. Peterson began his career bagging groceries, and went on to work for several supermarket chains, including 17 years at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. He has owned and operated a wholesale produce company, and served as chief executive officer of both Naturipe Foods LLC and Bland Farms.

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