Week in Review: Time to meet headwinds together 

This time last week, about 20,000 produce industry members were settling into the second of two expo days in Orlando, FL, at the IFPA Global Produce Show. 

IFPA reported more than 1,000 produce, floral, and allied companies exhibited this year. More buyers from more markets take in IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show – Blue Book 

From spending the full 14 hours of expo time on the floor and at the Blue Book booth, I can confidently say, it was an optimistic atmosphere. 

IFPA CEO Cathy Burns told industry members in her state of the industry address Oct. 14 that we must meet headwinds with deeper collaboration, stronger advocacy, and practical solutions.

IFPA State of the Industry: Global Fresh Produce and Floral Community turns resilience into action  – Blue Book 

We know it to be true that the industry rises and falls together, as the summer Cyclospora outbreak was linked to one lettuce farm in Mexico, but the whole industry suffered lost consumer confidence and lower sales, especially in salads, leafy greens, and berries, even though none of those were associated with the outbreak. 

This week our story on produce department sales from September shows the hangover remains, as department dollar, unit, and pound sales remained lower year-over-year. Retail produce sales remained soft in September – Blue Book 

Confidence in salads is returning, as sales rose to 14 percent of last year’s level, better than nearly 30 percent down right after the outbreak became national news. 

But headwinds remain strong when it comes to fuel prices. This week, the government reported another rise in diesel prices that leaves them $2.66 per gallon higher than a year ago. Diesel climbs again as regular gas prices ease – Blue Book 

This will continue to put pressure on fresh produce prices, as so much of it is shipped in trucks using diesel. Unfortunately, relief does not appear to be coming anytime soon. 

After Halloween next weekend, we can embrace a two-month holiday season, where fresh fruits and vegetables bring joy to holiday meals with family and friends. 

We must all model confidence in our supply chain and promote and consume fresh produce and spread the word that produce consumption increases joy in life.