KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - There are some companies and leaders who can see downfield, sensing the long game and the weather ahead. Mastronardi Produce^® and Paul Mastronardi are a part of that elite level of thinkers helping the industry to not only locate the horizon, but define its features, challenges, and opportunities. As United Fresh’s Reimagine Conversations gets underway this month, Mastronardi Produce President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Mastronardi joins me to share some of the topics that he will be addressing during the "How Clear Is Your Crystal Ball?" panel kicking off today, Wednesday, June 2, from 11:00 AM to Noon ET.

“During the United Fresh panel, I will be expanding on key trends in consumer retail purchasing of food, including online purchasing options versus in-store purchasing, as well as how these trends have evolved during the pandemic,” Paul shares with me. “I’ll also highlight key findings on what trends we’ll likely see remain beyond COVID, and what trends will fade. Lastly, I’ll touch on the labor challenges facing the industry, how they were impacted by the pandemic, and what we may expect in the future.”

When I ask Paul why it is essential to both look ahead at what is coming down the line and also keep a finger on the pulse of the day-to-day challenges that face the industry, he collects his thoughts and reflects on the recent past.

“These last 15 months have been a perfect example of how drastically things can change—especially consumer purchasing behaviors—and it’s essential for supply chains to be resilient, collaborative, and, ultimately, always ahead of the game,” Paul says. “Innovation and adaptation are key. By investing in the latest and most advanced knowledge in greenhouse growing, as well as adapting to new market trends and consumer demands, we’ll continue finding ways to remain a leader in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, even during uncertain times.”

Mastronardi Produce’s vision for innovation and differentiation in the fresh produce space has long been a contributor to the industry standards we all live by today. And Paul notes that the SUNSET^® vision is more important today than ever before.

“As a leader in greenhouse produce in North America, we never settle!” Paul expresses. “This mentality has allowed us to lean in and understand what our customers want, and that’s the most important aspect of business development. By truly understanding consumer demands, we’re able to push the boundaries on discovering the next best thing in sustainability, innovation, quality, and flavor.”

Paul joins a trailblazing group of speakers today as they forecast what we can hope to prepare for and why the horizon is so important. These panelists include:

• Martha Hilton, Vice President, Produce and Floral, Wegman’s
• Laura Himes, Senior Merchandising Director, Produce, Walmart
• Jeff Huckaby, President, Grimmway Farms
• Paul Mastronardi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mastronardi Produce
• Chris Penny, Chief Manufacturing and Supply Officer, CAVA
• Tom Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh Produce Association

If you have not registered for the month-long event, please find out more details on engaging with the material and events here.

Let the innovation begin!

Mastronardi Produce^®