Welcome to Blue Book!
Are you ready to join the thousands of companies who rely on Blue Book to drive smarter decisions? View our plans and get started today!
Still have questions? We’d love to show you what Blue Book can do for you. Drop us a line– we’ve been waiting for you.

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry

Trade with confidence... every time.
Blue Book’s real-time alerts help you stay up to speed with everything in the produce industry
Applied Technology: Better knowing the consumer
Though many of the latest innovations are tied to suppliers and retailers, the consumer has not been left out of the technology loop. Gary Hawkins, founder and CEO...
Though many of the latest innovations are tied to suppliers and retailers, the consumer has not been left out of the technology loop.
Gary Hawkins, founder and CEO of the Los Angeles-based Center for Advancing Retail & Technology, LLC, says, there’s a great deal of research and testing that’s all about how to better entice the individual shopper.
Because 60 percent of all the people in the United States have one or more health concerns, Hawkins says store technology that guides them to beneficial products is already on its way to the market.
Of course, shoppers need to opt in and supply information for the technology to work.
“This will impact both the food industry and healthcare,” he explains. “Customers will have a virtual dietician on their smartphone, which will be a big gain for fresh produce.”
Trade groups and government agencies have long espoused diets with higher amounts of fruits and vegetables, and medical professionals are jumping on board, some even prescribing fresh produce for what ails patients.
This is the sixth in a series of six stories on Applied Technology. To read the whole series, click here.
Heather Larson, a writer in Tacoma, WA, frequently delves into business issues affecting food-related companies.

News you need.
Join Blue Book today!
Get access to all the news and analysis you need to make the right decision --- delivered to your inbox.
What to read next
Bagged avocado sales surge in Q4 2024
Hass Avocado Board: Bagged avocados played a key role in boosting retail sales of Hass avocados during the 2024 holiday season.
Tomato prices falling as supplies increase
Markon Cooperative reports that tomato supplies are increasing as new crop production is underway in Culiacan, Mexico.
Procurant releases tariff charge management for retail buyers
Procurant announced a new capability for managing tariff-related charges within its Procurant Commerce platform.
The Wonderful Company honored on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For List
The Wonderful Company has again been named one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, moving up from last year.
Rabobank report analyzes tariff effects on vegetable market
Rabobank released an April 1, 2025, report, U.S. vegetable trade amid tariff and trade tensions authored by David Magaña.
Ocean Mist Farms starts spring artichoke season
Ocean Mist Farms, North America's leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, has officially kicked off their spring season.
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Blue Book Services. All Rights Reserved