Editor’s Picks
Equal Measure: Profiles of women in the industry
Is the produce industry more attuned to what women bring to the table? Raquel Espinoza, Deborah Dijkhuizen, Kristen Reid, Joan Daleo, Jessica Peri, and Gabriella D’Arrigo weigh in.
By Laura Liebeck
Aldi: Reshaping Grocery Retail
In the highly competitive and crowded grocery retail space, Aldi has long been known as a no frills, low-price leader. Photo courtesy of Aldi, Inc.
By Karen Raugust
Taking Technology to the Next Level for Growers: Q&A with John Deere’s Greg Christensen
New high-tech equipment for growers from a recognized name. Photo courtesy of John Deere.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
Features
Spotlight on Bakersfield: Optimistic despite recent challenges
Growers in the Bakersfield area have high hopes for this season’s crops after last year’s mostly positive results.
By Steven Maxwell
Spotlight on Chicago: The winds of change
The Windy City is alive and well as a significant hub for the Midwest’s wholesalers.
By Annemarie Mannion
Equal Measure: Profiles of women in the industry
Is the produce industry more attuned to what women bring to the table? Raquel Espinoza, Deborah Dijkhuizen, Kristen Reid, Joan Daleo, Jessica Peri, and Gabriella D’Arrigo weigh in.
By Laura Liebeck
Columns
By the Numbers: Facts, figures, and Blue Book analysis
Want the inside scoop on Blue Book claims, collections, fees, and more? Doug Nelson breaks down the data and explains what the numbers mean.
By Doug Nelson
Food for Thought: All About Oyster Mushrooms
Discover the benefits of oyster mushrooms! They’re nutritious, sustainable, and packed with flavor. Photos courtesy of The Doc & Chef.
By Jim Loomis, Caryn Dugan
Food for Thought: Improving fruit and vegetable consumption, one customer at a time
Easy ways to increase fruit and vegetable buys at retail from a registered dietitian.
By Thu Huynh
Weekend Interview
– a weekly feature –
Chris Ciruli, Ciruli Brothers, LLC
Mango connoisseur Chris Ciruli tells all: top varieties, market trends, and trade. Photos courtesy of Ciruli Brothers, LLC.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
Itai Kanot, BeeHero
What is BeeHero and how can it help growers increase yields? Photos courtesy of BeeHero.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
Jim Roberts, Naturipe Farms, LLC
What does it take to bring a new berry to market?
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
Credit & Finance
– a bimonthly feature –
Deconstructing 2024 Data Trends: An analysis using Blue Book data
Leading into 2024, inflationary pressures and high interest rates were top of mind. And while some easing has taken place, these challenges continue to persist through the first quarter of 2025.
By Bill Zentner
Your Blue Book Credit Score: Why it matters
Based on our daily interactions with the trade, nearly all say they pay close attention to Blue Book scores.
By Bill Zentner
How to Develop a Credit Policy: Protection is the name of the game
How can companies dealing in fresh produce reduce risk and protect their financial health? One way is to create a formal credit policy.
By Annemarie Mannion
Applied Technology
– a bimonthly feature –
Embracing the Packaging Evolution: What constitutes better?
While fresh produce packaging continues to proliferate in terms of size, type, and format, the question of what to do with a used carton, bag, or clamshell is coming into sharp focus.
By Jim Offner
Taking Technology to the Next Level for Growers: Q&A with John Deere’s Greg Christensen
New high-tech equipment for growers from a recognized name. Photo courtesy of John Deere.
By Taryn Pfalzgraf
AI and Produce Sales: ChatGPT, other tools are marketers’ friends
In simple terms, AI may seem the stuff of science fiction; to fruit and vegetable marketers, on the other hand, ChatGPT and other such AI algorithms have become essential tools.
By Jim Offner
Claims, Collections & Dispute Resolution
– a bimonthly feature –
Produce Pointers: Shady set-off on an old claim
When is a set-off permissible and what constitutes good faith or a lack thereof?
By Doug Nelson
Temperature Control in Transit: Are warm pulps at loading to blame?
Points to consider when reviewing perishable cargo claims.
By Doug Nelson
Fact Checking Good Arrival: True or false
How well do you know your “good arrival” facts? Let’s find out.
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.”
