Market Report
- Friday, 23 November 2018
Thanksgiving leftovers are a bet for at least one good sandwich or warm plate of comfort post holiday feast.
If soups, salads and sides don’t lend a certain kitchen inspiration to the day after foods, rethink the approach.
A few simple fresh ingredients will ignite a spark to the doldrums of those glass dishes stacked in the fridge.
Introduce ginger root, cilantro, edamame and shitake mushrooms for a boost of flavor to any bowl of Asian noodles or rice dish. Spice it up with chili pepper paste (kochujang) or chili pepper flakes (kochukaru).
Fresh herbs like basil, mint and Italian parsley boost taste buds with a different take to cold salads. Tarragon or baby dill move things in an altogether new direction.
Peas, artichoke hearts and fennel bulbs and fronds add more than just bright greenery. Allow the distinctive textures and extraordinary flavors to surprise the palette. It’s not grandma’s turkey salad if walnuts, apple chunks and curry powder get folded in to the mix.
- Friday, 16 November 2018
As Thanksgiving table settings get arranged, include a mindset of gratitude that will hold past this single day of appreciation.
From hurricanes to wildfires, epic natural disasters disrupted and redefined the lives of thousands. Many of those recently touched by devastating events, find reason to give thanks.
Individuals with a solid foundation of home, family, friends and employment have much to celebrate.
Gratefulness is not a one-time thought, deed or acknowledgement. It’s an ongoing process and practice. It creates new channels of possibility and opportunity. It touches love, friendship, service and our humanity.
In the darkest of times, there is often some good to be found. Explore what might be at the core of any life altering event. Community is often an abundant source of support and strength. Common Unity is a welcomed by-product of disaster.
Throughout the American history, religious leaders, political figures, and presidents have called for national holidays to express gratitude and thankfulness to God.
- Friday, 09 November 2018
Far too often, lack of care or inexperience collide with positive consumer encounters. That clash adversely affects fresh fruits and vegetables.
Product quality and product condition are two separate issues. How we handle fresh produce can definitely impact the latter.
Careful handling will maximize freshness, and add to shelf life or serving appearance. It makes sense then that mishandling is counter protecting the inventory and in-stock items.
The influx of new employees throughout the food industry requires training and coaching on the subject of handling. Proper receiving is the first step in maintaining good quality standards.
Observing cleanliness of truck trailers, interior vehicle temperatures and neat and straight pallet stacks are a few signs that a delivery is acceptable. Look for cartons or cases that have not been split open or torn.
Cold chain protocols are important year round. As we approach cooler seasons, chances are that produce is travelling to us from farther away places. Keeping product in best temperature ranges is critical to longevity. This goes for everything from berries to zucchini.
- Thursday, 01 November 2018
Good advice comes to us in numerous ways. The recent Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit event in Orlando was one of those most peculiar channels.
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning addressed attendees at a morning breakfast session.
Football fan, or not, his message resonated with those fortunate enough to witness his humility, insight and humor. He shared the guidance his own father, famed NFL quarterback Archie Manning, gave him.
“Reset to zero” is the counsel he received from his pops when facing a loss, setback or any type of adversity. This message is one that keeps replaying weeks after Peyton’s PMA’s morning breakfast talk.
Winning outcomes require discipline and preparation. To hear him tell it, no one stays the same. One either gets better or worse. Decide each day on goals of continuous improvement.