Fresh Takes On Tech

International Fresh Produce Association
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Fresh Takes On Tech

Welcome to Fresh Takes on Tech, a podcast from the International Fresh Produce Association. At IFPA, Our trade association represents companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. We advocate, connect and guide to enhance members’ prosperity. This is a show for people interested in the intersection between technology and the produce and floral industries. Each episode we explore the problems, solutions, people and ideas that are shaping the industry.

  1. 16 JUL

    111: Reducing Food Waste, Enhancing Freshness, and Business Evolution with Jenny Du

    How can we significantly reduce food waste and improve the shelf life of produce? Jenny Du, Co-Founder & VP of Operations at Apeel Sciences, joins the show to discuss how Apeel's innovative product slows the rate at which produce spoils. By maintaining moisture and reducing oxidation, Apeel enhances the plant’s natural protective abilities. You'll learn how Apeel adds a microscopic extra layer to fruits and vegetables, mimicking the natural cuticle layer to keep produce fresh longer. Jenny shares her insights on the importance of preventing food waste and how Apeel is making a difference. In this episode, you'll also hear about the challenges and successes of Apeel's journey, with valuable advice for businesses facing hardships. Jenny explains how Apeel identifies its target market and effectively communicates its message. She emphasizes that company evolution is neither linear nor steady, and shares her excitement about suppliers becoming more proactive in presenting their products. Key TakeawaysWhat Apeel does and how they are helping the food waste problem.How they are handling the misinformation about their product.Jenny’s advice for businesses facing hardships.How Apeel is finding their target market and getting the message to them.What innovation we need to see to help to minimize the use of single-use plastic.The efficiency that’s possible if we shift our consumer and production habits. Guest ResourcesJenny Du: LinkedIn Apeel Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    33 min

  2. 9 JUL

    110: Reusable Packaging, Supply Chain Innovation, and Collaborative Solutions with Tim Debus

    What are the benefits of using reusable packaging versus traditional single-use packaging? Join us as Tim Debus, President & CEO of the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), explores this crucial question. RPA is a nonprofit trade organization that promotes the common and pro-competitive interests of member suppliers and users of reusable packaging products and services. In this episode, you'll learn about the importance of spreading awareness of reusable packaging and how collaboration is key to a more sustainable future. Listen in as Tim explains the impact of policy on creating momentum behind better material management, as well as how innovation will be adopted and accepted in the supply chain. Discover how reusable products can create a better experience for consumers and why having a resource-efficient, zero-waste supply chain is essential. Key TakeawaysThe importance of spreading awareness of reusable packaging.Why collaboration is the only way toward a more sustainable future.What got Tim interested and passionate about reusable packaging.The benefits of using reusable packaging over traditional single-use.How reusable packaging can help drive greater cost savings.How innovation is going to be adopted and accepted into the chain.The impact of policy and how it is going to create momentum behind better management of materials.How reusable products can create a better experience for consumers. Guest ResourcesTim Debus: LinkedIn Reusable Packaging Association Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    30 min

  3. 2 JUL

    109: Leading Change, Sustainable Packaging, and Global Outlook with Rachel Depree

    What can we learn from a company that supplies premium quality kiwi to over 50 markets worldwide? Today, Rachel Depree, Executive Officer of Sustainability at Zespri, joins the show to share insights from her role at a company that manages 30% of the global volume of kiwis. Learn about Zespri's unique financial relationship with their growers, Rachel's journey to her current position, and how she enjoys leading change in a cooperative environment. Discover how Zespri's collaborative approach with their supply chain delivers shared value and the global outlook that drives their commitment to health and well-being. Rachel will discuss Zespri's strong investment in research and innovation, focusing on the health qualities of their fruit and anticipating consumer and customer trends. You'll learn how stretch targets can drive organizational innovation, the key elements that contribute to sustainable packaging, and the importance of alignment within the organization. Rachel will also explain the unique nature of relationships in the fresh produce industry, Zespri's personal connections with distributors and suppliers, and the shared responsibility for advancing sustainability practices. Key TakeawaysThe financial relationship Zespri has with their growers.Rachel's background and how she came to her role at Zespri.How they’re positioning their company for the now and the future.The importance of having alignment around the organization.The role that packaging has in produce production.Some of the innovative projects Zespri has worked on.How the consumers are impacting the push for sustainability.Zespri’s goals for the future.Why collaboration is essential to come up with new solutions. Guest ResourcesRachel Depree: LinkedIn | Zespri Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    34 min

  4. 25 JUN

    108: How Industry Collaboration and Technological Innovation Impact Sustainable Packaging with Garland Perkins

    Today Garland Perkins, Director of Innovation and Sustainability at The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy), shares insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding sustainable packaging. Learn about the importance of balancing product protection with environmental considerations and why simply eliminating plastic isn't necessarily the answer. Garland explains how Oppy collaborates with suppliers, retailers, and partners to implement sustainable packaging solutions and discusses the goals for single-use packaging in the coming years. Listen in to understand the vital role of technology in evolving sustainable packaging, practical solutions for the present, and the exciting future of sustainability at Oppy. Key TakeawaysWhat Garland is most excited about in terms of sustainable packaging.How Oppy measures the impact of environmental solutions.Why plastic use is such a hard hurdle to overcome.The biggest hurdle in introducing sustainable practice.How Oppy is using collaboration across the supply chain to introduce sustainable packaging.The goals for Oppy over the coming years.How technology will impact packaging.The importance of focusing on here-and-now solutions. Guest ResourcesGarland Perkins: LinkedIn | Oppy Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    30 min

  5. 18 JUN

    107: Sustainable Packaging, AI-Driven Material Discovery, and Robotics with Po-Yen Chen

    How can cutting-edge technology revolutionize packaging for fresh produce? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Po-Yen Chen, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, to explore how his lab is leveraging AI and flexible robotic technologies to discover and develop new functional materials. By implementing active learning frameworks with robot-aided experiments, Po-Yen’s team is constructing high-accuracy prediction models that accelerate the development of materials for sustainable plastic substitutes and more efficient packaging. Listen in as we discuss the challenges of current packaging solutions, particularly the issues posed by microplastics. You'll learn how AI can expedite the discovery of sustainable packaging materials and the timeline for creating effective solutions. Po-Yen will also share insights into the future of sustainable packaging, including exciting developments like films that can double the shelf life of produce. Discover why integrating machine intelligence into the packaging design process is essential for advancing sustainability in the industry. Key TakeawaysThe main challenges that we face with the current packaging we use.The major issue with microplastics often used in packaging.How AI can be used to discover new materials for sustainable packaging.How long the process takes to create a sustainable film.What needs to happen for us to have a solution for the industry.Where we’re heading with the future of sustainable packaging. Guest ResourcesPo-Yen Chen: University of Maryland Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    23 min

  6. 11 JUN

    106: Emerging Trends in Sustainable Packaging with Max Teplitski and Andrew Stephens

    Are you passionate about fresh, healthy produce and a cleaner planet? In this first episode of our six-part series, we highlight the vital connection between packaging practices in the produce industry and the urgent need for sustainability. We'll explore the delicate balance between ensuring top-quality, pathogen-free products and reducing the environmental footprint left by packaging waste. Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association, and Andrew Stephens, Senior Policy Advisor at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, join us to discuss the rapid advancements in sustainable packaging. Listen in to learn about the UN's plastic treaty, the future of plastic packaging over the next five years, and emerging trends to keep an eye on in packaging. Key TakeawaysHow packaging contributes to environmental damage.Why our growers and exporters need to be in on the conversation.If we are moving fast enough to fix the packaging problem.What the UN’s plastic treaty is.How PLU stickers have both helped and hindered the packaging problem.Emerging trends to keep an eye on in packaging. Guest ResourcesAndrew Stephens: LinkedInMax Teplitski: LinkedIn Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    30 min

  7. 21 MAY

    105: Partnerships and Collaborations to Elevate Food with Peter Wells

    Today we're joined by Peter Wells, Chief Strategy Director at Elevated Foods, who shares insights into the company's innovative approach to agriculture. Discover how Elevated Foods measures success with new sustainability practices and how the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant has impacted them. Listen in as Peter delves into the challenges faced by family farms and the importance of data gathering in market development. You will learn how Elevated Foods navigates enrollment processes and provides technical assistance to growers, fostering collaboration and partnerships in climate-smart agriculture. Key TakeawaysHow Elevated Foods was born.Who Elevated Foods serves.How the grant has impacted their business.The benefit of this program being grower-led.How Elevated Foods is measuring success with these new practices.Peter’s advice for those starting in climate-smart agriculture.Why data gathering is essential for market development.How big of a role technology will play in sustainability.The power of collaboration and partnerships. Guest ResourcesPeter Wells: Elevated Foods  Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    24 min

  8. 14 MAY

    104: Embracing the Principles of Nature Farming with Wiam Haddad

    What does it take to transform a leading agricultural company into a beacon of sustainability? In this episode, we talk with Wiam Haddad, Systems Ecologist at ZZ2, a renowned agricultural company in South Africa committed to environmental stewardship. Join us as we explore ZZ2's journey towards climate-smart agriculture, delving into the strategies, challenges, and successes they've encountered along the way. Discover how ZZ2 integrates cutting-edge techniques and traditional wisdom to mitigate climate risks while promoting productivity on the farm. From the pitfalls of unsustainable farming practices to embracing natural principles in day-to-day operations, we cover it all. Listen in to learn about the power of digitalization and big data in agriculture, as well as how fostering innovation within your organization can drive meaningful change. Key TakeawaysZZ2’s history and their journey towards a more sustainable future.The importance of working with nature, not against it.How to bring natural principles into the day-to-day practices of the farm.How long it took before they felt confident and comfortable with the new system.What they have seen in pest management.The exciting technologies coming to pre and post-harvest.How renewable energy fits into sustainable agriculture. Guest ResourcesWiam Haddad: LinkedIn Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/ Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

    36 min
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About

Welcome to Fresh Takes on Tech, a podcast from the International Fresh Produce Association. At IFPA, Our trade association represents companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and floral supply chain. We advocate, connect and guide to enhance members’ prosperity. This is a show for people interested in the intersection between technology and the produce and floral industries. Each episode we explore the problems, solutions, people and ideas that are shaping the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    International Fresh Produce Association
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    International Fresh Produce Association © 2021
  • Show Website
    Fresh Takes On Tech

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