The Fresh CrEd

In this special live episode from Viva Fresh 2025, Craig and Ed sit down with TIPA President Dante Galeazzi and Fulltilt Marketing Vice President Jen Velasquez to unpack the tenth edition of the show in Houston.

Recorded on the expo floor, they cover:

• The year-long planning that brought together 2,800 attendees, 191 booths and over 400 retail & food-service buyers

• How “coast-to-coast, border-to-border” participation undersc...

In this special edition of The Fresh CrEd from Viva Fresh 2025, we sit down with Jon Holder, VP of Produce and Floral at Superior Grocers, for a grounded and heartfelt conversation about his decades-long journey through the grocery world—from sacking groceries at 16 to leading procurement for a major California retailer.

John reflects on:

• The evolution of produce retail across generations

• Growing demand for tropicals and Hispan...

In this inspiring close to our Viva Fresh 2025 series, we sit down with Jesse Jones, professor and advisor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and graduate student Sabastian Melendez to talk about building bridges between higher education and the produce industry through the Edge Program.

We explore:

• Jesse’s journey from the fields to the front of the classroom

In this high-energy episode recorded live at Viva Fresh 2025, we sit down with Austin Moore of H-E-B to talk early grind, retail strategy, and what it takes to grow within a Texas grocery giant. From his days hustling produce at 15 under legendary “notorious peddlers” to leading with intention at one of the nation’s top retailers, Austin brings a fresh, grounded take on the business.

We d...

In this high-energy episode recorded live at Viva Fresh 2025, we sit down with Anthony Serafino, President of EXP Group LLC, to talk leadership, tropicals, and the state of the industry. From navigating volatile tariffs to building a people-first culture, Anthony brings bold insights and sharp perspective.

We dig into:

• His journey from family business to president at 3...

This week on The Fresh CrEd, we’re joined by Joe Watson, Vice President of Retail, Foodservice, and Wholesale Membership at IFPA, to dive into what makes the IFPA Retail Conference such a must-attend event for the produce industry.

Joe shares what sets the Retail Conference apart — from its intimate size and tailored programming to the connections forged on the golf course and at evening receptions. We e...

In this special Viva Fresh 2025 edition of The Fresh CrEd, we sit down with Chip Starns, Executive Vice President and Founder of Reveam, for a conversation that’s part tech deep dive, part founder origin story — and all heart.

Recorded live at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, TX, Chip shares how his journey from Navy diver and nuclear engineer led him to pioneer electronic cold pasteuriza...

In this inspiring episode of The Fresh CrEd, we sit down with Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of taking risks. From her early days bagging groceries in Maine to leading one of the most influential associations in the global produce industry, Cathy shares her journey of growth, grit, and purpose.

In this episode of The Fresh CrEd, we sit down with Karen Caplan, former president of Frida’s Specialty Produce and a true pioneer in the produce industry. From stepping into leadership at just 30 years old to navigating moments of betrayal and growth, Karen shares invaluable lessons on resilience, strategy, and what it takes to succeed in a family business. Hear how she turned challenges into opportunities, built lasting relations...

Join us on this episode of The Fresh CrEd as we sit down with two extraordinary leaders in the world of fresh produce, Kinlyn Hinson, the South Carolina Watermelon Queen, and Tori Hobbs, the Gulf Coast Watermelon Queen.

Kinlyn and Tori share their unique journeys, from their paths to becoming watermelon queens to their roles as passionate advocates for fresh produce and agriculture. With ...

In this compelling episode of The Fresh CrEd, we’re joined by Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, a pioneering Fairtrade brand on a mission to transform the produce industry with what they call “Banana Justice.” Jennie brings a fresh perspective on fair wages, sustainable sourcing, and the role of ethical practices in the global banana market.

Through an engaging discussion with hosts Ed Bertaud and Craig Slate, Jennie shares h...

In this insightful episode of The Fresh CrEd, hosts Ed Bertaud and Craig Slate sit down with Yan Branco, Lead of Produce Sourcing Innovation and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Development at Sobeys. Yan shares his journey from his family farm in Canada to his role at one of North America’s leading grocery retailers, bringing a fresh perspective on the future of produce.

Yan breaks down the importance of a “marathon mind...

In this special episode, we sit down with Congressman Ruben Gallego, a dedicated public servant with a compelling story of perseverance and dedication. Born to immigrant parents from Colombia and Mexico, Ruben shares his journey from humble beginnings on the south side of Chicago to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and eventually representing Arizona in Congress.

Join us as we delve into:

•His personal narrative: Overcoming adv...

In this insightful conclusion to our Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service series, we sit down with Julie Krivanek, President of Krivanek Consulting and a renowned expert in executive development.

With over 30 years of experience, Julie has worked closely with leaders in the fresh produce industry to enhance their leadership skills and create succession plans that ensure long-term business success.

Julie shares her deep knowle...

Welcome to another installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service on The Fresh CrEd podcast! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning Chef David Ruiz, a culinary visionary who is transforming the way we think about fresh produce and modern menus.

Chef Ruiz shares his journey from the kitchen to becoming a key innovator in the food service industry. He discusses the latest culinary trends, the importance of sustain...

Welcome to the next installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of food distribution with Joe Merenda, a seasoned leader in the produce industry.

With decades of experience under his belt, Joe shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing foodservice distribution today.

From navigating supply chain disruptions to embracing new technologies, Joe d...

Welcome to the third installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service! In this episode, we sit down with Andy Hamilton, CEO of Markon, a visionary leader in the fresh produce industry. Andy shares his expertise on the economic factors influencing the produce sector, the challenges faced by distributors, and the strategic decisions that are shaping the future of fresh food.

Andy offers a deep dive into the impact of global ...

This episode of The Fresh CrEd podcast is brought to you by Wiggins Farms.

Welcome to the 2nd installment of Fresh Insights: The Future of Food Service! Join us as we sit down with two industry leaders who are transforming the fresh food landscape. Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge, and Dorene Mills, award-winning chef at Hannaford Supermarkets, share their insights on the current trends and future of fresh produce.

Steve discusses...

In this kickoff episode of our special series "Fresh Insights: The Future of Foodservice," recorded live at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, we sit down with Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA. Cathy shares her expert perspective on the latest trends and innovations shaping the foodservice industry. From sustainability to consumer preferences, gain invaluable insights that will keep you ahead of the curve.

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