We talk a lot on this podcast — advocate, quite frankly — about the amazing returns that come from investing in training and education for frontline professionals, particular produce managers. In this week's episode, we bring back Kevin Climie, senior director of produce and floral at Fortinos, to discuss how the banner's 24 stores differentiate themselves with next-level floral departments — including how they invest in training and education for their floral managers. Fortinos is under the Loblaws umbrella but functions as an independent, so all Fortinos stores are franchised and have individual owners. Other topics Climie covers in this episode with The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle include the layout and location of Fortinos floral departments and the role they play for the banner; how the company began its collaboration with local higher-learning institutions to train and educate floral team members; the growth of floral for Fortinos in recent years; seasonal must-haves and trends in floral; willingness to pay among floral consumers and pricing structures that resonate; monitoring for new items and the role that supplier partnerships play; how product can be repurposed in floral just like it can in produce; preparation for Valentine's Day on the procurement side and the store operations side; and much more. Enjoy!

Here's that playlist dedicated to conversations with current and former vice presidents of produce, directors of produce, and other executive roles. 

More Playlists


Merchandising & Marketing


Leadership & Training


Produce Manager Perspective

Podcast Background

This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more.

Get Involved

The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout on LinkedIn.

We talk a lot on this podcast — advocate, quite frankly — about the amazing returns that come from investing in training and education for frontline professionals, particular produce managers. In this week's episode, we bring back Kevin Climie, senior director of produce and floral at Fortinos, to discuss how the banner's 24 stores differentiate themselves with next-level floral departments — including how they invest in training and education for their floral managers. Fortinos is under the Loblaws umbrella but functions as an independent, so all Fortinos stores are franchised and have individual owners. Other topics Climie covers in this episode with The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle include the layout and location of Fortinos floral departments and the role they play for the banner; how the company began its collaboration with local higher-learning institutions to train and educate floral team members; the growth of floral for Fortinos in recent years; seasonal must-haves and trends in floral; willingness to pay among floral consumers and pricing structures that resonate; monitoring for new items and the role that supplier partnerships play; how product can be repurposed in floral just like it can in produce; preparation for Valentine's Day on the procurement side and the store operations side; and much more. Enjoy!
Here's that<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/executive-perspective-the-produce-retail-podcast"> playlist</a> dedicated to conversations with current and former vice presidents of produce, directors of produce, and other executive roles. 
More Playlists
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/merchandising-marketing-the-produce-retail-podcast">Merchandising &amp; Marketing</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/leadership-training-the-produce-retail-podcast">Leadership &amp; Training</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/produce-manager-perspective-the-produce-retail-pod">Produce Manager Perspective</a>
</li>
</ul>
Podcast Background
This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more.
Get Involved
The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">Ashley Nickle</a>, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">on LinkedIn.</a>

The Produce Retail Podcast is the place for thought leaders in the industry to talk shop. Join us for conversations on strategy, business partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and much more. We'll have regular guests as well as more occasional visitors, and the goal is always to deliver conversations that inform, inspire and ultimately illuminate opportunities for growth. This podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, produce industry enthusiast and founder and CEO of Ashley Nickle Growth Strategies.  

The Produce Retail Podcast is the place for thought leaders in the industry to talk shop. Join us for conversations on strategy, business partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and much more. We'll have regular guests as well as more occasional visitors, and the goal is always to deliver conversations that inform, inspire and ultimately illuminate opportunities for growth. This podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, produce industry enthusiast and founder and CEO of Ashley Nickle Growth Strategies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Produce Retail Podcast

This curated playlist of The Produce Retail Podcast features conversations with current and former vice presidents of produce, directors of produce, and other executive roles. These guests take listeners behind the scenes and examine different components of what it takes to create, adapt, communicate and execute the produce strategy of a grocery retailer. Hosted by Ashley Nickle, who became immersed in the industry as a member of the trade press and later launched her own consulting firm, The Produce Retail Podcast overall covers a wide variety of produce retail topics: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising, marketing, assortment and beyond. 

This curated playlist of The Produce Retail Podcast features conversations with current and former vice presidents of produce, directors of produce, and other executive roles. These guests take listeners behind the scenes and examine different components of what it takes to create, adapt, communicate and execute the produce strategy of a grocery retailer. Hosted by <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">Ashley Nickle</a>, who became immersed in the industry as a member of the trade press and later launched her own consulting firm, The Produce Retail Podcast overall covers a wide variety of produce retail topics: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising, marketing, assortment and beyond.

A playlist for produce retail professionals in or aspiring to leadership positions.

Executive Perspective — The Produce Retail Podcast

This curated playlist of The Produce Retail Podcast features conversations on finding and developing talent, training and engaging team members, and growing as a leader. Hosted by Ashley Nickle, who became immersed in the industry as a member of the trade press and later launched her own consulting firm, The Produce Retail Podcast overall covers a wide variety of produce retail topics: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising, marketing, assortment and beyond. 

This curated playlist of The Produce Retail Podcast features conversations on finding and developing talent, training and engaging team members, and growing as a leader. Hosted by <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">Ashley Nickle</a>, who became immersed in the industry as a member of the trade press and later launched her own consulting firm, The Produce Retail Podcast overall covers a wide variety of produce retail topics: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising, marketing, assortment and beyond.

A playlist focused on professional development and leadership in produce retail.

Leadership & Training — The Produce Retail Podcast

Behind the scenes of the flourishing floral departments of Fortinos

We're delighted to have as our guest this week Anne-Marie Roerink, the principal of 210 Analytics. Anne-Marie is well known to many folks in the produce world for her insightful reports and presentations in collaboration with Circana and associations like the International Fresh Produce Association and the Southeast Produce Council. Speaking of SEPC, Anne-Marie recently presented her What's New! report at Southern Innovations, and she and The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle dive into the findings in today's conversation, covering topics including how inflation of recent years continues to influence consumer mindset and spending; why grocers are leaning into loyalty programs; the power of above-and-beyond merchandising for holidays in particular; the influence of trending TikTok items on category sales this year; the opportunity of presenting full meal solutions (with varying levels of prep work required) together in the store; the need for retailers to develop plans for when good things happen (like viral produce trends) just like they make plans for when bad things happen (outbreaks, emergencies, etc.); how consumers are "replacing" restaurant meals; and much more. Thanks so much for listening and hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did! 

For more insights from Anne-Marie, check out her previous appearances on the podcast.
What produce can learn from the growth happening in deli
Packaged produce, value-added, generational trends and more
Consumer trends, produce merchandising and marketing

We're delighted to have as our guest this week Anne-Marie Roerink, the principal of 210 Analytics. Anne-Marie is well known to many folks in the produce world for her insightful reports and presentations in collaboration with Circana and associations like the International Fresh Produce Association and the Southeast Produce Council. Speaking of SEPC, Anne-Marie recently presented her What's New! report at Southern Innovations, and she and The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle dive into the findings in today's conversation, covering topics including how inflation of recent years continues to influence consumer mindset and spending; why grocers are leaning into loyalty programs; the power of above-and-beyond merchandising for holidays in particular; the influence of trending TikTok items on category sales this year; the opportunity of presenting full meal solutions (with varying levels of prep work required) together in the store; the need for retailers to develop plans for when good things happen (like viral produce trends) just like they make plans for when bad things happen (outbreaks, emergencies, etc.); how consumers are "replacing" restaurant meals; and much more. Thanks so much for listening and hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did! 
For more insights from Anne-Marie, check out her previous appearances on the podcast.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anne-marie-roerink-principal-of-210-analytics-on/id1585765956?i=1000664607917">What produce can learn from the growth happening in deli</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anne-marie-roerink-talks-packaged-produce-value-added/id1585765956?i=1000649662196">Packaged produce, value-added, generational trends and more</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anne-marie-roerink-talks-consumer-trends-produce-merchandising/id1585765956?i=1000631239283">Consumer trends, produce merchandising and marketing</a></li>
</ul>

Anne-Marie Roerink on consumer trends, loyalty, holidays, TikTok, merchandising and more

We're delighted to welcome as our guests for this week's episode Nicole Grant, director of customer development, and Rose Palacios, director of shopper marketing and merchandising — both from Driscoll's — for a deep dive on the berry category. Rose and Nicole discuss how broader industry trends are showing up in berries, including private label and supplier brands; value and premium options; conventional and organic product; smaller and larger pack sizes; in-store versus online sales; and more. Given the increasing number of SKUs in the category, Nicole and Rose advocate for increased space for berries and lay out the process of making that business case to retailers. They note that key metrics vary by retailer, and along with growing sales there may also be pressure to increase units (which can influence pack size strategy), market share and more. Rose and Nicole also observe that there's a significant opportunity for category education of the many newer people on sales floors post-COVID, and they give examples of how Driscoll's can come alongside retailers if that's an area they see as a way to get better. Nicole and Rose also share how they got into produce, the kinds of projects they handle in their respective roles, and how their teams collaborate. Hope you enjoy the conversation!

For more episodes featuring marketing and merchandising perspective, check out this curated playlist for plenty of thought-provoking discussion. 

More Playlists


Executive Perspective


Leadership & Training


Produce Manager Perspective

Podcast Background

This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more.

Get Involved

The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout on LinkedIn.

We're delighted to welcome as our guests for this week's episode Nicole Grant, director of customer development, and Rose Palacios, director of shopper marketing and merchandising — both from Driscoll's — for a deep dive on the berry category. Rose and Nicole discuss how broader industry trends are showing up in berries, including private label and supplier brands; value and premium options; conventional and organic product; smaller and larger pack sizes; in-store versus online sales; and more. Given the increasing number of SKUs in the category, Nicole and Rose advocate for increased space for berries and lay out the process of making that business case to retailers. They note that key metrics vary by retailer, and along with growing sales there may also be pressure to increase units (which can influence pack size strategy), market share and more. Rose and Nicole also observe that there's a significant opportunity for category education of the many newer people on sales floors post-COVID, and they give examples of how Driscoll's can come alongside retailers if that's an area they see as a way to get better. Nicole and Rose also share how they got into produce, the kinds of projects they handle in their respective roles, and how their teams collaborate. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
For more episodes featuring marketing and merchandising perspective, <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/merchandising-marketing-the-produce-retail-podcast">check out this curated playlist</a> for plenty of thought-provoking discussion. 
More Playlists
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/executive-perspective-the-produce-retail-podcast">Executive Perspective</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/leadership-training-the-produce-retail-podcast">Leadership &amp; Training</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/produce-manager-perspective-the-produce-retail-pod">Produce Manager Perspective</a>
</li>
</ul>
Podcast Background
This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more.
Get Involved
The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">Ashley Nickle</a>, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">on LinkedIn.</a>

Berry category deep dive with Nicole Grant and Rose Palacios of Driscoll's

With this week's episode, we're delighted to bring you three excellent guests, all from The Giant Co. To celebrate the recognition of produce manager Chris O'Brien by the International Fresh Produce Association, we're visiting with Chris, regional fresh sales manager Anthony Deni, and director of produce and floral Chris Keetch. We hear from Chris O’Brien about his reaction to winning the award; how he got started in produce; when he realized he could have a career in produce retail; how his leadership style has changed over the years; when he realized that in his current role he could have an impact well beyond his own store; and the training role he’s been serving in lately. Anthony discusses what makes Chris deserving of this recognition; areas in which he's seen Chris grow; and recent projects on which Chris' work has impressed him. Chris Keetch covers the process for selecting nominees; Chris O.'s role in building the bench of produce talent; a new training program that gets people on the sales floor quicker and aims to develop them as produce experts; the importance of nominating people for IFPA recognition; and why he describes Chris as a "merchant operator." Hope you enjoy the conversation!

To hear more from Chris O'Brien, check out the IFPA's five-part webinar series featuring roundtable conversations with groups of this year's winners. The webinars are co-hosted by IFPA's Joe Watson and The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle. The recordings are hosted on this page. https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/retail/retail-produce-manager-award-winners-webinar-series/

For more episodes of The Produce Retail Podcast focused on produce managers, check out this curated playlist. 

More Playlists


Executive Perspective


Leadership & Training


Marketing & Merchandising

Podcast Background

This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more.

Get Involved

The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout on LinkedIn.

With this week's episode, we're delighted to bring you three excellent guests, all from The Giant Co. To celebrate the recognition of produce manager Chris O'Brien by the International Fresh Produce Association, we're visiting with Chris, regional fresh sales manager Anthony Deni, and director of produce and floral Chris Keetch. We hear from Chris O’Brien about his reaction to winning the award; how he got started in produce; when he realized he could have a career in produce retail; how his leadership style has changed over the years; when he realized that in his current role he could have an impact well beyond his own store; and the training role he’s been serving in lately. Anthony discusses what makes Chris deserving of this recognition; areas in which he's seen Chris grow; and recent projects on which Chris' work has impressed him. Chris Keetch covers the process for selecting nominees; Chris O.'s role in building the bench of produce talent; a new training program that gets people on the sales floor quicker and aims to develop them as produce experts; the importance of nominating people for IFPA recognition; and why he describes Chris as a "merchant operator." Hope you enjoy the conversation!
To hear more from Chris O'Brien, check out the IFPA's five-part webinar series featuring roundtable conversations with groups of this year's winners. The webinars are co-hosted by IFPA's Joe Watson and The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle. The recordings are hosted on this page. <a href="https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/retail/retail-produce-manager-award-winners-webinar-series/">https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/retail/retail-produce-manager-award-winners-webinar-series/</a>
For more episodes of The Produce Retail Podcast focused on produce managers, <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/produce-manager-perspective-the-produce-retail-pod">check out this curated playlist</a>. 
More Playlists
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/executive-perspective-the-produce-retail-podcast">Executive Perspective</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/leadership-training-the-produce-retail-podcast">Leadership &amp; Training</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-produce-retail-podcast/playlists/merchandising-marketing-the-produce-retail-podcast">Marketing &amp; Merchandising</a>
</li>
</ul>
Podcast Background
This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more.
Get Involved
The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">Ashley Nickle</a>, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynickle">on LinkedIn.</a>

Behind the scenes of the flourishing floral departments of Fortinos

Executive Perspective — The Produce Retail Podcast

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