We're delighted to bring in as our guests today Jose Cartamil and Tom Foss, two veteran produce merchandisers who now work for Carlson AirFlo Merchandising Systems. Tom and Jose bring a unique perspective on the produce retail landscape. They each worked for many years as produce managers and merchandisers – Tom with Rainbow Foods and Roundy’s, Jose with Publix, Target and Supervalu – and in their current roles they work with retailers across the country, so they’ve got deep expertise in the nitty gritty of the department and also visibility into many different banners and formats. They discuss how they began their careers in produce; what they're observing in stores now as far as trends in assortment, merchandising and marketing; how they were trained when they first started in the produce department and how they trained others when they became more senior; what they believe the opportunities are for produce retail as a whole; and much more. Enjoy!

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.