We're delighted to have as our guest on this week's episode Mike Tipton, vice president of produce and floral at Schnuck Markets. Schnucks recently announced a pilot program called Fresh Produce Now, which allows customers using the grocer's app to receive notifications when favorite local produce items arrive at their store. Mike and The Produce Retail Podcast host Ashley Nickle discuss Foodshed.io, the organization partnering with Schnucks on the pilot, and how the grocer "met" Foodshed.io several years ago and engaged the company for its logistics, compliance and procurement coordination with local growers. Mike also talks about the role of local for Schnucks, particularly local produce, including highlights of the Midwest local season. He also covers how the grocer will gauge the success of the Fresh Produce Now pilot, plans for next summer, and possible applications for the technology beyond calling out local. Ashley and Mike also discuss digital shelf tags and how that technology will evolve in the coming years. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did!

For more episodes featuring executive perspective, check out this curated 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.