The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

Join host Patrick Kelly as he honors JOH on their remarkable 70-year journey and their growth in the fresh produce industry.

Patrick navigates through the years starting in 1956 on JOH's evolution from a small brokerage to a national powerhouse driven by people, culture, and cutting-edge innovation.

Hear from Chip O' Hare and Brian Maguire throughout the episode on what makes the companies heart beat so loud!

Discover how relationships and commitment to being "BEST IN CLASS" and excellence continue to shape the future of produce supply chain.

Visit JOH Here: https://joh.com

Visit Aglife Media Here: https://aglifemedia.com

In this insightful episode, Patrick Kelly sits down with Dr. Todd Pesek, Chief Medical Officer at Heinen's Grocery, to discuss the revolutionary role of healthcare in grocery retail.

Discover how produce and personalized wellness meet to shape the future of preventive health, supported by Dr. Pesek's expertise and insights from his book 'Eat Yourself Super!'

Tune in to learn how the grocery store is the next doctor's office of the future while bridging growers, retailers, and consumers for a healthier tomorrow.

Visit Todd Here: https://www.toddpesekmd.com

Buy Dr. Todd's Book Here: https://a.co/d/0ifj409P

Visit Aglife Media for more stories: https://aglifemedia.com

Learn more about Heinen's Grocery Store Here: https://www.heinens.com

Join host Patrick Kelly at the heart of the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, Florida.

This episode features exclusive interviews with industry leaders about cutting-edge produce innovations, sustainable practices, impactful initiatives like the Water For All Hike, and the latest market trends.

Don't miss the vibrant buzz of the industry's premier gathering and hear firsthand about the future of fresh produce.

Visit us here: www.aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he takes you through the bustling Philadelphia port and beyond to explore the unparalleled Summer Citrus program from South Africa.

Featuring exclusive insights from importers, logistics experts, and growers, discover how quality, consistency, and seamless collaboration bring the world's finest citrus to American tables each summer.

Don't miss this deep dive into the supply chain magic fueling your favorite citrus fruits!

Visit Summer Citrus here: https://www.summercitrus.com/

Visit Aglife Media, Inc here: https://aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Mary Mooney, CEO of Mooney Farms, to explore the inspiring family story behind one of California's most iconic produce companies.

Discover how a struggling kiwi orchard blossomed into the world's largest sun-dried tomato processor and learn about the grit, innovation, and dedication to quality that drives their success.

Don't miss this deep dive into industry passion, tradition, and the future of fresh produce.

Visit Mooney Farms here: https://bellasunluci.com

Visit Aglife Media for more stories here: https://aglifemedia.com

In this insightful second part of our conversation with industry veteran Dino Cardelli, we dive into the future of produce procurement education through his innovative Juice Knowledge platform.

Discover how this comprehensive course equips the next generation of procurement and sales professionals with essential industry vocabulary, real-world insights, and technical know-how to navigate the evolving global fresh supply chain.

Whether you're new to the industry or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode offers invaluable guidance and inspiration.

Visit Dino here: https://www.juiceknowledge.com

Visit us @: www.aglifemedia.com

Join Patrick Kelly as he kicks off a two-part series with industry veteran Dino Cardelli, a global procurement powerhouse with over 40 years in juice, ingredients, and the fresh produce supply chain experience.

Dive deep into the evolving citrus market, supply chain innovations, and insider stories from major brands like Coca-Cola and Tropicana. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the rapid changes and complexities shaping fruit procurement today.

Visit Dino @: https://juiceknowledge.com/

Visit More Stories @: https://aglifemedia.com/

The Super El Niño is officially here — and scientists say it may be the strongest ever recorded. In this episode, Patrick Kelly breaks down what a “very strong” El Niño means for fall and winter weather, global agriculture, and the future of fresh produce.

We dive into the science behind El Niño — how NOAA defines it, why the Walker Circulation matters, and why the World Meteorological Organization is forecasting a near 100% chance that this event will persist through February 2027. You’ll hear expert insights from UC San Diego, USF, and global climate researchers on what makes this El Niño different.

After the break, we explore how extreme weather, drought, flooding, and shifting ocean temperatures are already disrupting global agriculture. From rising rice prices to volatile grain markets, food insecurity risks, and supply chain pressure, Patrick unpacks how this climate event will reshape fresh produce markets worldwide.

References:

TIME – How El Niño Will Impact Fall and Winter Weather in the U.S.

https://time.com/article/2026/09/11/el-nino-fall-winter-weather-us/

NOAA – El Niño Forms, Expected to Strengthen

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/el-nino-forms-expected-to-strengthen-say-noaa-forecasters

WMO – El Niño Set to Become Very Strong, Raising Risks of Extreme Weather into 2027

https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/el-nino-set-become-very-strong-raising-risks-of-extreme-weather-2027

The Conference Board – El Niño Reshapes Global Agricultural Markets

https://www.conference-board.org/research/policy-backgrounders/el-nino-reshapes-global-agricultural-markets

Newsweek – How El Niño Could Spark Global Crisis in 2027

https://www.newsweek.com/how-el-nino-could-spark-global-crisis-2027-12331811 (newsweek.com in Bing)

Join host Patrick Kelly as he reconnects with industry veteran Tony Stackhurski, now leading a major mushroom farm, to dive deep into the evolving mushroom market.

Discover the challenges of mushroom farming, supply shifts, and why the category needs a fresh perspective and renewed advocacy.

This episode offers valuable insights for retailers, growers, and produce enthusiasts aiming to understand and support the future of mushrooms.

Join host Patrick Kelly as he dives into the vital role propane plays in American agriculture with special guests NASCAR driver and eighth-generation watermelon farmer Ross Chastain and Suburban Propane CEO Michael Stivala. Together they talk partnership, fueling American agriculture and partnership that complement each other.

Discover how propane fuels farms, supports rural communities, and even connects the worlds of motorsports and farming, highlighting innovations that keep food moving and farmers resilient.

Visit us @ www.aglifemedia.com

Visit Suburban Propane @: https://www.suburbanpropane.com/nascar/

Visit Ross Chastain @: https://melon1.com/about/ and https://rosschastain.com/

Join host Patrick Kelly as he takes you behind the scenes at the New England Produce Show 2026, sharing exclusive interviews with industry leaders from JOH and top vendors.

Discover the latest product innovations, partnership stories, and how collaboration is shaping the future of the produce supply chain.

Don't miss this deep dive into the vibrant world of fresh produce and supply chain connections!

Visit JOH @: https://joh.com

New England Produce Council @: https://newenglandproducecouncil.com

Visit Aglife Media @: https://aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly as he sits down with Brendan A. Niemira, PhD from the Institute of Food Technologists to explore the science behind food innovation, the evolving FDA rules on Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredients, and the debated definition of ultra processed foods.

Whether you’re in produce, product development, or just a curious consumer, this episode clears up misconceptions and highlights how science shapes the foods we eat every day.

To learn more about IFT, go to http://www.ift.org/. and www.aglifemedia.com

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit http://www.ift.org/.

Join Patrick Kelly on the Produce Industry Podcast for a deep dive into three critical produce topics shaking the supply chain: the mushroom industry's tariff challenges and farm closures, the USDA suspension halting Michoacán avocado shipments, and the dynamic week 33 mango market update featuring Mexican and Brazilian supplies.

Stay informed on how these events impact retail and food service, and hear about upcoming industry events and partnerships shaping the future of fresh produce.

More at www.aglifemedia.com

Join host Patrick Kelly and special guest Amanda Horney of Zeno Fresh as they dive into the fast-evolving world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling laws and packaging compliance impacting the produce industry.

From sustainability challenges to the complexities of fresh lime supply from Mexico, this episode offers vital insights for growers, packers, and suppliers aiming to stay compliant and competitive in 2026 and beyond.

Learn more at www.aglifemedia.com

Join Patrick Kelly and special guest Judd Bare from Georgia Ports as they explore the Port of Savannah’s rise as North America’s third largest port complex and a fresh produce shipping powerhouse.

Discover how investments in refrigerated infrastructure and strategic location are offering importers a fresher, faster, and cheaper alternative for regional distribution. Tune in to hear insights on cold chain innovation, expanded services, and how Savannah is shaping the future of fresh produce logistics in the Southeast.

Learn more at www.aglifemedia.com and https://gaports.com

In this eye-opening episode of the Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with California grower Cesar Mora to discuss a high-stakes legal battle involving a proprietary fruit variety and the struggles faced by growers in the complex produce supply chain.

Cesar shares his firsthand experience battling a major marketing company, revealing the risks, mistrust, and industry dynamics that impact farmers’ livelihoods.

Tune in for an honest conversation about farmer protection, market power, and the future of farming in America.

www.aglifemedia.com for more stories in Agriculture

Join Patrick Kelly and co-host Ross Nelson as they welcome Dean Fahselt of River Fresh Farms to delve into the dynamic world of wet vegetables. Discover how this nimble, minority-owned company is tackling extreme weather, supply chain challenges, and expanding into value-added products.

Tune in for insider insights on market trends, crop rotation, and the future of freshness in produce supply.

#freshprudce

https://www.riverfreshfarms.com

Why did the man who just conquered India weep over a melon — and what does that tell us about the fruit that travelers from Ibn Battuta to Victorian cavalry officers have been stopping their journeys to describe for seven centuries? How did the river valleys of what is now Uzbekistan become the origin point of every sweet melon on Earth, and the crossroads through which paper-making, Islam, and Buddhism all passed in different directions? And who was Babur, the tiger who lost Samarkand twice, won an empire he couldn't love, and asked to be buried in a garden in Afghanistan?

Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Uzbekistan and the melon — the Silk Road, the Baburnama, and the concentrated sweetness of a fruit that still makes people stop and weep...

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In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.

The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!

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Why did 27 words buried in a Bavarian price regulation from 1516 become the most famous food law in history — and why did it take 402 years for anyone to give it the name that made it sound ancient and inevitable? What was in German beer before hops arrived, why did the Church control it, and how did switching ingredients become an act of theological protest during the Reformation? And how did Bavaria hold its entry into the German Empire hostage to the extension of its beer law — and win?

Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Germany and the Reinheitsgebot — the gruit monopoly, the hop revolution, and the purity commandment that forgot to mention yeast...

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In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

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Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.

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• Share this episode with your friends
• Give a 5-star rating
• Write a review

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Why did a blacksmith hide six cocoa pods under his tools to smuggle them past Spanish customs — and how did those six pods become the foundation of an industry that today supplies sixty percent of the world's chocolate? Who was Tetteh Quarshie, the man who spent six years watching cocoa grow on a plantation island before bringing the knowledge home to Ghana, and why has the credit for what he did been contested ever since? And what does it mean that the average cocoa farmer in Ghana earns a dollar a day for producing the raw material of a chocolate bar that sells for the same price?

Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Ghana and cocoa — the toolbox, the Cocoa Hold-Up of 1937, and the smallholder revolution that made a country from six pods...

----------

In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.

The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies’ personal bodyguard. Learn more here!

-----------

Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.

Support us!

• Share this episode with your friends
• Give a 5-star rating
• Write a review

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Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.

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@historyoffreshproduce

Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com