The Fresh CrEd

In just a few weeks, the battle for the buckles will be on!! Don't miss your chance to round up one of these awesome trophies (gross/net awards) generously sponsored by Limoneira Company, Pro Citrus Network, Inc. & BrightFarms. Specially designed and handcrafted by #lonestarsilversmiths, in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary Viva Fresh Open! Now with three tournament options to choose from. Tell a friend and tie-down your spot today! https://lnkd.in/gsgng2s A special thanks to our Title Sponsors: H-E-B & Bebo Distributing Co Inc #battleforthebuckles #vivafreshopen #vivafreshexpo #vivafresh #freshproduce #freshfruits #freshvegetables #freshforadecade #golfclubofhouston #tour18houston Texas International Produce Association Dante Galeazzi Kyle Reeves Tommy Wilkins Lilly Garcia Hector Garza Jed Murray Aquiles Jaime Garza Jr. Craig Slate Mayra Vazquez James Bassetti Melinda Goodman Jen Velasquez Vanessa J. Hensley Hagen Tucker Jeff Brechler Brian Boutin Genaro Elizondo III Cory Oliver Bill Pomatto Pamela Riemenschneider Nathan Stornetta Dave Yeager Matthew DiNitto William Bertrand Abby Craig Prior Sabrina F. John Carter Brett Johnson Melina Leija Shelly L. Galeazzi Jonna Dodge

???New Episode Alert!??? What does it mean to?“put your name on something”??For?Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), it’s about taking bold #risks, standing out, and shaping the #future of #fresh produce. ???Tune in now and hear from one of the produce industry’s most influential leaders! Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/g5wYPwq3 Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gTAunZtN YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gqeergUX In this episode of?The Fresh CrEd, Cathy opens up about her incredible journey from bagging groceries in Maine to leading one of the most influential trade associations in the world. Along the way, she shares lessons on leadership, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of taking action even when failure is a possibility. ???Episode Highlights??? ?? The value of “putting your name on something” as a leader ?? From bagging groceries to becoming CEO — Cathy’s inspiring career journey ?? Why?Fighting for Fresh?isn’t just a slogan — it’s a movement! ?? Plus:?Square-dancing, Stephen King, and a 4-year streak of 10K steps per day! ?? Special thanks to our all of the amazing sponsors that helped us create this series and capture the voices shaping produce! IFCO SYSTEMS SunFed Equifruit KERN RIDGE GROWERS HM Produce LakeWay Foods LLC JR Imports This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and stories that will inspire leaders at every stage of their career. You don’t want to miss it! #TheFreshCrEd #Leadership #FreshProduce #IFPA #FightingForFresh #PodcastRelease #GrowthMindset #CareerJourney #ProduceIndustry #FoodIndustry Cathy Burns Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung Lauren M. Scott Tamara Muruetagoiena Siobhan May Joe Watson, CPP Andrew Marshall Anthony Barbieri Angela Tiwari Miriam Miller Wolk, CAE John Hollay Ed Treacy Megan Nash Vonnie Estes Lauren Janeka

In this powerful clip from our latest interview with?Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), she shares a timeless piece of leadership advice: “Put your name on something.” Don’t just be another face in the crowd — take risks, push boundaries, and be remembered for it. Cathy reflects on how taking bold action early in her career not only left a lasting mark (literally — she points out?“there’s my sidewalk!”), but it also paved the way for new opportunities in leadership. In her words: "it’s about having the biggest and broadest impact to change the world.” The full episode featuring Cathy Burns releases this Friday. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on taking risks, driving impact, and leading with intention. A special thanks to our sponsors who make this series possible: LakeWay Foods LLC, HM Produce, KERN RIDGE GROWERS, Equifruit, JR Imports, SunFed, and IFCO SYSTEMS. Each of these partners plays a vital role in bringing fresh perspectives to?The Fresh CrEd?and supporting important conversations in the produce industry. How have you “put your name on something” in your career??Share your story in the comments — we’d love to hear it. Lauren M. Scott Siobhan May Joe Watson, CPP Andrew Marshall Anthony Barbieri Angela Tiwari Miriam Miller Wolk, CAE John Hollay Lauren Janeka Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung International Fresh Produce Association #TheFreshCrEd #CathyBurns #ProduceIndustry #IFPA #StandOut #LeadershipLessons #RiskTaking #CareerGrowth #FreshIdeas #LakewayProduce #HMProduce #KernRidgeGrowers #Equifruit #JRImports #SunFed #IFCO

The latest episode of?The Fresh CrEd live, featuring the one and only?Karen Caplan, a true trailblazer in the produce industry! ??????? In this episode, Karen opens up about stepping into leadership at just 30, navigating moments of #betrayal, and turning challenges into pivotal learning experiences. From taking the reins of Frieda’s Specialty Produce to building a lasting legacy, Karen’s journey is a masterclass in?resilience, strategy, and leadership. ???Don’t miss out — listen now!? YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gBZUuvZV Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gVYSNggX Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gv2x2dNr A special shoutout to?Jr Imports, the title sponsor for this episode. Their support makes it possible to bring you stories and insights from the leaders shaping the future of the produce industry. ???What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned from navigating tough moments? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Karen Caplan Lauren M. Scott Siobhan May Joe Watson, CPP Andrew Marshall Anthony Barbieri Angela Tiwari Miriam Miller Wolk, CAE John Hollay Lauren Janeka Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung #TheFreshCrEd #NewEpisode #ProduceIndustry #KarenCaplan #JRImports #LeadershipLessons #Resilience #FamilyBusiness

Karen Caplan, a true trailblazer in the produce industry, shares her story of stepping into leadership at 30, navigating challenges, and learning from #pivotal moments. From being named #president of her family’s business, Frieda's Branded Produce to turning obstacles into opportunities, Karen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. ???In this clip: Karen reflects on a defining moment when betrayal pushed her to become a sharper, more strategic leader. Her candid insights highlight the resilience and creativity needed to navigate difficult times in business. ???Full episode drops Friday! Special thanks to?Jr Imports, the title sponsor for this episode of The Fresh CrEd. Your support makes conversations like this possible. Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung #TheFreshCrEd #LeadershipLessons #ProduceIndustry #JRImports #WomenInBusiness

???Crowns, Crops, and Community??? This week on?The Fresh CrEd, we’re joined by two extraordinary young women advocating for the future of agriculture:?Kinlyn Hinson &?Tori Hobbs, the South Carolina and Gulf Coast Watermelon Queens. Their inspiring journeys highlight the importance of educating communities, supporting local farmers, and promoting the health benefits of fresh produce. Don’t miss their stories of advocacy, education, and passion for fresh watermelon and agriculture! ?? Listen now! Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dw4uw2fE Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/dTtVaYSg YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dUfjQGPp A big thank-you to?HM Produce?for sponsoring this episode. #Agriculture #WatermelonQueens #FreshProduceAdvocates #TheFreshCrEdPodcast #FarmingCommunity #Leadership

?? Inspiring the Future of Agriculture: Meet the Watermelon Queens on The Fresh Cred Podcast! ?? ???Kinlyn Hinson, the?South Carolina Watermelon Queen?and a sixth-generation row crop farmer. Kinlyn is passionate about agritourism and has ambitions to run for?#Commissioner of #Agriculture?in #SouthCarolina. Keep an eye out for her name on the ballot in the coming years! ???Tori Hobbs, the?Gulf Coast Watermelon Queen?from Dothan, #Alabama. Tori is pursuing a degree in elementary education with a dream to open her own?farm store?during the summers, combining her love for teaching and agriculture. In this engaging episode, we delve into: ? Their unique journeys to becoming ambassadors for the watermelon industry. ? The importance of supporting local farmers and advocating for the future of agriculture. ? How #education and #community involvement can increase fresh produce consumption. A special shoutout to their respective organizations: ???South Carolina Watermelon Association?- Promoting the watermelon industry and supporting growers across South Carolina. Learn more:?https://scwatermelon.org/ ???Gulf Coast Watermelon Association?- Enhancing the watermelon industry along the Gulf Coast and providing opportunities for young leaders. Find out more:?https://lnkd.in/gJpPRXuE We’d also like to thank the?Wiggins family?and?Jesse James Wiggins?from beautiful Nacogdoches, Texas, for their support of the show! Join us in celebrating these inspiring women who are making a difference in agriculture and their communities. Don’t miss their insightful perspectives on the future of farming and education. #Agriculture #Leadership #WatermelonQueens #FreshProduce #FarmingFuture #TheFreshCredPodcast #SupportLocalFarmers Craig Slate Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung

???New Episode Alert: The Fresh CrEd with Jennie Coleman of Equifruit!??? ???Listen to the episode now:? Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gdmH8xs6 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gP-KbT9S In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature?Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, the bold #Fairtrade brand pushing for?“Global Fairtrade Banana Domination.” ?? Jennie shares her journey from international development to leading a company that’s transforming the banana industry by putting?#BananaJustice?at the forefront. Join us as Jennie dives deep into: ? Why the true cost of bananas goes beyond the price tag ?? ? The impact of fair wages and sustainable practices on farming communities ?? ? How Equifruit is educating retailers and consumers on the power of ethical sourcing ?? Jennie’s vision for a fairer, more sustainable future in agriculture is both inspiring and challenging—don’t miss this conversation if you’re passionate about making a difference in the world of produce. A big thank you to our Title Sponsor, Equifruit, and our Supporting Sponsors: Lakeway Produce, HM Produce, KERN RIDGE GROWERS, JR Imports, SunFed, and IFCO SYSTEMS! Craig Slate Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung Kim Chackal Madison Hopper ???? International Fresh Produce Association

???Changing Mindsets: The Hidden Cost of Cheap Bananas??? Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, reveals the real cost behind those low banana prices. For a century, cheap bananas have been a retail staple, but as Jennie shares, this pricing has hidden consequences—affecting communities, migration patterns, and even retailer profits. ?? In this clip, Jennie calls for a reset: “Take the time to do a reset on your banana program… Partner with a company like Equifruit that has the #credibility to have always done #Fairtrade.” By raising prices to sustainable levels, Equifruit is proving that supporting fair wages doesn’t mean the world stops spinning—the sun still comes out! ?? Join us for the full episode release this #Friday and see why Equifruit is challenging the industry to think differently. Special thanks to?Equifruit, our title sponsor for this episode, for leading the charge in fair trade bananas. ?? ?? Watch the clip now and get ready for Friday’s episode. #Equifruit #Fairtrade #Sustainability #BananaJustice #TheFreshCrEd #GlobalFairtrade Craig Slate Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung Kim Chackal Madison Hopper ???? International Fresh Produce Association

?? In our latest episode, Jennie Coleman, President of Equifruit, dives into the truth behind #Fairtrade. ?? It’s not a charity—it’s about quality business that ensures farmers get paid fairly while producing top-notch bananas. ?? Jennie shares why Fairtrade is crucial for sustainable production, both socially and environmentally, and how Equifruit is setting a new standard in the banana industry. Tune in #Friday to catch the full episode and hear more about Jennie’s vision for “Global Fairtrade Banana Domination.” Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Equifruit, for making this conversation possible! ?? ?? Watch the clip now and join us for the full episode release on Friday. hashtag #Equifruit #Fairtrade #Sustainability #ProduceIndustry #BananaJustice #TheFreshCrEd #GlobalFairtrade Craig Slate Ed Bertaud Mason Hartung Kim Chackal Madison Hopper ???? International Fresh Produce Association