Leading the Future of Fresh with Blaine Heilman, President of Sales at Sage Fruit Company

In this episode of The Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor interviews Blaine Heilman , the new President of Sales at Sage Fruit Company . They discuss Blaine’s journey in the produce industry, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of building a brand in a commodity market.

“Growth is a huge value of mine. I'll push myself into uncomfortable positions sometimes because of the rewards of growing through,” Blaine shares.

Read and Listen on The Produce Moms Website

Blaine emphasizes the declining trend in apple consumption, stating that it has decreased by about 2% year over year. She expresses concern for the overall health of the population, noting that the drop in fruit consumption affects not just sales but also public health.

“If we just have our average consumer eat two more pounds of apples a year, we can increase consumption 10 percent," she says.

Other Key Points in the Conversation:

• Blaine Heilman represents the next generation of leadership at Sage Fruit Company.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in Blaine’s career development.
• The produce industry is competitive, requiring a focus on quality and consistency.
• Building a brand in a commodity market relies on excellent service and product knowledge.
• Apple consumption has been declining, highlighting the need for marketing efforts.
• Teamwork within the sales environment can lead to better outcomes.
• Women in leadership roles are essential for inspiring future generations.
• Career and family can thrive together in the workplace.
• Consumer education is vital for increasing produce consumption.
• Sage Fruit Company is committed to supporting local growers and providing quality products.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Next-Gen Leadership at Sage Fruit Company
• 03:02 Blaine Heilman’s Journey in the Produce Industry
• 05:54 Transitioning from Sales to Global Sourcing
• 08:56 Insights from Walmart Experience
• 11:47 Building a Brand in a Commodity Market
• 14:57 Industry Trends and Challenges
• 17:52 The Importance of Career Development and Mentorship
• 20:47 Closing Thoughts on Apples and Consumer Engagement

About The Produce Moms

The Produce Moms? is on a mission to put more fruits and vegetables on every table to change the way America eats. Through our platforms and produce supplier partnerships, we educate consumers on the benefits of eating fresh produce, the growing process, and how to select, store and serve it. The Produce Moms? was founded by Lori Taylor whose experience as a mom and produce supply chain professional helped her to identify innovative ways to inspire consumers to eat more fresh fruits and veggies.