Thoughts of Produce running through my head.

I thought I would do something a little different and put some of my comments from other posts this week and I needed much more than the 1300 characters linkedin.com allows on their post, which I might add is the stupidest thing.

The first is about Kroger closing offices.<iframe src="https://www.dhirubhai.net/embed/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6427198043698925568" height="502" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> 

My comment: Centralizing locations I do not see as the major problem. Contract pricing is the new norm because in my opinion they and all major retailers for that matter don't cultivate the talent to buy and sell produce with its natural ebbs and flows and its unpredictable nature. Produce is a commodity and should be treated a such, something that the retail giants have forgotton. Selling produce in accordance with the differental patterns from year to year is an art and unfortunately now is a lost art, present company excluded, :) but if adopted again will bring more value to consumers, more sustainable to farmers and more profits for retailers. #Retailers you are NOT selling canned or Frozen you are selling #freshproduce start acting that way. #MPGA.

Next is Tom Karst editor of the Packer "What is the most under-reported issue in the fresh produce industry"?

My Comment: Many comments suggest farms and prices. My opinion is that the retail giants can not and will not sell produce with its natural ebb and flow cycles. Their retail is extraordinarily high and want to pay nothing. Consumers, farmers and the large retailers themselves would all do much better if they learned how to buy and sell produce once again. They must #educate their customers and employees ) #renovate ( displays and especially those ridiculous rack systems ) #agitate with new and improved pricing that is supply and demand based ) #stimulate customers with samples of delicious fruit and sell produce that eats as well as it looks. #dominate do all of the above and you will #MPGA and you will be the KING.

Last is a post for hello fresh looking for a buyer , sorry I could not find the post. One of the requirements was a degree from a top tier university. I mockingly stated that would be disqualified from applying because I didn't graduate from a top tier university and I probably forgot more than the knew. :) Which I assume their response was just as sarcastic when they stated me and another gentleman where "grumpy old man at the end of our careers. I ended the stupidity by saying I wish you much success and I always listen that is how I learn and I offer you the same advice. NOW I may be 60 and that may be considered old in some circles but my career ends the day I die! I still love this business and have no reason or motivation to retire. Second I still work 24/7 and I have not met a 20.30 or 40 year old that can keep up with me at work and most couldn't keep up with me in the gym. I use to wake up at 2 am, when I lived in NY, you know when I stoped working? WHEN THE WORK WAS DONE! When I started in this business I did not take a day off or a vacation for 11 years! This business has been my love, my hobby my PASSION for over 40 years and I expect to be at it for at least 40 more. I am no way being condescending just stating some facts. I hope anyone looking to fill positions does not put college education over produce education, I graduated from PRODUCE U, or beauty over age and both over PASSION. I hope Hello Fresh hires someone with half of mine. Have a great day. Market reports tomorrow. HINT baby it's hot outside.