Andres Eduardo Thomas

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has joined the U.S. Food Waste Pact, a national voluntary agreement focused on reducing food waste across the supply chain. Led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund, the Pact brings together producers, manufacturers, distributors, foodservice operators and retailers to collaborate on practical, data-driven solutions that help reduce food waste, strengthen operational effectiveness and deliver environmental benefits.

Bananas have always been considered a loss leader at retail. However, Justin McGregor, general manager of produce and bulk with Pattison Food Group, says a recent partnership with Equifruit to bring organic fair trade bananas to its banners is driving a shift in strategy. Bananas, he says, are always popular at retail. “It's historically always done really well,” he says. “It's an easy fruit for people to consume. It's got a peel and you can take it wherever you go.

BERLIN — In an increasingly global fresh produce industry there has never been a time of greater challenges or opportunity. From tariffs and trade to labor issues, supply chain complexities to extreme weather events, rising food costs to nutritional deficiencies, the barriers to increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables are experienced around the world.