John and Patrick journey into the seventeenth century, when cider wasn’t just a drink – it was a matter of national survival. From John Evelyn’s bold call for apple orchards to secure England’s navy and replace French wine, to the early experiments that nearly made England the home of “apple champagne,” the apple takes centre […]

This week, Patrick Kelly sits down with Silvia Restrepo, a prominent leader in agricultural education and research from Cornell University. Together, they discuss how education is shaping the future of agriculture, from empowering the next generation of industry professionals to fostering innovation and sustainability. Silvia shares insights into the evolving role of universities in supporting […]

In this episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with Anne Marie to explore how the next generation is stepping up to shape the future of fresh produce. As the industry experiences a generational handoff, Anne Marie brings a fresh perspective on what the future holds—from evolving consumer values and sustainability […]

From the kitchens of medieval Europe to the orchards of Anglo-Saxon England, the apple became far more than just a fruit. It was medicine, it was myth, it was ritual. In part two of our apple series, John and Patrick explore how crab apples were pressed into sharp, sour verjuice to season everything from pigs’ […]

In this special on-the-road episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, Patrick Kelly teams up with Ross “The Produce Boss” as they hit the floor at SEPC 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina! 🎉 Join us for exclusive interviews, live insights, and real-time reactions as we explore the hottest trends, innovative products, and standout booths at one […]

Where did the apple come from, and how did it go from a sour, berry-sized wild fruit to the sweet, plump star of our fruit bowls today? Was it really bears (and their sweet tooth) that shaped its destiny? How did the mountains of Kazakhstan become the apple’s Garden of Eden, and what role did nomads, […]

In this special episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly travels to Winnipeg, Manitoba to meet with Pamela Kolochuk, CEO of Peak of the Market. Join Patrick on this Canadian adventure as he sits down with Pamela to discuss the heart of the produce industry in Manitoba, the unique challenges and opportunities of […]

Patrick Kelly welcomes Frank Kenney of Cleo to discuss how global economics, tariffs, and trade policies are impacting both the alcohol and produce industries. From supply chains to pricing, this episode offers a sharp look at how two seemingly different sectors face similar global challenges.

In this inspiring episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly sits down with Jorge Rodriguez of BLUE Missions to explore the powerful intersection of produce, purpose, and clean water. Learn how BLUE Missions is working to end the global water and sanitation crisis by connecting communities in Latin America with sustainable infrastructure—and how […]

In this special episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly takes you straight to the heart of the NEPC Trade Show 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts — one of the most dynamic gatherings in the fresh produce world! Join Patrick as he hits the show floor to bring you exclusive conversations with some of […]