Insights from the Supply Chain of the Future Retail Issues Forum On Wednesday, October 16, 2025, during the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California, dozens of retail leaders gathered for a conversation that most of them admitted was long overdue. The Supply Chain of the Future initiative convened its first Retail Issues Forum , bringing together produce buyers, category managers, and operations leaders from independent speci

From Atlanta to Anaheim to Washington D.C., our community came together in ways that exceeded even our most optimistic expectations. What we witnessed wasn't just a series of successful events—it was the manifestation of an industry-wide movement that's gaining unstoppable momentum.

The fresh produce industry is experiencing a paradigm shift, and the Supply Chain of the Future (SCOTF) initiative is leading the charge! Fresh off an electrifying symposium in Washington D.C. that brought together over 200 industry leaders from 19 countries, we're thrilled to announce the launch of Phase II – where innovative ideas transform into practical, implementable solutions.

In this revealing second episode of our four-part series, host Drew Zabrocki explores why data has become the essential yet often missing ingredient that could transform everything from field to fork. Despite living in an age of smartphones and quantum computing, much of our food system still runs on paper – creating inefficiency, waste, and missed opportunities throughout the supply chain.

Join us on an eye-opening journey following a tomato from field to fork. Through an immersive simulation called "The Tomato Experience," we witness firsthand how disconnected information systems create friction at every handoff point in our food supply chain.

The Harmonized Standards and Smart Data Escrow (HSSD) initiative aims to create standardized data and tools (like "smart data escrow" for controlled sharing) to improve shelf life prediction and dynamic pricing in the fresh supply chain. They've mapped existing standards, identified key data, and are building a coalition to pilot solutions, with upcoming presentations in June and October 2025. They're looking for more participants, especially retailers and growers.

The Shelf-life Prediction & Dynamic Incentives (SLDI) working group has successfully launched with 50+ participants across the supply chain working to transform how fresh produce value is created and shared. Major retailers have validated they'll pay premiums for extended shelf life, confirming real market demand for dynamic pricing.

Free hybrid event (June 9, 2025, DC & virtual) to revolutionize the fresh produce supply chain. Learn about shelf-life prediction, dynamic incentives, data standards, and secure data sharing. Shape pilot programs and network with global leaders. Register now!

We're on a roll! And now it's your turn to join the fun. Apply for a committee, become a sponsor, and get ready for a packed spring

Our Collabathons spanned the globe, from Europe to Australia to Asia. The verdict? We need more digitization, better data, and a whole lot o

We've got the master plan! The Supply Chain of the Future Initiative revealed its four core initiatives.

Discover how industry leaders used collaboration and innovative techniques to tackle critical supply chain challenges.

The fresh produce industry is ripe for change! Learn how the Supply Chain of the Future Initiative is fostering open collaboration to create