This week on the Global Fresh Series, we take you to the opening day of Macfrut 2026 in Rimini, Italy—where the global fresh produce industry gathers with energy, innovation, and purpose. From the moment the doors open, the show floor comes alive with international voices, forward-thinking technology, and powerful storytelling from growers and brands around the world.

In this episode, we explore the key themes shaping this year’s event, including sustainability, post-harvest innovation, and the growing importance of authentic connections across the supply chain. With a strong international presence and unmistakable Italian hospitality, Macfrut once again proves to be more than a trade show—it’s a global meeting point for the future of fresh.

Join us as we capture the sights, sounds, and insights from day one in Rimini, and set the stage for an exciting week ahead.

his week on the Global Fresh Series, we dive into how one everyday staple—tomatoes—has become a powerful symbol of today’s shifting food economy. While broader grocery inflation begins to cool, tomato prices are surging, revealing a perfect storm of converging forces behind the scenes.

From tariffs on imported supply to rising diesel fuel costs and increasing fertilizer expenses, the pressure is building across the entire supply chain. Add in seasonal demand and global trade dynamics, and tomatoes are now at the forefront of a new, more uneven wave of food inflation.

In this episode, we break down what’s driving the spike, why it matters for growers, retailers, and consumers alike, and what it signals for the future of fresh produce pricing worldwide.

#freshtomatoes #freshproduce #fertilizer #groceryinflation

Long before podcasts and digital media, Orion Samuelson mastered the art of connecting farm and consumer through the airwaves. As the iconic voice of WGN Radio, he translated complex agricultural issues into stories people could understand—and trust.

This week on the Global Fresh Series, we examine how his approach to communication holds powerful lessons for today’s content creators, brands, and fresh produce leaders.

As the gap between growers and consumers continues to widen, is podcasting today’s version of what Orion built decades ago?

#foodpodcast #freshproduce #digitalmedia #foodmyths #produceindustrynetwork