Blue Book Services has been a cornerstone of the produce industry for over a century—but credit reporting is only part of the story.

In this episode of The Fresh CrEd, we sit down with Kirk Soule, CEO of Blue Book Services, and Jason Carty, VP of Sales, to unpack how Blue Book is expanding its role across the supply chain. From new pricing intelligence and weather tools to retailer scorecards, fraud prevention, and the growing role of AI, this conversation highlights how trust and transparency are becoming competitive advantages in today’s market.

Recorded at the IFPA Global Show, this discussion goes beyond the booth to explore what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how the industry can better protect itself while moving forward.

Join The Fresh CrEd at the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show as we sit down with Jon Brooks (VP of Retail Sales – North America) and Pat Young (Director of Grower Sales) from IFCO to dig into some of the biggest challenges and innovations shaping the fresh supply chain today.

Jon and Pat break down:

• How retailers and growers are navigating labor pressures

• Why reusable containers (RPCs) are gaining momentum across the supply chain

• The rise of automation and how IFCO is preparing distribution centers for the future

• The role of cold chain visibility and RFID in protecting freshness

• What retailers truly value most: freshness, shelf life, and reduced shrink

• New opportunities in field-to-processor programs and value-added packaging

• Global perspectives—from European automation to emerging South American participation

Whether you’re in retail, growing, logistics, or tech, this conversation offers a clear look into where fresh-produce operations are heading and how IFCO is positioning reusable solutions to support a changing industry.

Recorded live at GPFS 2025 in Anaheim.

In this episode of The Fresh CrEd, recorded live at the 2025 IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, we spotlight Digital Nest — a nonprofit workforce hub that’s been creating opportunities for underserved youth for more than a decade.

With centers across Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and Stockton, Digital Nest equips young people ages 14–24 with technical and creative skills that open doors to careers in tech, marketing, and beyond.

Their work doesn’t stop at the classroom — they’re also experimenting with how Gen Z connects to food through projects like the “I’d Bite That” social media campaign.

From mentorship to career pipelines, Digital Nest shows what’s possible when access, creativity, and community come together.

👉 Learn more at digitalnest.org

🎧 Listen now to learn how the next generation of leaders is being built in the heart of ag country.

Series support: Wiggins Farms | IFCO | Little Bear Produce | Misionero | SunFed | Born Farms | International Fresh Produce Association