If there’s one thing Produce Business has always stood for, it’s creating a space where leaders can come together — to exchange ideas, to challenge one another, and to strengthen the industry we all serve. That spirit of thought-leadership and camaraderie has guided us for 40 years, and it’s at the heart of this special anniversary series.

During our Produce Business 40th anniversary year, we’re curating 40 powerful voices in a special editorial series to help shape the future of the produce industry. Over the next 10 months, we’ll be sharing the voices of 40 individuals whose perspectives matter most right now. We bring you 10 leaders’ insights in this issue, and then we will share three more trend articles each month of our anniversary year.

These are growers who nurture crops from the ground up, shippers and distributors who keep the supply chain moving, retailers and foodservice operators who connect with consumers every day, and innovators who are reimagining how fresh produce fits into modern lives. Each brings a unique lens, but all are united by a common goal: ensuring that more people eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, more often.

That goal has never been more important. At a time when consumers are seeking healthier choices, communities are focused on well-being, and businesses are competing for attention in a crowded marketplace, fresh produce has a distinct advantage. Yet turning that advantage into consistent growth requires new ideas, bold leadership, and a willingness to think differently.

We believe the insights shared in this series will do more than inform — they’ll inspire. They’ll spark conversations in boardrooms, warehouses, fields and stores. And most importantly, they’ll remind us all that by working together, we can grow not only an industry, but also healthier families, stronger communities, and a brighter future.

1 of 13 article in Produce Business October 2025