This week on The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly is joined LIVE in studio at AgLife Studios by two powerhouse guests making big waves in produce—and even bigger impacts in the world 🌎🍊.

Albert Perez of Continental Fresh, whose company is leading the charge in giving back to clean water infrastructure in the Dominican Republic. And Martin Casanova of Thx! Dreams, a purpose-driven brand that uplifts and supports farm workers and their families through every package of fresh produce.

These are two dynamic leaders from companies that prove doing good and doing business can go hand in hand. 💧❤️ From water to workforce, it’s all about impact—and this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Catch it now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Robert Fortune’s journey was far from over. After infiltrating China in disguise, Fortune now sets his sights on the Wuyi Mountains—steeped in legend, veiled in mist, and home to the most coveted tea in the world: black tea. Guided by his newly appointed servant, the enigmatic Sing-Hoo, Fortune pushes deeper into China’s forbidden interior, navigating treacherous paths and even more treacherous politics. But not all goes according to plan. His prized green tea shipment meets an unfortunate fate, while back in India, the impulsive botanist William Jameson jeopardizes the mission with his rash decisions.

Yet amid the chaos, Fortune finds unexpected wisdom among Buddhist monks, who not only reveal the secrets of cultivating tea but also teach him how to brew the perfect cup. It’s in these sacred temples, not the markets of London, that the future of tea begins to shift.

As Fortune’s precious tea plants take root in the Himalayan foothills, Indian tea is born—forever altering the global balance of trade. From British agent to American hire, Robert Fortune’s legacy would be one of ambition, deception, and botanical revolution. He didn't just steal tea—he transformed it.

Join John and Patrick for the thrilling conclusion of Fortune’s audacious adventure, as they uncover the spiritual, imperial, and agricultural dimensions of one of history’s greatest botanical heists.

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In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

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Join us for a flavor-packed episode of The Produce Industry Podcast as host Patrick Kelly welcomes Gabe Bernal live in studio in Tampa, FL! Gabe brings his signature energy and insight to the mic as the two dive into the vibrant world of tropical fruits, how tariff impacts are reshaping parts of the produce supply chain, and—of course—a few fun seasonal treats you won’t want to miss.

From mangos to kumquats and beyond, this episode is full of juicy takes, real talk on global trade pressures, and a spotlight on what’s fresh right now in tropical! 🌴🍍🍊

www.aglifemedia.com

AgLifeMedia.com and The Produce Industry Network present Fresh From The Field Fridays with Dan The Produce Man and Ross The Produce Boss!

This week, we’re joined by The Farm Kid himself—Shay Myers—as we take off into the fields with the Alluring Allium. So wipe those tears and sharpen your blades… it’s 30 minutes of onion talk you won’t want to miss.

Tune in and turn on!

In this special episode of The Produce Industry Podcast, host Patrick Kelly celebrates 10 incredible years at the Viva Fresh Expo, hosted by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA)!

Patrick is joined by two powerhouse guests: Dante Galeazzi, CEO of TIPA, who shares insights on the show’s growth, innovation, and community impact over the past decade. Albert Perez, CEO of Continental Fresh, LLC, brings a fresh perspective on water, produce, and purpose—and shares stories from the ground level of the fresh produce industry.

🌟 For the first time ever, this episode features a special Spanish-language segment, expanding our reach and celebrating the diverse voices in our industry.

Plus, enjoy a full recap of the Viva Fresh 2025 showcase, the energy on the expo floor, key takeaways from the education sessions, and moments that made this year unforgettable.

Whether you were in Texas or cheering from afar, this episode brings Viva Fresh to YOU. Let’s celebrate the people, the partnerships, and the produce that make our industry thrive.

Be sure to catch this week’s Fresh From The Field Fridays on The Produce Industry Network and AgLifeMedia.com! From asparagus to beans—and specialties in between—Ross and Dan share the mic with Bruno Luis of Southern Specialties.

As Bruno says:

“That’s what we’re aiming for—everyone to have a good experience, whether they open a Southern Specialties bag or they’re enjoying it on a plate at a restaurant. That’s really what fills us at the end of the day.”

So go ahead—fill your day when you tune in and turn on!

In this powerful episode, host Juanita Gaglio sits down with two trailblazing leaders in the fresh produce space: Julie Escobar and Carmell Clark of Global Women Fresh.

These two powerhouse women share their insights on transformational leadership, navigating and excelling in a male-dominated industry, and creating meaningful pathways for the next generation of women in produce and agriculture.

💡 From bold career moves to building global networks of support, Julie and Carmell break down what it takes to thrive, lead, and inspire in today’s competitive landscape.

This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a movement. Whether you’re a young professional, industry veteran, or aspiring leader, this one’s for you.

First Class Sponsorship: Peak of the Market: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peakofthemarket.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Premium Cabin Sponsorship: Zag Technological Services, Inc.: https://www.zagtech.com/ , Global Women Fresh: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://globalwomenfresh.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When Portuguese traders arrived on India’s western shores in the early 1500s, they brought more than religion, colonial ambition, and a lust for spice - they also carried with them a tiny, crimson fruit that would set Asia ablaze.

In part two of their deep dive into the scorching history of chili peppers, John and Patrick trace the pepper’s path across India, China, and Korea, where it would come to define cuisines, ignite revolutions, and even ward off evil spirits.

From its humble beginnings in Goan gardens to the fiery markets of Guntur, from Sichuan’s numbing heat to the fermented jars of kimchi on Seoul’s rooftops, this episode follows the trail of Capsicum as it infiltrates empires and reshapes entire culinary traditions. Along the way, we’ll meet Buddhist monks, Portuguese conquerors, imperial skeptics, Communist revolutionaries, and, of course, Wilbur Scoville—the mild-mannered American pharmacist who gave us a way to measure the madness.

Join John and Patrick for the sizzling second act of this global saga—a tale of heat, history, and the humble pepper that conquered the world.

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In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

-----------

Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.

Support us!

• Share this episode with your friends
• Give a 5-star rating
• Write a review

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Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.

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@historyoffreshproduce

Email: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com